Mississippi Lil Smokies

Introduction

When I first tried making Mississippi Lil Smokies, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment they were done, I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe. The tangy kick from the ranch seasoning, combined with the savory beef gravy and the zesty flavor of pepperoncini, created an irresistible dish that had my family asking for seconds. These little sausages, perfectly tender and packed with flavor, make for the ideal appetizer for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or even a cozy movie night. The best part? It’s made in a slow cooker, which makes the prep work minimal and the cleanup easy. Every bite of these Mississippi Lil Smokies is a burst of flavor, and they’ve quickly become a favorite in our household.

Ingredients

• 28 ounces Lil Smokies cocktail sausages
• 12 ounces beef gravy from a jar
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, plus 1/4 cup juice from the jar

Instructions

Prepare the Sausages:

1. Add the sausages to the slow cooker: Begin by placing the Lil Smokies cocktail sausages in the slow cooker. These tiny sausages are the perfect base for this dish and will absorb all the delicious flavors of the gravy and seasoning as they cook.

Make the Sauce:

2. Whisk together the sauce ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the beef gravy, ranch seasoning mix, and 1/4 cup of juice from the pepperoncini jar. This combination will form a savory, tangy sauce that complements the smokiness of the sausages and the heat from the pepperoncini peppers.

Combine Ingredients:

3. Pour the sauce over the sausages: Once the gravy mixture is ready, pour it over the sausages in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the sausages are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
4. Add the peppers: Add the pepperoncini peppers on top of the sausages and gravy. The peppers will provide a zesty, slightly tangy flavor that brings the whole dish together.

Cook:

5. Stir and cook: Stir everything to combine, then cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the sausages to soak up all the flavors of the gravy and seasoning, making them tender and flavorful.

Serve:

6. Serve with toothpicks: Once the sausages are cooked, they’re ready to serve! Use toothpicks to skewer the sausages and peppers for easy serving. They make for a perfect party appetizer that’s sure to be a hit.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1-2 sausages with sauce)

• Serving Size: 2-3 sausages with sauce
• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time:

• Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including slow cooking time)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4 hours

How to Serve:

• As an appetizer: Serve these flavorful Mississippi Lil Smokies on toothpicks at your next party, BBQ, or holiday gathering. They’re easy to eat and perfect for sharing.
• As a party snack: These sausages are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next game day or party. Just set them out in a bowl or on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• With sides: Pair the sausages with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a more substantial meal.
• In a sandwich: For a twist, serve the Lil Smokies in a bun with some of the sauce for a hearty sandwich.

Additional Tips:

1. Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more pepperoncini or include a few slices of jalapeños to the slow cooker. You can also add some hot sauce to the gravy mixture for an extra kick.
2. Serve with a side dip: Pair the dish with a ranch dip or blue cheese dressing on the side to complement the flavors and add a creamy element.
3. Use a different sausage: While Lil Smokies are the classic choice, you can use other cocktail sausages or even kielbasa if you prefer a different flavor profile.
4. Slow cooker options: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook these sausages in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the sausages are heated through.
5. Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water and stir it into the sauce as it cooks.

Recipe Variations:

• Sweet and Spicy Variation: For a sweeter version, add some honey or brown sugar to the sauce, and use spicy sausage for an extra flavor contrast.
• Cheesy Version: Once the sausages are cooked, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for a cheesy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based cocktail sausages for a vegetarian version of this recipe. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sauce.
• BBQ Flavored: Replace the beef gravy with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy version of these Lil Smokies.

Serving Suggestions:

• With a refreshing drink: Serve these Lil Smokies with a cold beer or a fresh lemonade to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
• As a part of a buffet: These Lil Smokies make a great addition to a party buffet. Serve them with other finger foods like sliders, chips, and dips.
• For a casual meal: Serve the sausages with a side of French fries, mashed potatoes, or baked beans for a casual, comforting meal.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: These Lil Smokies can be frozen after cooking. Just let them cool, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQ:

1. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare and cook them ahead of time. Just refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   Yes, you can use other types of sausages, such as kielbasa or bratwurst, for a different flavor profile.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   Add extra pepperoncini peppers, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for more heat.
4. Can I use chicken sausage instead of beef?
   Yes, chicken sausage would work just as well. It’s a lighter option but still packed with flavor.
5. Can I cook these on the stovetop?
   Yes, if you don’t have a slow cooker, cook the sausages in a large pot on low heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Can I use a different broth?
   While vegetable broth works best, you can also use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the increased amount of sausages and sauce.
8. Can I make this without ranch seasoning?
   Yes, if you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like parsley, dill, and chives.
9. Can I use fresh peppers instead of pepperoncini from the jar?
   You can use fresh peppers, but you may need to add a bit of vinegar to the sauce for the tangy flavor that pepperoncini provides.
10. Can I cook these on high instead of low?
    If you need them ready faster, you can cook the sausages on high for 2-3 hours instead of 4 hours on low.

Conclusion:

Mississippi Lil Smokies are the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just a little bit spicy. They’re easy to make in a slow cooker, require minimal prep, and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, part of a casual meal, or at a party, they’re sure to satisfy your guests with their bold flavors and tender texture. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows for customization with your favorite spices, sausages, and toppings. Try it out at your next event, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Print