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I discovered these Mississippi Lit'l Smokies when planning a game day party and they've become my go-to crowd pleaser. The way the smoky sausages soak up that tangy pepperoncini butter sauce creates something truly magical in your slow cooker. Every time I serve these little bites they disappear faster than I can keep track.
Pure Party Magic
What I love most about this recipe is how it practically makes itself. Just a few minutes of prep and your slow cooker does all the work creating those amazing Mississippi flavors. The combination of tangy pepperoncini creamy butter and perfectly seasoned smokies makes everyone coming back for seconds.
What You'll Need
- Lit'l Smokies: These tiny sausages are perfect but I've used sliced kielbasa too when needed.
- Pepperoncini Juice: This adds such wonderful tang swap with water if you need it milder.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Creates that rich savory base I use low sodium when watching salt.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds the perfect zesty touch sometimes I make my own blend.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings everything together with silky richness.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These give that perfect mild heat banana peppers work great too.
Let's Get Cooking
- Into the Pot
- Start by tumbling those smokies into your slow cooker then give them a good splash of pepperoncini juice.
- Season with Love
- Sprinkle your seasonings over everything then dot with butter and those tangy peppers.
- Low and Slow
- Let it all cook together for a few hours giving it an occasional stir to spread the flavors.
- Ready to Share
- Keep them warm in the pot or move to a pretty serving dish don't forget those toothpicks.
Perfect Pairings
These little beauties shine alongside warm garlic bread or crispy breadsticks. Sometimes I'll serve them over mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal. They're always the first thing to vanish at parties no matter how I serve them.
Make Life Easy
I often prep everything the night before and just pop the insert into my slow cooker when I'm ready to cook. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for quick snacks throughout the week or freeze perfectly for future gatherings.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I toss in some sliced onions or add extra chili flakes when I want more heat. A handful of shredded cheese melted on top at the end creates an amazing finish. The possibilities are endless once you get comfortable with the basic recipe.
Why Everyone Loves These
There's something about that perfect balance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. The ease of preparation combined with that rich savory sauce makes these little sausages a hit at every gathering. Whether served as appetizers or part of dinner they never fail to impress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these less spicy?
Yes, replace the pepperoncini juice with water and omit the peppers for a milder version.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, cook as directed and keep warm in the slow cooker. They'll stay good for several hours on the warm setting.
- → Why use both au jus and ranch mix?
This combination creates the classic "Mississippi" flavor profile that's both savory and tangy.
- → Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and maintain the same ratio of ingredients.
- → Do I need to thaw frozen smokies first?
Yes, thaw frozen smokies before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking.