Cody Casey
Crockpot cocktail sausages are a classic party snack and a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. They are easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. The sausages are simmered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, creating a flavourful dish that is perfect for game days, potlucks, or any casual gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer, party snack |
| Main ingredients | Cocktail sausages, BBQ sauce |
| Other ingredients | Brown sugar, jelly, mustard, hoisin sauce, apple butter, bourbon, onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce |
| Nutritional info (per serving) | Calories: 335-373 kcal, Carbohydrates: 14-28g, Protein: 10-12g, Fat: 21-28g, Saturated Fat: 7-11g, Cholesterol: 48-70mg, Sodium: 741-1238mg, Potassium: 268-284mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9-24g, Vitamin A: 130-131IU, Vitamin C: 1-2mg, Calcium: 17-31mg, Iron: 1-1.2mg |
| Cook time | 2-3 hours on low heat or 1 hour on high heat |
| Equipment | Slow cooker or crockpot |
| Recipe yield | Serves 8-12 |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a sauce for your sausages
There are many different sauces that you can make to accompany your sausages. Here are some ideas:
Barbecue Sauce
A popular choice to accompany cocktail sausages is barbecue sauce. You can use your favourite store-bought barbecue sauce, or make your own by whisking together ingredients like brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili sauce. You can also add grape jelly to make the sauce sweeter.
Marinara Sauce
Another option is to make a marinara sauce to accompany your sausages. This sauce typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and can be served with the sausages over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich. You can also add extra vegetables like peppers or meatballs to this sauce.
Mustard Sauce
A simpler sauce to make is a mustard sauce. You can whisk together barbecue sauce and mustard, and add jelly for some sweetness.
Spaghetti Sauce
For a heartier option, you can make a spaghetti sauce with Italian sausage links, green peppers, and onions. This sauce can be served with pasta or in a sandwich.
Remember, you can adjust the recipes to your taste and get creative with the ingredients!
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The best sausages to use
When it comes to choosing the best sausages for your crockpot cocktail sausages, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for classic cocktail sausages, which are typically made with pork, beef, or turkey. These can be found in the cold section of your grocery store, usually near the hot dogs. If you can't find pre-packaged cocktail sausages, you can use full-sized hot dogs or sausages and cut them into smaller pieces.
Another popular option is to use "Little Smokies," which are mini sausage links that are perfect for simmering in your crockpot. You can find Little Smokies in the same section as the cocktail sausages and hot dogs in your grocery store. They are a great choice for a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
If you prefer your sausages on the spicier side, you can opt for a spicy sausage variety such as andouille. This will add a nice kick to your crockpot cocktail sausages. You can also use a combination of mild and spicy BBQ sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.
For those who want a unique twist on the traditional BBQ-style cocktail sausages, there are a few creative sausage options to consider. One interesting recipe combines apple butter, hoisin sauce, and sausages for an Asian-inspired flavour profile. Another option is to use a combination of chili sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and onion for a sweet and savoury taste.
Lastly, while not exactly a sausage variety, it is worth mentioning that some recipes call for browning the sausages before adding them to the crockpot. This helps to reduce the overall fat content and gives the sausages a crispy texture. So, if you prefer your sausages with a bit of a crunch, you might want to consider this extra step.
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How long to cook your sausages for
The cooking time for your sausages will depend on the heat setting you use. On low heat, you should cook your sausages for at least 2 hours so that they are warmed all the way through. You can leave them for longer, up to 3 hours, if you want them to be hotter or if you're waiting for other food to be ready. If you're in a rush, you can cook the sausages on high heat for 1 hour. However, if you're using a thicker sauce, you may need to cook the sausages for longer, up to 3 hours, even on high heat.
If you want to brown your sausages before adding them to the crock pot, you should fry them for about 2 minutes on each side in a skillet over medium-high heat. If you do this, you may want to drain the sausages on paper towels before adding them to the crock pot.
Once your sausages are cooked, you can keep them warm in the crock pot for up to 3 to 4 hours.
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How to keep your sausages warm after cooking
Cooking cocktail sausages in a crock pot is a great way to keep them warm throughout your party. You can cook them on low for 2 hours, and then keep the crockpot on the warm setting for up to 3-4 hours. This way, your sausages will stay hot and ready to eat without overcooking.
If you're using a slow cooker without a warm setting, you can use the lowest setting to keep your sausages warm. However, be sure to take them out within 2 hours to avoid overcooking.
Another option is to use your oven to keep sausages warm. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and place the freshly cooked sausages on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. You can keep the sausages in the oven for up to 30 minutes, but check the temperature after 20 minutes to ensure they don't dry out or overcook.
If you're looking for a longer-lasting solution, a chafing dish can keep sausages warm for hours. Simply set up the dish, pour in some hot water, and place the sausages in the main dish. Cover with a lid and turn on the heat source if available. This method ensures your sausages stay safely above 140 degrees Fahrenheit without drying out.
Remember, it's important to keep sausages warm not only for taste but also for food safety. Allowing sausages to cool to room temperature can lead to bacterial growth, potentially causing food poisoning. Enjoy your sausages while they're warm and delicious!
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How to store your leftover sausages
To store leftover sausages, allow them to cool and then place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to two to three days. It is best to eat leftover sausages cold, but if you wish to reheat them, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 70°C for at least two minutes. Sausages should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Leftover sausages can also be frozen to extend their shelf life by up to one month. To freeze sausages, place them in a resealable container and store them in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and consume them cold.
It is important to use your senses to determine if your leftover sausages have spoiled. Check for any changes in colour, smell, or taste. If the sausages exhibit any unpleasant odours or appear discoloured, it is best to discard them.
Additionally, you can transform your leftover sausages into new dishes to enjoy them in a different way. Try adding them to casseroles, stews, or one-pot meals with vegetables and grains. You can also use them in pastries, on skewers, or in rolls for a picnic. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to make the most of your leftover sausages!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 2-3 hours to cook cocktail sausages on low heat in a crock pot. You can also cook them on high heat for an hour.
You will need cocktail sausages, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add in some spicy sausage or use a spicy BBQ sauce for some heat.
First, make a sauce by whisking together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the cocktail sausages into the crock pot and pour the sauce over them. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours or until warmed through.
Yes, you can make the sauce for the cocktail sausages up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also make the entire recipe in advance and then reheat it when ready to serve.
