Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies

The Ultimate Slow-Cooked Appetizer for Effortless Entertaining

If you’re looking for the ultimate game-day snack, a no-fuss party appetizer, or simply something delightfully savory to toss into the slow cooker and forget about—look no further than Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies. This dish takes the flavor magic of Mississippi pot roast and shrinks it down into bite-sized cocktail sausages that are bursting with bold ranch and au jus richness, finished with a buttery tang from pepperoncini juice and whole peppers.

Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, planning a potluck, or just craving something salty, meaty, and incredibly easy to prepare, these little smokies are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know to make this dish shine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: Set it and forget it—your slow cooker does all the work.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Always a hit at parties, holidays, and casual gatherings.

• Minimal Ingredients: Just six simple components pack a flavor punch.

• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level with the amount and preparation of pepperoncinis.

• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer or even turn it into a main dish.

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Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)

To make a classic batch of Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies, you’ll need:

For the Main Dish:

• 28 oz (approx. 2 cups) Lil Smokies cocktail sausages – These mini smoked sausages come pre-cooked and packed with flavor. You can use pork, beef, or turkey varieties.

• ¼ cup pepperoncini juice – This adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

• 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix – Adds depth and savory umami to the sauce.

• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix – Adds herby, creamy, and tangy notes.

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons – Melts into the sauce for a luxurious finish.

• 5–6 whole pepperoncini peppers – For flavor and a slight kick. You can slice them if you like it spicier.

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by placing all the Lil Smokies into the base of your 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Spread them out evenly so they warm consistently.

2. Add the Flavor Bases

Pour ¼ cup of pepperoncini juice over the sausages. This adds that signature Mississippi tang.

Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. These two seasonings are the powerhouse behind the dish’s mouthwatering flavor.

3. Top with Butter and Peppers

Distribute the sliced butter across the top of the sausages. Then place 5–6 whole pepperoncini peppers on top. These will soften during cooking and release additional flavor into the dish.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the dish cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once around the halfway mark. The butter will melt, the seasonings will blend into a saucy glaze, and the sausages will soak in all that delicious flavor.

Note: You can also cook on HIGH for about 1–1½ hours if you’re in a hurry.

5. Stir and Serve

Before serving, give everything a good stir to coat the sausages in that buttery, seasoned glaze. Switch your slow cooker to the “WARM” setting to keep everything hot and party-ready.

Provide toothpicks for easy serving, or spoon over mashed potatoes or rice for a main dish option.

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Prep Time and Nutrition

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 2–3 hours

• Total Time: ~2 hours 10 minutes

• Servings: 12 (approx. 4–5 sausages per serving)

• Calories: ~182 kcal per serving

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Serving Suggestions

These Lit’l Smokies are incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to serve them:

As an Appetizer:

• In a serving bowl with cocktail picks

• On a charcuterie board with cheese cubes and pickles

• With a side of honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sriracha ranch dip

As a Main Dish:

• Piled on top of mashed potatoes

• Tucked into soft slider buns with melted cheese

• Served with buttered noodles or rice

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Expert Tips for Success

• Spice it Up: Slice the pepperoncinis before adding them to increase the heat and tang.

• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium ranch and au jus packets if watching your salt intake.

• Make Ahead: You can assemble everything in the crock the night before and refrigerate. Just turn it on the next day.

• Double the Batch: Feeding a crowd? Double all the ingredients and use a larger 6–8 qt slow cooker.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

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Variations

Sweet and Spicy Smokies

Add ¼ cup of brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

Barbecue Ranch Smokies

Swap the au jus packet for ¼ cup barbecue sauce and cook as directed.

Cheesy Lit’l Smokies

Add shredded cheddar cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Cover and let it melt for a creamy twist.

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Clean-Up Tips

• Slow Cooker Liners are a game-changer. Simply remove and discard when done—no scrubbing necessary.

• If you’re skipping liners, soak the crock in hot, soapy water right after serving to make cleanup easier.

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Perfect for Any Occasion

• Game Day Snacks

• Birthday Parties

• Holiday Appetizers

• Tailgate Buffets

• Potlucks and Picnics

These sausages are incredibly easy to keep warm, don’t require much fuss to serve, and disappear fast.

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Flavor Profile

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re tasting:

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, indulgent, and satisfying dish that can feed a crowd without a ton of prep or ingredients, this Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies recipe is a must-try. It’s a clever adaptation of a viral favorite—Mississippi pot roast—but with even less commitment and all the flavor packed into convenient, ready-to-eat bites.

Perfect for any occasion and customizable to your tastes, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.