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Crock Pot Mississippi Lit'l Smokies transform ordinary cocktail sausages into flavor-packed bites that capture all the beloved tastes of Mississippi-style cooking. After discovering this recipe during a football season, I've found it's become my most requested party appetizer, combining the ease of slow cooking with irresistible savory-tangy flavors.
Last weekend, I served these at a family gathering, and they disappeared so quickly I wished I'd made a double batch. The combination of tender sausages and zesty sauce keeps everyone coming back for more.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Lit'l Smokies: Choose regular or turkey varieties based on preference. Look for packages without tears or damage.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Select whole peppers for milder heat, or sliced for more intensity.
- Au Jus Mix: Grab low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
- Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade allows more control over ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for controlling the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Pepperoncini Juice: This brings the signature tangy flavor - don't discard it!
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Initial Setup:
- Start with a clean, dry 6-quart slow cooker. The size is important here - too small and the sausages won't cook evenly, too large and they might dry out. Place the Lit'l Smokies in first, ensuring they're spread in an even layer.
- Seasoning Application:
- Layer your seasonings thoughtfully. Sprinkle the au jus and ranch mixes evenly over the sausages, ensuring good coverage. Cut the butter into cubes and distribute them across the top - they'll melt slowly, creating a rich sauce.
- Sauce Development:
- Pour the pepperoncini juice over everything last, allowing it to help distribute the seasonings evenly. Place whole pepperoncini peppers strategically throughout the slow cooker - they'll infuse their flavor during cooking while staying intact for those who want extra heat.
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My first attempt at this recipe taught me that patience is key - rushing the cooking process on high heat can lead to burnt edges and uneven flavoring. Now I always plan ahead to allow for proper low-heat cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Through years of entertaining, I've discovered multiple ways to serve these versatile bites. For casual gatherings, I leave them in the slow cooker with small plates and toothpicks nearby. For sit-down dinners, I've served them over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead Tips
These Lit'l Smokies can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let the insert come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Alternative Uses
Don't limit these to appetizers! I've used leftovers in creative ways - chopped and added to breakfast scrambles, tossed with pasta, or even as pizza toppings. The possibilities are endless with these flavorful bites.
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This Mississippi Lit'l Smokies recipe has become my go-to for effortless entertaining. It proves that sometimes the simplest recipes, when made with the right combination of ingredients, can become the most memorable dishes at any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long can I keep these warm in the crock pot?
- They can stay on the warm setting for up to 4 hours. Add a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
- → Where do I find pepperoncini juice?
- Just use the liquid from a jar of pepperoncini peppers. Save the peppers for garnish or other recipes.
- → Can I double this recipe?
- Yes, just make sure to use a larger 7-8 quart slow cooker and add an extra hour to the cooking time.
- → What goes well on the side?
- Serve with toothpicks and sides like barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping.
- → Can I prepare this the night before?
- Mix all ingredients in the crock pot insert, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add 30 minutes to cooking time if starting cold.