Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Dr. Pepper Little Smokies -

Name: Slow Cooker Bacon-Wrapped Dr. Pepper Little Smokies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 2 (14 ounce) packages cocktail smokies; 1 pound bacon, cut into thirds; 1 cup Dr. Pepper; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup barbecue sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon cold water; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

When I need an easy party appetizer that I know people will actually eat, little smokies are always high on the list. They’re simple to make, easy to serve, and somehow disappear faster than just about anything else on the table.

This version takes things up a notch with bacon wrapped around each smokie and a sweet, sticky Dr. Pepper glaze that cooks right in the slow cooker. The sauce thickens into a rich coating that’s packed with flavor, and the slow cooker keeps everything warm until you’re ready to serve.

They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re feeding a crowd. Best of all, once everything is in the slow cooker, there’s very little hands-on work involved.

Make sure you take a look at my other Little Smokies recipes too:

Why We Love This Recipe

It’s ridiculously easy to make. Just wrap, mix, pour, and let the slow cooker do the work.
The sweet and smoky flavor combination is sooo good! The Dr. Pepper adds a rich sweetness that works so well with the smoky sausages and crispy bacon.
The slow cooker keeps them warm for serving. No need to worry about reheating or finding oven space. They stay hot and ready to enjoy for hours.
The sticky glaze is packed with flavor. Brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dr. Pepper cook down into a rich sauce that coats every bite.
Great for feeding a crowd. This recipe makes plenty, making it a handy option for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual parties.
Simple ingredients you can find anywhere. There’s nothing fancy here, just a handful of pantry staples that come together to make something everyone loves.

Equipment

6-quart slow cooker
Medium mixing bowl
Small bowl (for the cornstarch slurry)
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Toothpicks (optional)
Serving spoon

Ingredients

Cocktail smokies – These little sausages are the star of the show and are perfect for party snacks and appetizers.
Bacon – Wrapping each smokie in bacon adds plenty of smoky flavor and makes them even more irresistible.
Dr. Pepper – This gives the sauce its signature sweet flavor and helps create that sticky glaze everyone loves.
Brown sugar – Adds extra sweetness and helps the sauce thicken into a rich coating.
Barbecue sauce – Brings a little tanginess and depth to balance the sweetness of the soda and brown sugar.
Worcestershire sauce – A small amount adds a savory boost that makes the glaze taste more complex.
Garlic powder – Gives the sauce a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Black pepper – Adds just enough seasoning to balance out the sweetness.
Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce at the end so it clings nicely to the smokies.
Cold water – Mixed with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry before adding it to the slow cooker.
Chopped parsley – An optional garnish that adds a little color before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Wrap each cocktail smokie in a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 2: Place the bacon-wrapped smokies in a single layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the smokies, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours.

Step 6: Remove the lid and carefully stir the smokies to coat them in the sauce.

Step 7: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until no lumps remain.

Step 8: Add the cornstarch slurry to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.

Step 9: Set the slow cooker to HIGH, leave the lid off, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Step 10: Toss the smokies in the glaze until they are fully coated.

Step 11: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Step 12: Serve warm straight from the slow cooker for easy entertaining.

What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Dr. Pepper Little Smokies

Potato chips and dips – Keep things simple with a bowl of chips and your favorite dip for an easy party spread.
Sliders and mini sandwiches – These go really well with cheeseburger sliders, pulled pork sliders, or mini ham and cheese sandwiches.
Vegetable platter – Fresh veggies add a nice contrast to the rich, sweet, and smoky flavors of the little smokies.
Macaroni salad or potato salad – Both are easy make-ahead sides that work well for cookouts, game days, and potlucks.
Baked beans – The sweet and savory flavors complement the Dr. Pepper glaze perfectly.
Chicken wings – If you’re putting together a game day snack table, wings and little smokies are always a popular combination.
Cheese and cracker tray – A simple cheese board helps round out the appetizer table and gives guests plenty of options.
Coleslaw – A crisp, creamy slaw helps balance the richness of the bacon and glaze.
Pickles and pickle spears – The tangy flavor cuts through the sweetness and adds a little crunch.
Other slow cooker appetizers – Serve them alongside meatballs, queso dip, or buffalo chicken dip for an easy entertaining menu.

Storing

If you happen to have leftovers, let the little smokies cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a handy option for snacking the next day or adding to an easy lunch.

To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave in short bursts or place them back in the slow cooker on LOW until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened a little too much in the fridge, just stir in a splash of water before reheating to loosen it up again.

Variations & Substitutions

Try a different soda. Dr. Pepper gives these their signature flavor, but Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, or even root beer can work well too.
Use smoked sausages instead of cocktail smokies. Just slice them into bite-sized pieces before wrapping them in bacon.
Add a little heat. Stir a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the glaze for a sweet and spicy version.
Swap the barbecue sauce. A smoky barbecue sauce will give a deeper flavor, while a honey barbecue sauce will make them a little sweeter.
Skip the bacon if you prefer. The smokies are still delicious cooked in the Dr. Pepper glaze on their own.
Use turkey bacon. If that’s what you have on hand, it works as a lighter alternative, although it won’t crisp quite the same way.
Add a touch of maple flavor. A tablespoon of maple syrup mixed into the sauce works really well with the bacon and smokies.
Make them extra smoky. A teaspoon of smoked paprika added to the sauce gives the glaze even more depth.
Finish with a sprinkle of green onions. If you’re out of parsley, sliced green onions add a nice pop of color and flavor.
Turn them into a party platter. Serve them alongside cheese cubes, crackers, pickles, and pretzels for an easy appetizer spread.

FAQs

Can I make bacon-wrapped little smokies ahead of time?

Yes. You can wrap the smokies in bacon up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply place them in the slow cooker and continue with the recipe as written.

Can I cook bacon-wrapped little smokies on HIGH?

Yes. If you're short on time, cook them on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours. For the best results, keep an eye on them toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Why add Dr. Pepper to little smokies?

Dr. Pepper adds sweetness and helps create a rich, sticky glaze that coats the smokies. Its blend of flavors pairs especially well with smoky bacon and barbecue sauce.

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper?

Absolutely. Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, root beer, or even Pepsi can be used in place of Dr. Pepper. Each one will give the sauce a slightly different flavor.

How do I keep little smokies warm for a party?

One of the easiest ways is to leave them in the slow cooker on the WARM setting after cooking. This keeps them hot and ready for guests without drying them out.

Can I freeze leftover bacon-wrapped little smokies?

You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating until hot throughout.

Do I need to cook the bacon before wrapping the smokies?

No. The bacon cooks in the slow cooker while the smokies heat through and absorb the flavor of the sauce.

How long do leftover little smokies last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the slow cooker until warmed through.

What are the best occasions to serve bacon-wrapped little smokies?

They're perfect for game days, holiday parties, potlucks, tailgates, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers. They're easy to make, easy to serve, and always popular with guests.

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes. The Dr. Pepper glaze works just as well with plain cocktail smokies if you'd prefer a simpler version or want to save a little prep time.

Yield: 10-12