Sticky Sweet and Spicy Slow Cooker Sausage

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Sausage is the perfect easy party food, ideal for any gathering. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it – making it a perfect appetizer for parties, tailgating events, and festive holiday celebrations.

As the seasons change, I always get an undeniable buzz for what I affectionately call “appetizer season”! With game days heating up, holidays drawing near, and social gatherings filling the calendar, the demand for quick, effortless, yet utterly delicious appetizers becomes paramount. This is precisely where our incredible Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Sausage steps in to save the day, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor.

This post was sponsored by McCormick as part of an Influencer Activation. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

In our household, we have a deep-seated love for homegating. There’s nothing quite like spending weekends surrounded by amazing food, laughter, and quality family time, all while cheering on our favorite teams. It’s a tradition I genuinely look forward to, making the transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp air of autumn even sweeter. The joy of these moments is often amplified by the food we share, and finding recipes that contribute to the fun without adding stress is always a win.

However, with the jam-packed calendars that inevitably accompany this time of year, I’m constantly seeking ways to keep my game-day preparations straightforward and stress-free. My ideal recipes are those that demand very little hands-on prep time and practically cook themselves, allowing me to focus on enjoying the company and the excitement of the game rather than being chained to the kitchen.

That’s precisely why this Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Sausage recipe stands out as absolutely perfect. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity: I can literally combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover it, and let it simmer until kick-off. By the time the family gathers and the games begin, a delectable and warm appetizer is ready for everyone to graze on. This means I don’t have to worry about serving schedules or last-minute cooking, freeing me up to enjoy the festivities alongside my loved ones.

Slow Cooker Sausage: An Irresistible Appetizer

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When it comes to stocking up for game day or holiday entertaining, I always make sure to grab a few key brands during my weekly grocery run. French’s® Mustard, Frank’s® RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, and Stubb’s® Original Bar-B-Q Sauce are absolute essentials in our pantry. I specifically aim to create the ultimate homegate experience during football season, and the convenience of finding everything I need at Walmart makes the entire process incredibly easy and efficient for me.

These versatile ingredients aren’t just for this recipe; they are truly our game-day staples. You can imagine countless ways to incorporate French’s® Mustard, Frank’s® RedHot, and Stubb’s® Original Bar-B-Q Sauce into a myriad of delicious game-watching recipes, from zesty dips to flavorful marinades. Their unique flavor profiles lend themselves to a wide range of dishes, ensuring every bite is memorable and exciting for your guests.

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Essential Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Sausage

To prepare this incredibly simple yet flavorful recipe, you will need just a handful of staple ingredients:

• Fully-cooked sausage (preferably a good quality smoked sausage or kielbasa)
• French’s® Classic Yellow Mustard
• Stubb’s® Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
• Frank’s® RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
• Minced garlic (freshly minced for best flavor, or jarred for convenience)
• Grape jelly (this is the secret to the perfect sweet glaze!)
• Water

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Key Ingredients

Why choose French’s® Mustard for this recipe?

We consistently choose French’s® Mustard for our recipes, and for good reason. It’s crafted with stone-ground, #1 Grade Mustard Seeds, ensuring a rich, authentic flavor. What truly sets it apart for us, however, is its commitment to quality ingredients. French’s® Mustard contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which aligns perfectly with our desire for wholesome and delicious food. Its classic tangy profile perfectly complements the sweetness and spice in this sausage dish, creating a balanced flavor that everyone loves.

Is Frank’s® RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce truly hot?

While it carries the name “RedHot,” Frank’s® RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is celebrated for its perfectly balanced blend of flavor and heat. It’s not about scorching your palate; instead, it delivers a vibrant kick that enhances the overall taste experience. I consider it my not-so-secret ingredient in this recipe because it provides just the right amount of warmth to elegantly counter the sweetness of the grape jelly, without leaving your mouth burning. This makes it an ideal choice for a party appetizer, ensuring that even those sensitive to excessive heat can enjoy the delicious sweet and spicy notes.

Which variety of Stubb’s® Bar-B-Q Sauce should I buy for this dish?

For this particular recipe, the Stubb’s® Original Bar-B-Q Sauce is your go-to choice. Its classic, robust flavor provides the perfect backbone for the sweet and spicy glaze. Beyond this recipe, I wholeheartedly recommend Stubb’s® Original Bar-B-Q Sauce for all your BBQ needs. I appreciate Stubb’s® entire line of sauces, marinades, and rubs because they are made with high-quality, gluten-free ingredients. Furthermore, I especially love that they contain no high-fructose corn syrup, offering a more natural and authentic flavor that truly elevates any dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Sausage

Preparing this appetizer couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Begin by slicing your fully-cooked sausage into convenient rounds, about ½-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to serve. Place all the sliced sausage pieces directly into your slow cooker.
2. Next, add the remaining ingredients: French’s® Mustard, Stubb’s® Original Bar-B-Q Sauce, Frank’s® RedHot, minced garlic, grape jelly, and water. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the sausage is well coated in the delicious sauce.
3. Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the sauce is hot, bubbly, and the sausage is fully heated through and infused with flavor. Stir occasionally if desired.
4. Once cooked, serve your Sweet & Spicy Sausage warm directly from the slow cooker, providing toothpicks for effortless and mess-free snacking. This dish is designed for easy grazing, allowing guests to enjoy at their leisure.

Enhancing Your Homegate Party Spread

This Sweet & Spicy Sausage recipe is just one component of a truly memorable homegating party. To further impress your guests, be sure to explore other mouth-watering recipes. Consider pairing this with a creamy, delicious BBQ Chicken Dip, made with Stubb’s® Bar-B-Q Sauce, for another layer of smoky, savory goodness. And for those who love a bit more spice, these Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas, featuring the iconic kick of Frank’s® RedHot, are an absolute must-try. Both of these dishes are perfect complements to the sausage, creating a diverse and irresistible spread for your gathering.

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Other Delicious Spicy Dishes for Your Event

If you’re a fan of a little heat and looking to expand your appetizer repertoire beyond just sausage, here are some other fantastic spicy dishes that are sure to be a hit. These recipes offer varying levels of spice and unique flavor combinations, perfect for any occasion where you want to add a zesty kick.

Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Sliders: A delightful blend of sweet and smoky heat, these sliders are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to serve.

Smoked Queso Dip: Indulge in a rich, creamy, and smoky cheese dip with a subtle spicy kick. It’s perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or even spooning over other dishes.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders: For the ultimate game-day classic, these sliders deliver all the bold, tangy, and spicy flavors of buffalo wings in a convenient bite-sized form.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers: Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of heat, these baked poppers are a healthier twist on a fried favorite, without sacrificing flavor.

Elevate your homegating experience to legendary status with this incredibly easy and mouth-watering Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Sausage! It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that allows you to enjoy the party as much as your guests do. This dish, alongside a selection of other delectable treats, promises to make your next gathering unforgettable.

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BEST TAILGATING RECIPES

Looking for more incredible game day ideas?

Beyond the savory and spicy, no tailgating or homegating party is complete without a variety of treats and substantial bites. Explore these other fantastic recipes that are perfect for rounding out your game day menu, ensuring there’s something delicious for every craving:

Football Game Day Cookies: These festive cookies are a sweet way to celebrate your team, offering a delicious treat for all ages.

BBQ Meatball Street Tacos: A fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, these make for a hearty and satisfying option that’s easy to customize.

Soft Pretzel Bites: Warm, chewy, and perfectly salted, these pretzel bites are irresistible, especially when served with a delicious dipping sauce.

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These fantastic ideas from fellow bloggers offer even more inspiration to make your next event a culinary success. Explore diverse flavors and convenient recipes to expand your party menu:

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball | Belle of the Kitchen: A delightful sweet treat that’s perfect for satisfying dessert cravings at any gathering.

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers | Made with Happy: A fun, customizable, and incredibly popular appetizer that combines crispy tater tots with savory toppings.