Mississippi Smokies Recipe

Quick Mississippi Smokies Recipe: Savory Southern Comfort Bites

Smoky, savory, and irresistibly delectable, these Mississippi smokies will steal the show at any gathering.

Southern comfort meets pure indulgence with this mouthwatering appetizer.

Bacon-wrapped sausages dripping with a tangy glaze create an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and smoky notes that keep you coming back for more.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create something extraordinary.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with these crowd-pleasing bites.

You won’t be able to resist these addictive little treats that vanish faster than you can prepare them.

Mississippi Smokies Southern Appeal

  • Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients into slow cooker without complicated chopping or extensive preparation, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results with minimal effort.
  • Flavor Explosion Potential: Combine tangy pepperoncini juice, savory au jus mix, and zesty ranch seasoning to create a mouthwatering blend that transforms simple smokies into a crowd-pleasing dish.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where guests can easily serve themselves with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Convenience: Slow cooker method allows you to walk away and let the appliance do the work, giving you extra time to relax or prepare other parts of your meal without constant monitoring.

Ingredients in Mississippi Smokies

Main Ingredients:
  • Smokies: Flavorful sausage links that form the base of this delicious slow cooker dish.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers: Tangy and mild peppers that add a zesty kick to the recipe.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, savory sauce.
Seasoning Mixes:
  • Au Jus Mix, Ranch Mix: Dry seasoning blends that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Pepperoncini Juice: Adds a bright, tangy liquid component that helps develop the sauce and keep the smokies moist.

Cooking Mississippi Smokies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Place the smokies into the slow cooker and pour the tangy pepperoncini juice over them, ensuring the sausages are evenly coated.

Step 2: Sprinkle Flavor Enhancers

Generously dust the smokies with au jus and ranch seasoning mixes, creating a rich and zesty coating that will infuse deep flavor throughout the dish.

Step 3: Add Creamy and Tangy Toppings

  • Scattered butter pieces
  • Whole pepperoncini peppers

Dot the top of the smokies with small butter chunks and strategically place pepperoncini peppers across the surface for added texture and taste.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the smokies simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.

This gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the sausages are heated thoroughly and become incredibly tender.

Step 5: Serve with a Twist

Before serving, give the smokies a good stir to distribute the delicious sauce evenly.

This final mix ensures every bite is packed with the rich, tangy flavors developed during cooking.

Tips for Smoky Sausage Bites

  • Reserve some pepperoncini juice for extra tangy kick after cooking.
  • Cut butter into small cubes for even melting and better sauce distribution.
  • Remove pepperoncini seeds for milder taste or add more for intense heat.
  • Let smokies rest 10 minutes after cooking to absorb more sauce and enhance flavors.
  • Prepare mixture night before and refrigerate for deeper taste development.

Fun Variations for Mississippi Smokies

  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace pepperoncini with diced jalapeños and their juice for a hotter version of the dish.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute smokies with plant-based sausage links or smoked tofu for a meat-free alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use sugar-free ranch mix, replace butter with ghee, and choose low-carb sausage links to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify ranch and au jus mixes are gluten-free, or create homemade seasoning blends to ensure no wheat-based ingredients are used.

Ways to Serve Mississippi Smokies

  • Tangy Party Platter: Serve these zesty smokies on a large wooden board with toothpicks, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
  • Sandwich Sensation: Pile the juicy smokies onto soft slider buns with a drizzle of the remaining sauce for a quick and delicious mini sandwich.
  • Appetizer Elegance: Present the smokies in a chic ceramic dish garnished with fresh chopped parsley, creating an elevated look for cocktail parties or potlucks.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Pair the smokies with creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted vegetables to transform them into a satisfying main course meal.

Storage Solutions for Mississippi Smokies

  • Store any remaining Mississippi Smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, potentially tasting even better the next day.
  • Carefully transfer cooled smokies to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. These will keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead party dish.
  • Warm refrigerated smokies in a slow cooker on low for 30-45 minutes, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and maintain moisture.
  • Combine all ingredients except butter the night before and refrigerate. Add butter just before cooking to save time and enhance meal preparation convenience.

FAQs

  • What are smokies?

Smokies are small, pre-cooked sausages typically made from beef, pork, or a combination of meats, known for their smoky flavor and convenient size.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smokies with little cocktail sausages, kielbasa, or even hot dogs for a similar dish.

  • Is pepperoncini juice necessary?

The pepperoncini juice adds tangy flavor and helps create a unique sauce, but you can use a splash of vinegar or pickle juice as an alternative.

  • Do I need to prep the ingredients before slow cooking?

No prep is required. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker as directed, and the cooking process will blend the flavors naturally.

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Mississippi Smokies Recipe

Mississippi Smokies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sizzling Mississippi Smokies bring Southern charm to your party spread, combining crispy bacon, zesty barbecue sauce, and smoky sausages. Guests will devour these irresistible appetizers that promise a flavor-packed bite of pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 28 ounces (794 grams) little smokies

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pepperoncini juice
  • 1 packet au jus gravy mix
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning

Fats and Additional Flavors:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 6 pepperoncini peppers

Instructions

  1. Arrange smokies in the slow cooker, carefully pouring pepperoncini juice over the top to enhance flavor depth.
  2. Evenly distribute au jus and ranch seasoning mixes across the smokies, ensuring complete coverage for robust taste profile.
  3. Strategically place butter pieces and whole pepperoncini peppers throughout the slow cooker to infuse rich, tangy notes.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set temperature to low, allowing ingredients to gently meld together for 2-3 hours until thoroughly heated.
  5. Before serving, gently stir the mixture to create a uniform, glossy sauce that coats each smokie with complex, zesty flavors.

Notes

  • Swap pepperoncini juice for pickle juice or hot sauce to customize the flavor profile.
  • Use vegetarian sausage alternatives for a plant-based version that maintains the same zesty taste.
  • Drain excess liquid before serving to prevent a watery consistency and concentrate the rich sauce.
  • Try different seasoning mixes like cajun or barbecue powder for unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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