Mississippi Smokies

This is a classic, incredibly easy party appetizer that is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of salty, savory, smoky, and tangy is downright addictive.

Here’s a complete recipe and guide for making Mississippi Smokies.

Mississippi Smokies (Slow Cooker Lit’l Smokies)

This recipe transforms simple cocktail sausages into a tangy, savory, buttery delight with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” party food.

Ingredients

• 3 (14 oz) packages Lit’l Smokies sausages (any variety: beef, pork, or turkey)

• 1 (16 oz) jar sliced pepperoncinis, with juice

• 1 (1 oz) packet au jus gravy mix

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced into pats

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray (optional, but helps with cleanup).

2. Combine Ingredients: Place the Lit’l Smokies into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over them. Pour the entire jar of pepperoncinis (including all the liquid) over the top. Stir gently to combine and ensure the seasonings are distributed.

3. Add Butter: Distribute the pats of butter evenly over the top of the mixture.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The sauce will thin out as the butter melts and then gradually thicken as it continues to cook.

5. Stir and Serve: Once done, give everything a good stir. The sausages will be glazed in a rich, tangy, buttery sauce. Serve directly from the slow cooker set to “Warm,” providing toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Pepperoncini Juice is Key: Don’t skip the juice from the jar! This liquid is essential for creating the flavorful sauce and tenderizing the sausages.

• Butter Matters: Using real butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. It creates a rich, glossy sauce.

• Keep Them Warm: This is the perfect dish for a slow cooker because it can sit on the “Warm” setting for hours without drying out.

• Adjust the Tang: For an even tangier kick, add a tablespoon of the pepperoncini brine vinegar or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end.

• Spice Level: The pepperoncinis add a mild, tangy heat. For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• The Classic: Serve straight from the slow cooker with a stack of toothpicks on the side.

• As a Sandwich: Pile them onto slider buns with a few pepperoncinis for a delicious “Mississippi Sausage Slider.”

• Over Mashed Potatoes: For a fun, easy dinner, serve these smokies and their sauce over a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.

• With Crusty Bread: Offer slices of French bread or baguette to sop up the incredible buttery, tangy sauce.

Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make party appetizer