Mississippi Little Smokies (Slow Cooker Recipe)

These Mississippi Little Smokies simmer in a rich, savory sauce made with ranch seasoning, au jus, and butter. Saucy, tangy, and loaded with flavor, this crock pot appetizer will steal the show at your next party or gathering.

These Mississippi Lil Smokies take everything you love about the classic pot roast and turn it into a totally addictive appetizer. The tangy ranch and pepperoncini kick things up a notch, while the buttery, savory sauce pulls it all together.

I started making them for parties, but now they’re part of our weeknight dinner rotation too. Serve them over mashed potatoes and even the kids will ask for seconds, which is always a win!

If you love this easy appetizer recipe, you’ll also want to try my Bacon Wrapped Sausage Bites or these BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs.

Ingredients

• Little smokies: I use classic cocktail sausages but you can also use sliced smoked sausage.
• Pepperoncini peppers and the juice: Adds texture and a little heat.
• Au jus gravy mix: Gives the sauce that deep, savory beef flavor.
• Ranch seasoning mix: Give the sauce a zesty punch of herbs and flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Butter makes the sauce silky, rich, and absolutely addictive.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a nice pop of color when you’re serving.

How To Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Lil Smokies

Step 1. Add the little smokies to your slow cooker, then pour the pepperoncini juice right over the top.

Step 2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly across the sausages, then give everything a quick stir to combine.

Step 3. Layer the butter slices and pepperoncini peppers on top of the sausage mixture.

Step 4. Cover with the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway through, until everything is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot as an appetizer or spooned over mashed potatoes.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat in the microwave, slow cooker or in a saucepan on low until warmed through.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked smokies in sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a saucepan or slow cooker.

Tips and Tricks

Want to make sure your lil smokies come out perfect every time? These easy tips have you covered.

• Always stir halfway through. It helps the sauce to stay smooth and blended.
• You can double this recipe in a 6–8 quart slow cooker. Just don’t overfill past the line.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a little extra broth near the end and stir well.
• For a saucier version to serve over mashed potatoes, you may want to add an extra ½ cup of broth.

Variations and Add-Ins

Looking for fun ways to switch things up? Try these ideas next time.

• Sausage: You can swap these lil smokies with slices of your favorite smoked sausage.
• Spice: Add a few red pepper flakes if you want to add a little extra heat.
• Onions: Toss in a handful of thinly sliced onions if you like a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
• Creamy sauce: You can add a little cream cheese at the end and stir until melted.
• Mushrooms: For a heartier meal, throw in sliced mushrooms and toss with the sauce.

FAQs

More Delicious Appetizer Recipes

• Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
• Hot Honey Chicken Wings
• Sausage Balls Without Bisquick
• Baked Jalapeno Poppers
• Cheeseburger Egg Rolls