Maple-Glazed Slow Cooker Little Smokies
Sweet and tangy slow-cooked sausages in a sticky maple-barbecue glaze, ideal for effortless entertaining. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 125 minutes pairs little smokies, barbecue sauce, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz little smokies
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup apple juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 12 oz little smokies in a slow cooker, then add 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard.
- Step 2: Pour 1/2 cup apple juice over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until sausages are heated through and glaze has thickened to a glossy coat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Slow Cooker Little Smokies take to make?
Total time is about 125 minutes (5 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Slow Cooker Little Smokies?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep little smokies from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Slow Cooker Little Smokies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Slow Cooker Little Smokies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Slow Cooker Little Smokies?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
