Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly savory, these Crock Pot Cherry Coke Lit’l Smokies are one of my favorite easy party appetizers. I combine cocktail sausages with cherry cola, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup to create a rich, glossy glaze that slowly cooks into every bite. Whether I am preparing for game day, a holiday gathering, or a potluck, this recipe always delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
28 ounces Lit’l Smokies
1 cup cherry cola
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
Directions
I add the Lit’l Smokies to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
I pour in the cherry cola, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup.
Then I stir everything together until the sausages are evenly coated.
I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.
Next I stir the mixture once about halfway through cooking.
I serve the sausages warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 240 minutes (4 hours)
Total Time: 250 minutes
Calories: 298 kcal per serving
Variations
I like changing this recipe depending on the occasion and the flavors I am craving.
Spicy Version: I add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Barbecue Twist: I replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor.
Pineapple Addition: I stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical touch.
Honey Glaze: I substitute honey for the brown sugar to create a smoother sweetness.
Bourbon Style: I add a small splash of bourbon flavoring for a richer party appetizer.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
I allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. I store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
I freeze the cooked Lit’l Smokies and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
I reheat them in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
I can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
For parties, I like reheating them in the slow cooker on the warm setting.
FAQs
Can I use regular cola instead of cherry cola?
Yes, I can substitute regular cola if cherry cola is unavailable. The recipe will still be sweet and flavorful, though it will have less fruity depth.
Can I cook these on high instead of low?
Yes, I can cook them on high for about 1½ to 2 hours. I still stir once during cooking to help the sauce blend evenly.
What can I serve with Lit’l Smokies?
I like serving them with toothpicks as a standalone appetizer, but I also enjoy pairing them with cheese trays, chips, vegetable platters, or sliders.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the recipe a day ahead. I refrigerate it after cooking and reheat it before serving.
How do I keep them warm during a party?
I leave the slow cooker on the warm setting after cooking. This keeps the sausages hot and the glaze smooth throughout the event.
Conclusion
I love how simple and dependable these Crock Pot Cherry Coke Lit’l Smokies are. The combination of cherry cola, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats every sausage perfectly. Whenever I need an effortless appetizer that pleases a crowd, this slow cooker recipe is one of my go-to choices because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal work.
📖 Recipe:
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Crock Pot Cherry Coke Lit’l Smokies
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sweet, smoky, and savory Lit’l Smokies are slow-cooked in a rich cherry cola glaze made with sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. This easy crock pot appetizer is perfect for parties, game days, and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
28 ounces Lit’l Smokies
1 cup cherry cola
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ketchup
Instructions
- Add the Lit’l Smokies to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour in the cherry cola, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup.
- Stir until the sausages are evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
For a spicy version, add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor.
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical variation.
Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a smoother sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked sausages and sauce for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Keep warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting during parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 298 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
