Crockpot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies

These Crockpot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies will quickly become your go-to appetizer. The recipe takes classic cocktail sausages and gives them a Mississippi-style makeover. 

You only need 5 minutes of prep to transform these little sausages into flavor-packed bites of joy. 

The au jus gravy, ranch seasoning, and pepperoncini will have everyone begging for more. And you’ll love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

This recipe is a win-win!

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies

Budget- & Freezer-Friendly: The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Enjoy them in sandwiches or served over rice with various sides.  

Crowd-Pleaser: The combo of ranch, au jus gravy, and tangy pepperoncini creates an irresistible sauce. It appeals to both adults and kids with its savory-tangy flavor profile.

Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of pepperoncini and juice used. For a milder version, substitute water for the pepperoncini juice.

Ingredients

• Lil Smokies: These mini smoked sausages are the star of the show. They’re the perfect bite-sized base for soaking up all the incredible flavors.

• Pepperoncini Juice: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick and helps create the signature Mississippi-style sauce. The brine from the jar works magic in tenderizing the sausages. Use an equal amount of water for a less spicy version. 

• Au Jus Gravy Mix: The rich, savory base for the sauce. It adds a deep, beefy flavor that makes Mississippi-style dishes so crave-worthy.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Brings a creamy, herby element to the dish. Its blend of herbs and spices perfectly complements the other flavors.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious sauce. Stick to unsalted butter since the other ingredients already pack plenty of sodium.

• Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy peppers are a classic Mississippi ingredient. They add both flavor and visual appeal to the final product.

How to Make Crockpot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies

These bite-sized delights are insanely easy to make. Simply fill the Crockpot, cook, stir, and enjoy! 

1. Fill the Crockpot. Add the Lit'l Smokies to a 6-quart slow cooker. Then, pour in the pepperoncini juice or water. Sprinkle the gravy mix and ranch seasoning over it, then add the cubed butter. The peppers go in last. 

2. Cook. Return the lid to the Crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. 

3. Stir and serve. Remove the lid and stir to incorporate the seasonings. Serve and enjoy! 

Tips for the Best Crockpot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies

Like most Crockpot recipes, this one is too easy to need many tips. But here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Go easy on the salt. Use unsalted butter to keep the salt content down. You can also use low-sodium seasoning packets if desired. 

• Keep them toasty. Once fully cooked, switch your Crockpot to the “warm” setting. Doing so will help you maintain the ideal serving temperature at gatherings. 

• Can’t find Lit'l Smokies? Substitute regular Polish sausage cut into rounds instead. They make an excellent replacement. 

How to Store

If you have leftovers, don’t throw them out. They’ll keep and freeze well for later use. 

To Store: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep the sauce with the sausages to maintain moisture and flavor during storage.

To Freeze: Place completely cooled sausages and sauce in a freezer-safe container. (If using a Ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible first.) Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.