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If you’re looking for an easy party appetizer that disappears within minutes, these Hawaiian Little Smokies are one of the best recipes you can make. Sweet pineapple, smoky cocktail sausages, and a sticky brown sugar glaze come together to create an irresistible bite-sized snack. It’s one of those recipes that looks simple (because it is), but the flavor is surprisingly good.
I first made these for a football watch party, and honestly I wasn’t expecting much. But after one bite, everyone kept coming back for more. The sweet and savory combination is what makes this recipe so addictive. The pineapple juice caramelizes with the brown sugar and creates a glossy sauce that coats every little sausage perfectly.
This easy Hawaiian appetizer is perfect for game day, potlucks, family gatherings, holiday parties, BBQs, and even casual weekend snacking.
Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Little Smokies
- Only a handful of simple ingredients.
- Budget-friendly party food.
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer.
- Great for slow cookers and crockpots.
- Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
- Ideal for large gatherings.
Popular USA search terms associated with this recipe include Hawaiian cocktail sausages, crockpot little smokies, pineapple little smokies, party appetizer recipes, game day snacks, sweet and savory appetizers, and easy slow cooker appetizers.
How I Came Across This Recipe
A few years ago, I attended a neighborhood holiday potluck where someone brought a slow cooker full of cocktail sausages swimming in a sweet pineapple sauce. People was literally standing around the crockpot waiting for more.
I asked for the recipe and was shocked how simple it was. Since then, I’ve made my own version dozens of times. I’ve adjusted the sweetness slightly and added pineapple chunks for extra tropical flavor. Now it’s one of my most requested party recipes.
Best Time to Make Hawaiian Little Smokies
Time of Day
- Afternoon gatherings
- Evening parties
- Game day celebrations
- Weekend get-togethers
Best Seasons
- Summer BBQ season
- Fall football season
- Holiday season during Thanksgiving and Christmas
- New Year’s Eve parties
Perfect Mood
- Casual entertaining
- Family celebrations
- Relaxed weekend snacking
- Watching sports with friends
Great Occasions
- Super Bowl parties
- Potlucks
- Birthday parties
- Holiday gatherings
- Backyard cookouts
- Tailgating events
- Graduation celebrations
Cost to Make
Approximate grocery prices may vary by location:
- Little Smokies sausage (2 packages): $7-$9
- Pineapple chunks: $2-$3
- Pineapple juice: $2
- Brown sugar: $1
- BBQ sauce: $2
- Cornstarch and seasonings: less than $1
Total estimated cost: approximately $14-$18
Serves about 10-12 people as an appetizer.
Hawaiian Little Smokies Recipe
Course: SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes3
minutes260
kcal3 hours 25 minutes
Sweet, smoky, and incredibly easy to make, these Hawaiian Little Smokies combine cocktail sausages, pineapple chunks, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce in a delicious slow-cooked glaze. Perfect for game day parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
2 packages (14 oz each) Little Smokies cocktail sausages
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup pineapple juice
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Thickening Mixture
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Directions
- Drain the pineapple chunks and gather all ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce until combined.
- Add the Little Smokies to a large slow cooker.
- Scatter the pineapple chunks over the sausages.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over everything.
- Gently stir to coat the sausages and pineapple.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Serve warm directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks for easy serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite sweet BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
- Fresh pineapple can be substituted for canned pineapple.
- Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy Hawaiian version.
- Keep on the “Warm” setting during parties for easy serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Facts
12 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories260
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
14g
18%
- Saturated Fat 5g 25%
- Cholesterol 35mg 12%
- Sodium 720mg 32%
- Total Carbohydrate
24g
9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Total Sugars 18g
- Protein 10g 20%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
My Personal Tips
Don’t Overcook
The sausages are already cooked. Long cooking times can sometimes make them a little tough.
Use Quality BBQ Sauce
A better BBQ sauce really makes a difference here. I learned this after trying several brands over the years.
Add Some Heat
For a spicy Hawaiian version, add:
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
The sweet-spicy combination is really amazing.
Keep Warm During Parties
Leave the slow cooker on the “Warm” setting. This recipe actually tastes even better after sitting for a while.
Why This Recipe Is So Good
What makes Hawaiian Little Smokies special is the balance of flavors.
The smoky sausage provides richness.
The pineapple adds tropical sweetness and freshness.
The BBQ sauce contributes tanginess and depth.
The brown sugar creates a sticky glaze that brings everything together.
I personally love recipes that don’t require a lot of effort but still make people ask for the recipe. This one definitely does that. Every time I make it, somebody asks, “What is in this sauce?” It’s simple ingredients, but they work incredibly well together.
Serving Ideas
Serve Hawaiian Little Smokies with:
- Potato chips
- Hawaiian rolls
- Coleslaw
- Fresh fruit trays
- Macaroni salad
- Baked beans
- Party snack boards
They also pair great with burgers and grilled chicken at summer cookouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hawaiian Little Smokies ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare them up to one day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the slow cooker before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely. Fresh pineapple provides excellent flavor and works just as well as canned pineapple.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet honey BBQ sauce, brown sugar BBQ sauce, or Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce all work wonderfully.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer everything in a large saucepan over medium-low heat for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How long can they stay in a slow cooker?
They can remain on the warm setting for about 3 hours during parties without losing quality.
Are Hawaiian Little Smokies spicy?
No. This version is sweet and savory. You can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. It’s actually one of the easiest recipes to scale up for big crowds.
What makes them “Hawaiian”?
The pineapple and sweet tropical flavor profile give these cocktail sausages their Hawaiian-inspired taste.
Are they good for game day?
Definitely. They’re one of the most popular game day appetizers because they’re easy to eat, easy to make, and always a crowd favorite.