Description
Mississippi Lil’ Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring miniature smoked sausages cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with zesty ranch and au jus seasonings, complemented by tangy pepperoncini peppers. Perfect for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings, these easy-to-make smokies can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop for convenience and flavorful results.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package Lil’ Smokies sausages
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- 6–8 pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced)
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini juice
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the Lil’ Smokies sausages in a slow cooker or medium saucepan. Add the unsalted butter, ranch seasoning mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice to the pot.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: If using a slow cooker, cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high heat for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the sausages are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Cook on Stovetop: If cooking on the stovetop, place the saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sausages are hot and fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, serve the Lil’ Smokies warm with toothpicks for easy snacking, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Notes
- These smokies are ideal for parties, game days, or holiday appetizers.
- You can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of barbecue sauce or a pinch of brown sugar to the mixture.
