Crock Pot Mississippi Smokies

This Mississippi Lit'l Smokies recipe transforms ordinary cocktail sausages into an addictive appetizer with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy the tantalizing aroma filling your home.

When I first made these for a football watch party, my guests couldn't believe something so delicious took so little effort. Now it's requested at every gathering, and I always keep the ingredients on hand for last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients

• Little smokies: 28 ounce package — these bite-sized sausages are perfect for slow cooking as they absorb all the flavors while staying juicy
• Pepperoncini juice: 1/4 cup — adds tanginess and depth to balance the richness; look for the juice from jarred pepperoncinis
• Au jus gravy mix: 1 ounce packet — creates a savory base with minimal effort; always check for freshness as older packets lose flavor intensity
• Ranch seasoning mix: 1 ounce packet — brings creamy herbs and subtle garlic notes; choose traditional over buttermilk for best results
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup — creates a silky sauce while enhancing all other flavors; use quality butter for the richest taste
• Pepperoncini peppers: 6 — these mild tangy peppers add texture and visual appeal; select firm bright peppers from the jar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Base:

Empty the package of little smokies directly into your 6-quart slow cooker, making sure they are spread in an even layer. The even distribution ensures all sausages will cook uniformly and absorb the flavors equally. There is no need to defrost if they were frozen; simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Add The Moisture:

Pour 1/4 cup of pepperoncini juice over the smokies, making sure to drizzle it evenly across the surface. This tangy liquid will create steam during cooking and help distribute flavor throughout the dish. The acidity cuts through the richness of the meat and butter while adding complexity.

Season Generously:

Sprinkle the entire packet of au jus mix followed by the entire packet of ranch seasoning evenly over the sausages. Try to cover as much surface area as possible rather than creating mounds in one area. These dry seasonings will dissolve slowly, creating a complex savory sauce as they mingle with the butter and juices.

Add Richness And Texture:

Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and arrange them evenly across the top of the seasoned smokies. Then tuck the pepperoncini peppers between the sausages, spacing them evenly throughout. The butter will slowly melt, creating a velvety sauce while the peppers infuse their flavor throughout.

Slow Cook To Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 2 to 3 hours. The exact time depends on your slow cooker — some run hotter than others. You will know they are ready when the sauce is bubbling slightly around the edges and the smokies look plump and glossy.

Finish And Serve:

Just before serving, stir everything thoroughly to coat each smokie with the rich butter sauce and distribute the flavors evenly. The sauce should be slightly thickened and cling to the sausages. Transfer to a serving dish with toothpicks on the side or keep warm in the slow cooker on the warm setting for serving.

The first time I served these at a family gathering, my nephew nicknamed them Magical Meat Bites because they disappeared so quickly. The secret is definitely in the pepperoncini juice, which adds a tangy brightness that elevates these beyond typical cocktail sausages. Even people who say they don't like peppers end up loving these.

Make Ahead Options

This Mississippi Lit'l Smokies recipe is perfect for preparation in advance. You can combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours before cooking, simply cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the insert into your slow cooker base and add an additional 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients. The flavors actually develop beautifully during refrigeration, making this an excellent stress-free party option.

Creative Serving Ideas

While toothpicks are the traditional serving method, these saucy smokies can become the star of several different presentations. Try serving them alongside small slider buns for miniature sandwiches with a drizzle of the sauce. Another delicious option is to serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or rice, turning this appetizer into a satisfying main dish. For a low-carb alternative, serve alongside roasted vegetables, where the sauce can add incredible flavor to the veggies.

Variations Worth Trying

The Mississippi-style flavor profile is incredibly adaptable. For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the mix. If you prefer a sweeter profile, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey before cooking. For a smoky twist, substitute half the little smokies with smoked sausage cut into bite-sized pieces. You can even try this same flavor combination with chicken breasts or pork tenderloin for a main dish version.

Your next gathering just got more delicious with this easy, flavorful appetizer. Try it for yourself and watch it become the star of the table!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of sausages for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocktail sausages, cut-up kielbasa, or even mini smoked sausages. The flavor profile works well with most smoked or pre-cooked sausage varieties, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on size.

→ What can I use if I don't have pepperoncini peppers?

If pepperoncini peppers aren't available, you can substitute with banana peppers and their juice, or use a combination of pickle juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes to achieve a similar tangy heat.

→ How spicy are Mississippi Lit'l Smokies?

This dish has a mild to medium heat level, primarily from the pepperoncini peppers. The tangy flavor is more prominent than the spiciness. For less heat, reduce the number of peppers or remove the seeds.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate in your slow cooker insert. When ready to serve, simply place in your slow cooker and heat according to instructions. The flavors actually develop further with time.

→ What are good serving suggestions for Mississippi Lit'l Smokies?

These smokies are excellent served with toothpicks as finger food, or alongside small slider buns for mini sandwiches. They also pair well with mashed potatoes or rice if you want to serve them as a main dish with the sauce spooned over.

→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to melt the butter first, then add remaining ingredients and use the pressure cook setting on high for 5 minutes with a quick release. Switch to keep warm function for serving.