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I stumbled upon these Mississippi Tiny Sausages while planning a sports viewing bash and they've turned into my favorite crowd-winning snack. The way these smoky links absorb that zesty pepperoncini butter mixture creates pure magic in your crockpot. Whenever I bring these tasty bites out, they vanish quicker than I can count.
Simple Gathering Wonder
What really gets me about this dish is how it almost cooks itself. Throw a few things together and your slow cooker handles everything else, building those fantastic Mississippi tastes. That mix of zippy pepperoncini, smooth butter and well-flavored sausages keeps guests grabbing for more.
Your Ingredients
- Lit'l Smokies: These small sausages work great but I've thrown in cut-up kielbasa too when I'm in a pinch.
- Pepperoncini Juice: Brings that nice zing but you can swap it with water for a gentler taste.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Makes that deep flavorful base and I grab low sodium when I'm cutting back on salt.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Gives that ideal tangy kick though sometimes I whip up my own mixture.
- Unsalted Butter: Ties all flavors together with creamy goodness.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: They add just the right mild spice but banana peppers do the trick too.
Making Your Dish
- Fill Your Cooker
- Begin by dropping those sausages into your crockpot then add a nice pour of pepperoncini juice.
- Add Your Flavors
- Scatter your spice mixes across everything then top with butter chunks and those tangy pepper pieces.
- Time to Cook
- Let everything simmer together for several hours stirring now and then to mix the flavors around.
- Serve It Up
- Keep them hot in the cooker or transfer to a fancy dish and don't forget to put out some toothpicks.
Great Sidekicks
These tasty tidbits go wonderfully with hot garlic toast or crunchy breadsticks. I'll sometimes put them on top of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a fuller meal. They're always the first food to disappear at get-togethers no matter how I present them.
Simplify Your Day
I usually get everything ready the evening before and just stick the pot into my slow cooker when it's time to start cooking. Any extras stay good in the fridge for snacking during the week or freeze really well for future parties.
Change It Around
I sometimes throw in chopped onions or sprinkle extra chili flakes when I want more kick. A sprinkle of grated cheese melted over the top at the finish makes an awesome touch. You can try tons of different things once you get the hang of the main idea.
What Makes Them Special
There's just something about how these flavors work together that makes folks come back for seconds. The simple prep plus that rich tasty sauce turns these little sausages into stars at every party. Whether you serve them as starters or with dinner they always wow everyone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make it less spicy?
Swap out pepperoncini juice for water and leave out the peppers to tone down the heat.
- → Can I prepare this earlier?
Absolutely. Cook them, then keep them warm in the crockpot. They’ll stay good for hours on the warm setting.
- → Why combine ranch and au jus?
This pairing creates that distinct Mississippi flavor, a great mix of savory and tangy.
- → Can I double up this dish?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is big enough and use the same ingredient proportions.
- → Should frozen smokies be thawed first?
Yes, defrost them before slow cooking to ensure they cook evenly.