Spicy Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe: Tiny Bites, Big Flavor!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds, and these mississippi lil smokies deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Succulent sausages swim in a rich, tangy sauce that promises absolute flavor explosion.

Minimal ingredients converge to create maximum satisfaction.

The recipe combines sweet, savory, and zesty notes that dance across your palate.

Slow cookers become magic vessels transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Every bite tells a story of culinary simplicity and mouthwatering goodness.

Prepare to experience a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What are Lil Smokies?

Lil Smokies are small, bite-sized cocktail sausages typically made from beef or pork that are popular at parties and gatherings.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in an oven-safe baking dish. Combine ingredients in a dish and bake at 350°F for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Are pepperoncini peppers spicy?

Pepperoncini peppers are mild with a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. They add a gentle kick without being overwhelmingly hot, making them perfect for most palates.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have ranch seasoning or au jus mix?

You can use alternative seasonings like onion soup mix or beef broth mix. If you’re missing ranch seasoning, try combining dried dill, garlic powder, and dried parsley for a similar flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 263 kcal

Servings: 11

Mississippi Lil Smokies: Key Ingredients

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a zesty, herbal kick that transforms the dish with its signature tangy blend of dried herbs and spices.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: Delivers a rich, savory depth that amplifies the meaty undertones and creates a luscious sauce base.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: Adds a mild, tangy heat with a slightly pickled brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Pepperoncini Juice: Infuses the recipe with an extra layer of zippy, acidic flavor that helps tenderize and brighten the overall taste.

• Butter: Creates a silky, smooth foundation that helps bind the flavors and adds a luxurious richness to the sauce.

• Lil Smokies: Bite-sized sausages that bring a smoky, meaty element and serve as the star protein of this comforting dish.

Tools You’ll Need for Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Slow Cooker: Essential for mixing and cooking ingredients together smoothly.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Perfect for stirring ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and other ingredients until well combined.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure precise ingredient quantities for the best flavor.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing pepperoncini peppers if needed.
• Kitchen Knife: Helpful for chopping or slicing pepperoncini peppers, if desired.

How to Prepare Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Prepare Slow Cooker Mixture Dump ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, pepperoncini peppers, and their juice into the slow cooker. Whisk everything together until well blended, creating a tangy and rich sauce base.
• Add Lil Smokies Gently place the Lil Smokies into the seasoned liquid, ensuring they're completely coated. Make sure each sausage is nestled comfortably in the flavorful sauce.
• Cook and Infuse Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the Lil Smokies simmer for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the sausages to absorb the zesty pepperoncini and savory ranch flavors, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that'll have everyone coming back for more.
• Serve and Enjoy Use a slotted spoon to transfer the Lil Smokies to a serving dish. Drizzle some of the remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor. These saucy, tangy sausages are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering where you want to impress your guests.

Cooking Tips for Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the sauce for a deeper, more complex taste that elevates the classic cocktail-style appetizer.
• Swap out the traditional cocktail sausages for turkey or chicken Little Smokies to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Mix in some sriracha or red pepper flakes for those who love a kick of heat, creating a zesty version that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Prepare the sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before adding the sausages for cooking.
• Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of traditional butter to make this recipe friendly for those avoiding dairy while keeping the rich, tangy flavor intact.

Best Ways to Serve Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Zesty Party Platter: Arrange these saucy Lil Smokies on a colorful serving board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or casual gatherings.
• Comfort Food Companion: Serve alongside crispy potato wedges or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious pepperoncini-ranch sauce for a hearty meal.
• Appetizer Elegance: Present these flavorful sausages in a decorative ceramic dish at potlucks or holiday parties, letting guests enjoy the tangy, rich flavors with each bite.
• Tailgate Crowd-Pleaser: Keep the Lil Smokies warm in a portable slow cooker for outdoor events, ensuring guests can enjoy hot, saucy bites throughout the celebration.

Storing & Planning for Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Keep leftover Mississippi Lil Smokies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Carefully transfer cooled smokies to freezer-safe containers, maintaining quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm leftovers gently in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of pepperoncini juice to restore moisture and zesty flavor.
• Make the recipe ahead of time and store in a slow cooker on warm setting during gatherings, keeping the appetizer deliciously hot and ready to serve.

Sizzling Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Savory Mississippi Lil Smokies combine tangy barbecue sauce with irresistible sausage links for an unforgettable appetizer. Slow cooker magic brings party guests together, creating delicious memories with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 packages (14 oz / 397 g) lil smokies (cocktail sausages)
• 68 pepperoncini peppers
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) au jus gravy mix
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps pepperoncini jar juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)

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Instructions

1. Liquid Base Preparation: Whisk ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini juice in the slow cooker, creating a robust and tangy foundation for the little smokies.
2. Butter Integration: Distribute butter cubes across the liquid mixture, allowing them to melt and contribute a rich, smooth undertone to the overall flavor profile.
3. Pepper Preparation: Chop pepperoncini peppers into bite-sized pieces, ensuring their zesty essence will permeate the entire dish during the cooking process.
4. Sausage Immersion: Delicately submerge little smokies into the seasoned liquid, guaranteeing complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a complex, savory taste over several hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even seasoning distribution.
6. Serving Presentation: Once little smokies are thoroughly heated and saturated with the pepperoncini and ranch-infused sauce, transfer to a serving dish. Ladle any remaining sauce over the top to amplify the dish’s robust and tantalizing flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Burning: Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent smokies from sticking to the slow cooker’s bottom.
• Sauce Consistency Control: If sauce seems too thin, remove lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow slight reduction and thickening.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust pepperoncini quantity based on desired tanginess and heat preference; fewer peppers mean milder flavor.
• Dietary Adaptation: For low-sodium version, use reduced-sodium ranch mix and au jus gravy mix to decrease overall salt content while maintaining rich taste profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1030 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg