Description
Mississippi Lil Smokies are a popular, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring cocktail sausages slow-cooked in a flavorful mix of beef gravy, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect savory, slightly spicy, and tangy bite that’s ideal for parties and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 28 ounces Lil Smokies cocktail sausages
- 12 ounces beef gravy (from a jar)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice (from jar)
Instructions
- Add Sausages: Place the 28 ounces of Lil Smokies cocktail sausages into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly at the bottom.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 12 ounces of jarred beef gravy, 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix, and ¼ cup of pepperoncini juice until fully blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared gravy and ranch mixture over the sausages in the slow cooker. Then, add ½ cup of pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Cook: Stir gently to ensure some distribution but leave some peppers visible on top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and sausages to warm through thoroughly.
- Serve: After cooking, serve the Lil Smokies warm directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks as a delicious appetizer for gatherings or casual snacking.
Notes
- Use mild or hot pepperoncini peppers depending on your heat preference.
- The pepperoncini juice adds tangy depth; do not discard.
- Keep the sausages in the slow cooker on warm setting if not served immediately.
- Try serving with crackers or bread for extra enjoyment.
- For a thicker sauce, stir occasionally during cooking or reduce liquid slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
