Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Smoked Sausage
A Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Recipe Everyone Will Love!
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Smoked Sausage is the perfect recipe to try. Tender slices of smoked sausage are slowly cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs, smoky paprika, and just the right amount of black pepper.
The best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work!
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a simple dish that delivers big flavor. The combination of buttery garlic and smoky sausage creates a delicious sauce that coats every bite.
Serve it as a hearty appetizer with toothpicks, spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes, or pair it with your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients and very little preparation, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
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Ingredients
– 2 lbs smoked sausage, beef, pork, or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds. Try to keep the pieces approximately the same thickness so they cook evenly. Place all of the sliced sausage directly into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you would like a little extra heat.
Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly mixed throughout the butter.
Step 3: Coat the Sausage
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the sliced sausage in the slow cooker. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the sausage until every piece is coated with the flavorful garlic butter.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.
Stir the sausage once about halfway through the cooking time. This helps distribute the garlic butter and seasonings evenly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley
Once the sausage is hot and flavorful, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving.
Give everything one final gentle stir and serve warm.
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Serving Suggestions
This versatile smoked sausage can be served in many delicious ways:
– Serve with toothpicks as an easy party appetizer.
– Spoon over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes.
– Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
– Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter.
– Add cooked potatoes or vegetables to make it a complete one-pot meal.
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Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Smoked Sausage
Choose a good-quality sausage: Since sausage is the main ingredient, choose a variety with a flavor you enjoy. Beef smoked sausage, kielbasa, and other smoked varieties all work well.
Don’t overcook: Smoked sausage is usually already cooked, so the goal is to heat it thoroughly and allow it to absorb the flavors of the garlic butter and seasonings.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic can also be used.
Adjust the spice: Red pepper flakes are optional. Leave them out for a mild recipe or add a little more if you enjoy spicy food.
Stir gently: Stirring once during cooking helps coat the sausage without breaking the slices apart.
Add parsley at the end: Fresh parsley is best added just before serving to keep its color and fresh flavor.
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Storage and Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm the sausage gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. Add a small amount of butter if the sausage seems dry.
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Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving
Based on 8 servings. Values may vary depending on the type and brand of sausage used.
– Calories: Approximately 400–500
– Protein: Approximately 14–18g
– Carbohydrates: Approximately 2–5g
– Fat: Approximately 35–42g
– Fiber: Less than 1g
Smoked sausage can be a good source of protein, while the garlic and herbs add plenty of flavor without requiring extra complicated ingredients. Keep in mind that sausage can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so portion sizes and the specific sausage you choose can make a difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Beef smoked sausage, pork sausage, turkey sausage, chicken sausage, and kielbasa can all work well. Just choose a fully cooked smoked sausage for the easiest preparation.
Do I need to add water or broth?
No. The melted butter provides plenty of moisture, and the sausage will release some juices as it heats. Adding extra liquid may dilute the rich garlic butter flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add your favorite hot seasoning for extra heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or small pieces of pre-cooked potatoes can be added to create a more complete meal. Keep in mind that adding extra ingredients may affect the cooking time.
Can I cook this on HIGH?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 1½–2 hours. For a slower cooking process, use LOW for 3–4 hours.
Is the sausage already cooked?
Most smoked sausage and kielbasa products are fully cooked, but always check the package instructions. This slow cooker recipe primarily heats the sausage and allows it to absorb the garlic butter and seasonings.
What should I serve with garlic butter smoked sausage?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, salad, or crusty bread are all great options.
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Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Smoked Sausage proves that simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dish. The rich butter, fragrant garlic, Italian herbs, and smoky sausage come together beautifully while the slow cooker makes preparation almost effortless.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a gathering, or preparing an easy appetizer, this recipe is packed with comforting flavor in every bite. Save this recipe for those busy days when you want something warm, delicious, and easy to make!
Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!