Crockpot Chili Cheese Cocktail Sausages

These easy slow-cooked cocktail sausages are smothered in a rich, beanless chili and melted cheese sauce. Perfect for parties, this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together with minimal effort and delivers satisfying, savory flavor in every single bite.

By EasyCooks Kitchen

Published October 12, 20267 min read

Total time: 2 hrs 5 mins

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 2 hrs

Serves: 8; Makes serves 8
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420; per serving, estimated

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A close-up of a slow cooker filled with mini sausages covered in a thick, melty orange chili cheese sauce.

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Transform simple ingredients into a savory, crowd-pleasing party snack with this effortless slow cooker recipe. These cocktail sausages are bathed in a rich, cheesy chili sauce that is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. It is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish for busy hosts who want to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

This crockpot chili cheese cocktail sausage recipe is the definition of simple comfort food. By using a slow cooker, the flavors of the smoked sausages, savory beef chili, and melty cheese have time to meld together into a thick, delicious dip. It is an ideal appetizer for game days, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers where you need a reliable, warm snack that keeps well throughout the entire event.

The appeal

Why you’ll love it

The slow cooking method is essential for this recipe because it allows the cheese to melt slowly and emulsify with the chili without burning or separating. This gentle heat ensures that the sausages are heated through to the center while remaining plump and juicy, rather than drying out as they might in a high-heat oven environment.
Using a slow cooker also provides the benefit of temperature control for serving. By keeping the device on the warm setting, the chili cheese sauce maintains its smooth, creamy consistency throughout the duration of the party. This eliminates the need to constantly reheat the dish, allowing guests to serve themselves warm, flavorful bites whenever they are ready.

What you need

Ingredients

4 ingredients

Servings

Makes serves 8.

2 lbs mini smoked sausages
2 cups orange melting cheese, cubed
1 tbsp chili powder
15 oz canned beanless beef chili

Contains:

Milk

Tools

Equipment

Slow cooker
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Serving spoon

Swaps

Substitutions

Instead ofOrange melting cheese
UseProcessed cheese loaf or sharp cheddar cheese for a different texture.
Instead ofCanned beanless beef chili
UseAny prepared or canned chili without beans works well to maintain the desired consistency.

Good to know

Notes

For the best results, use a processed melting cheese. These types of cheeses are specifically formulated to melt smoothly without breaking, which is crucial for achieving that signature velvety texture in the chili sauce. If you prefer a sharper flavor profile, you can experiment with aged cheddar, but be aware that it may result in a slightly oilier texture due to the higher fat content.

When selecting the chili, ensure it is a beanless variety to maintain the proper consistency of the sauce. Beans can sometimes become mushy during a long cook, and their texture may detract from the smooth, creamy mouthfeel of this particular appetizer. If you cannot find canned beanless chili, you can strain a standard canned chili, though the flavor profile may differ slightly from the intended result.

Prep

Before you start

Before starting, ensure your slow cooker insert is clean and dry. Prepare your ingredients by cubing the cheese into uniform pieces, which will help it melt evenly. If you are using a slow cooker liner, insert it now to make cleanup significantly faster. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go so that the assembly process takes only a few minutes, allowing you to get the cooking started immediately.

Step by step

Method

3 steps

Phase 1

Layering the ingredients

Step 1: Assemble the base
Place the mini smoked sausages into the slow cooker insert. Add the cubed melting cheese on top of the sausages to ensure even distribution as it melts.
You’ll need: mini smoked sausages · orange melting cheese, cubed
Look for: The sausages should be layered evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Tip: Layering the cheese directly on top of the sausages helps it melt into the crevices.

Checkpoint

The sausages and cheese should be neatly arranged in the slow cooker. The cheese cubes should be visible and ready to melt into the sausages as the heat begins to rise. Ensure no ingredients are spilling over the sides of the ceramic insert for a clean cooking environment.

Phase 2

Slow cooking cycle

Step 2: Season and finish
Sprinkle the chili powder over the sausages and cheese. Spoon the canned beanless beef chili over the entire mixture. Cover the slow cooker and heat on low for two hours until completely hot and bubbling.
You’ll need: chili powder · canned beanless beef chili
Look for: The chili should cover the sausages and cheese completely.
Tip: Do not stir before cooking to allow the flavors to meld during the heating process.

Checkpoint

During the cooking phase, the slow cooker should be covered with the lid to trap heat and moisture. You will notice the cheese beginning to soften and the chili warming up. The kitchen will begin to smell savory and rich as the ingredients slowly combine over the two-hour cook time.

Phase 3

Final incorporation

Step 3: Final stir and serve
Remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy sauce. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.
Look for: The mixture should be bubbling slightly and have a uniform, creamy consistency.
Tip: Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup after the party is over.

Checkpoint

At the end of the cooking, the cheese should be fully integrated into the chili. The mixture should be thick, smooth, and uniform in color. Once you have stirred it to ensure everything is well-combined, it is ready to be served warm to your guests directly from the slow cooker.

Doneness

How to tell it’s done

The dish is ready when the cheese has completely melted and the chili sauce is hot and bubbling throughout. The sausages should be heated through and plump. The sauce should look thick, glossy, and creamy, coating the sausages evenly without any unmelted lumps. If you notice any separation, give the mixture a vigorous stir to re-emulsify the sauce before setting the cooker to warm.

Avoid these

Common mistakes

A common mistake is stirring the ingredients too early or too often. The beauty of this recipe lies in the slow, undisturbed melting process. Stirring too early can prevent the cheese from creating that perfect, cohesive sauce. Additionally, avoid using too high a heat setting; cooking on high can cause the cheese to separate or the bottom to scorch, ruining the creamy texture of the final dish.

Better results

Tips

Tip 1
To add a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or diced pickled jalapeños to the mixture before serving. This provides a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the sausages. Adjust the spice level according to the preferences of your guests, keeping in mind that the chili powder already provides a baseline level of flavor.
Tip 2
If the sauce becomes too thick after sitting on the warm setting for an extended period, you can add a small splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This simple trick ensures that your appetizer remains perfect and inviting throughout the entire duration of your party.

Make it yours

Variations

Spicy Chili Cheese

Add a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chili mixture before cooking for an extra kick of heat that complements the savory sausages.

Tex-Mex Twist

Stir in a half-cup of drained black beans and a tablespoon of taco seasoning instead of chili powder for a distinct Tex-Mex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.

On the table

Serving suggestions

Serve this dish directly from the slow cooker to keep it at the ideal temperature throughout your party. Provide guests with small appetizer plates and toothpicks or cocktail forks for easy serving. The rich, cheesy sauce is best enjoyed while warm, so keeping the slow cooker on the warm setting is highly recommended for the best experience.

For a complete snack spread, offer a side of crusty bread, pita chips, or even vegetable sticks for dipping. These additions help balance the saltiness of the sausages and chili, offering guests a variety of textures. A small bowl of fresh chopped scallions or cilantro as a garnish can also add a bright, fresh finish to the savory dish.

Leftovers

Storage & make-ahead

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout and smooth again.

If you have leftovers, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.

Make ahead

You can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and store the insert in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. This is a great way to save time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations while the appetizer cooks itself.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can this be made in a smaller slow cooker?

Yes, you can adjust the quantities to fit a smaller slow cooker. Simply ensure that the ingredients do not fill the insert past the recommended capacity to avoid spills during the cooking process.

Why does the sauce separate?

Sauce separation usually occurs if the heat is too high or if the cheese was not stirred in properly after melting. Always use the low setting and ensure the cheese is thoroughly incorporated at the end.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This makes it a convenient option for stress-free party planning.

Everything in one place: the recipe card below gathers the ingredients, steps and estimated nutrition, ready to print.

Recipe card