Don’t be surprised if these Hawaiian Lil’ Smokies steal the show! Slow cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce, they’re bite-sized, irresistible, and dangerously easy to snack on.
Why You Need These at Your Next Party
A delicious twist on the classic: If you love traditional BBQ lil’ smokies, you’ll love this Hawaiian version. Sweet pineapple adds a tropical flavor that takes this party favorite to the next level. Try my grape jelly lil’ smokies next!
The slow cooker does all the work: Just dump, stir, and let it cook! With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this appetizer couldn’t be easier.
Sweet, savory, and impossible to resist: The combination of smoky sausages, juicy pineapple, tangy BBQ sauce, and brown sugar creates a flavor-packed bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Hawaiian Lil’ Smokies Ingredients
Make it Spicy: Slice up a fresh jalapeño and add it with the lil smokies and pineapple! Or add 2-3 pinches of red pepper flakes to bring the heat.
Pineapple: You can add more or less pineapple, and you may replace the canned pineapple with fresh pineapple chunks if you’d like! Just be sure to still add pineapple juice.
Add Veggies: Dice up some red onion and bell peppers to add color and flavor to the smokies! I suggest 1-2 cups total of added vegetables.
How to Make Hawaiian Lil’ Smokies
This Hawaiian little smokies recipe is one of those tried-and-true appetizers that my whole family loves. They couldn’t be easier to make, and they’re a hit every single time. The slow cooker makes them perfect for parties and game days since you can keep them warm and ready to serve. I love pairing them with other easy favorites like crispy potato skins, mozzarella sticks, or beer cheese dip for a simple party spread everyone enjoys.
Add to the slow cooker: Add the lit’l smokies and pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: Combine barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a medium bowl.
Stir and Cook: Pour the sauce over the lil’ smokies and pineapple. Stir everything together, then cover and cook on LOW for 1 ½-2 hours, or on HIGH for 1 hour until everything is heated through before serving.
Alternative Cooking Method
Stovetop:
Add to Saucepan: Instead of using the slow cooker, add the smokies and pineapple chunks to a medium sized saucepan, then pour the sauce over them.
Simmer: Stir to combine and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and deepened in color.
Must Have Tool For This Recipe
Slow Cooker (4–6 quart): Use a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off method, or a medium pot if you prefer to make it on the stovetop.
Print
Hawaiian Lil’ Smokies
Hawaiian lil’ smokies are an easy slow cooker appetizer. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you need a quick bite.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, hawaiian
Keyword easy appetizer, game day appetizers, Hawaiian lil smokies, hawaiian lil smokies recipe, hawaiian lit’l smokies, hawaiian little smokies, little smokies recipe, little smokies recipe ideas, slow cooker little smokies recipe, summer appetizer
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour30 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour35 minutesminutes
Servings 10servings
Calories 351kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers
Equipment
1 4-6 quart slow cooker OR a medium saucepan
Ingredients
28ounceslil' smokies sausages
1(15.25-ounce)can pineapple chunksjuice drained and reserved
1cupbarbecue sauce
½cuppineapple juicedrained juice from the pineapple chunks
⅓cupbrown sugar
3tablespoonssoy sauceuse low-sodium for lower salt content
Instructions
Add 28 ounces Lil' Smokies sausages and 1 (15.25-ounce) can pineapple chunks to the slow cooker.
Combine 1 cup barbecue sauce, ½ cup pineapple juice, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons soy sauce in a medium bowl, then pour over the lil' smokies and pineapple.
Stir everything together, then cover and cook on LOW for 1 ½-2 hours, or on HIGH for 1 hour until everything is heated through before serving.
Notes
Leftover and Make Ahead Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Freezer: Freeze before cooking for up to 3 months. Add the smokies, pineapple, and sauce to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as directed.
Make Ahead: Combine the smokies, pineapple, and sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.