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Slow Cooker Mississippi Lil Smokies are the perfect appetizer for any casual gathering or game day. This recipe combines smoky little sausages with tangy pepperoncini peppers and rich butter, all seasoned with ranch and au jus packet blends that create a flavorful sauce without any fuss. It’s a hands-off dish that delivers big on taste and always disappears quickly at the party.
Ingredients
- Thirty ounces of miniature smoked sausages: these bite-sized sausages are the star and provide that smoky savory base. Opt for quality brand for better flavor
- One packet of ranch seasoning: brings a creamy herbaceous note and depth to the sauce
- One packet of au jus gravy mix: contributes richness and a slight meaty flavor enhancing the sausages
- Six tablespoons of unsalted butter: melts into the dish giving it smoothness and richness without overpowering the other flavors. Use fresh butter for best results
- Eight to ten pepperoncini peppers: these add a bright tanginess and just enough heat. Choose fresh or jarred peppers with good firmness
- Two tablespoons of pepperoncini juice: intensifies the tang and balances the richness with acidity
- Two tablespoons of water: this dilutes the sauce slightly helping everything meld together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add the Sausages to the Slow Cooker:
- Place the mini smoked sausages in the bottom of a slow cooker that is four quart capacity or larger. This ensures enough space for the sauce and even cooking.
- Layer the Seasonings and Butter:
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and the au jus gravy mix over the sausages evenly. Then scatter the pepperoncini peppers on top. Dot the six tablespoons of unsalted butter across the mixture followed by pouring in the pepperoncini juice and water for a well distributed liquid base.
- Set the Slow Cooker and Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat mode. Let it cook for four to five hours allowing the flavors to slowly infuse and the sausages to become tender and juicy. If you are short on time, high heat for one to two hours also works well.
- Stir and Serve Warm:
- After cooking, give the sausages a good stir to combine the flavors thoroughly. Serve immediately while warm or keep the slow cooker on the warm setting until ready to enjoy. These are best enjoyed fresh for the full flavor experience.
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I have always loved the pepperoncini peppers here because they brighten this dish with just the right amount of tang and slight spice. This recipe brings back memories of lively holiday parties where everyone would gather round the slow cooker and share stories over a tasty bite.
Storage Tips
Leftover Mississippi Lil Smokies can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat adding a splash of water or pepperoncini juice to revive the sauce without drying out the sausages.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find pepperoncini peppers you can try using banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños for a slightly different but still flavorful tang. Ranch seasoning packets can be swapped for a homemade mix of dried herbs garlic powder and onion powder combined with a bit of mayo or sour cream as a dipping option.
Serving Suggestions
These lil smokies pair beautifully with crusty bread or soft pretzels to soak up the sauce. Adding some mustard or a creamy dip on the side can also complement the smoky and tangy flavors. They make a great finger-food alongside cold drinks at casual get-togethers
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausages are used?
Miniature smoked sausages, commonly called lil smokies, are used for their smoky flavor and small size perfect for appetizers.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adjusting the number of pepperoncini peppers or their juice will vary the tangy heat to your preference.
- → Is it necessary to use butter?
Butter enriches the au jus gravy, adding a smooth, luscious texture to the sauce that complements the sausages.
- → Can this be cooked on high instead of low?
Yes, cooking on high reduces the time to 1-2 hours but slow cooking on low allows deeper flavor melding.
- → What is the best way to serve these lil smokies?
Serve warm directly from the slow cooker as a party finger food, alongside toothpicks or small plates for easy handling.