Mississippi Little Smokies bring a burst of flavor to your table, combining savory sausages with a tangy, zesty sauce. This easy-to-make dish works wonderfully for parties, game day, or family gatherings. With its irresistible balance of sweetness and heat, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hit that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Why We Love This Mississippi Little Smokies
There’s something magical about the combination of the little sausages and the special sauce used in Mississippi Little Smokies. You get that perfect blend of spicy and sweet, making them a hit among people of all ages. They are truly versatile, serving as a superb appetizer or snack for any occasion. The ease of preparation only enhances their appeal. You can slow-cook them in a crockpot or whip them up on the stove. No matter your method, the result is a delicious, mouth-watering dish that satisfies cravings and keeps everyone talking.
Ingredients for Mississippi Little Smokies
- 2 pounds little smokies sausages
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Toss in the little smokies sausages, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce mixture.
- Place the coated sausages into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If using the stovetop, cook on low heat, allowing the sausages to simmer gently for about 30-45 minutes.
- Serve the Little Smokies hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
How to Serve Mississippi Little Smokies
Serving Mississippi Little Smokies is a delight because they are so easily adaptable to any occasion. You can serve them straight from the slow cooker to keep them warm, allowing guests to help themselves. Consider using a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as extra barbecue sauce or a zesty mustard, to enhance the flavor experience. Pair them with some fresh veggie sticks for a crunchy contrast, or set out a platter of soft rolls or sliders for a complete meal option. These little delights are great for casual dinners or festive gatherings, where guests can mingle, dip, and savor the rich flavors. Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, as these saucy bites can get a bit messy in the best way!
Expert Tips for Mississippi Little Smokies
To make the most of your Mississippi Little Smokies, keep a few key tips in mind. First, choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor; you want them to have a good balance of spice and savory taste. When mixing your sauce, ensure the grape jelly melts and blends seamlessly with the barbecue sauce for a smoother texture. If you enjoy spicy flavors, feel free to experiment with the amount of hot sauce you add; a little can go a long way. Consider making the sauce ahead of time to really allow the flavors to meld. Using a slow cooker is ideal, but if you are short on time, cooking them on the stove can yield delicious results, just keep an eye on the heat to avoid sticking. Lastly, don’t forget to garnish them right before serving for a nice presentation.
How to Store Mississippi Little Smokies
Storing Mississippi Little Smokies is straightforward. If you have any leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating is easy; simply microwave them for a minute or two, or reheat them in a pan over low heat. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked sausages. Place them in a freezer-safe container with some of the sauce and enjoy them within 2 to 3 months for the best flavor.
Variations of Mississippi Little Smokies
There are plenty of ways to put your spin on Mississippi Little Smokies. If you wish to switch up the taste, try different flavored barbecue sauces or even mustard-based sauces for a tangier finish. For a sweeter twist, you can use fruit preserves like apricot or peach instead of grape jelly. Going for a smoky flavor? Add a bit of smoked paprika to the sauce mix. To make your dish healthier, opt for turkey or chicken sausages instead of pork-based varieties. You can also include some chopped onions or bell peppers in the slow cooker for added texture and flavor. Each variation will leave you with a unique dish that still retains the charm of the original.
FAQ about Mississippi Little Smokies
What are Mississippi Little Smokies?
Mississippi Little Smokies are small sausages cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce made from barbecue sauce and grape jelly, often enjoyed as appetizers or snacks.
How do I serve Mississippi Little Smokies?
Serve Mississippi Little Smokies straight from the slow cooker, garnished with parsley, and offer a variety of dipping sauces for guests to enjoy.
Can I make Mississippi Little Smokies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausages ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for grape jelly in Mississippi Little Smokies?
You can use other fruit preserves like apricot or peach jam for a different flavor profile while still maintaining sweetness.
Are Mississippi Little Smokies spicy?
The level of spiciness can vary depending on the amount of hot sauce you add. You can adjust this to your liking for a mild or spicier dish.
Mississippi Little Smokies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pounds little smokies sausages Choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Feel free to use different flavored barbecue sauces.
- 1 cup grape jelly You can substitute with apricot or peach preserves.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce Optional, adjust to taste for desired heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, grape jelly, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Toss in the little smokies sausages, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce mixture.
Cooking
- Place the coated sausages into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If using the stovetop, cook on low heat, allowing the sausages to simmer gently for about 30-45 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the Little Smokies hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
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