I first tried this Mississippi-style spin on cocktail sausages at a potluck and was surprised by how a handful of pantry staples turned ordinary Lit’l Smokies into something dangerously snackable. Sticky, buttery, and savory with that familiar ranch-and-au-jus tang, these Crock Pot Mississippi Little Smokies are a go-to for game days, holidays, or an easy weeknight appetizer that feels special without the fuss. If you want something you can set and forget while you prep everything else, this is it — and it’s ridiculously kid-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe shines because it’s fast, budget-friendly, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. It takes common pantry mixes and one stick of butter to create a glossy, flavor-packed sauce that clings to each sausage. Make it for a last-minute party, a potluck contribution, or as a simple after-school snack that adults also reach for.
“Worked perfectly for our family movie night — only three ingredients from the grocery aisle and it was gone in 20 minutes.” — a real home-cook reaction
If you’re collecting easy sides and snacks for your next get-together, this pairs nicely with other make-ahead options like a hearty lentil sweet potato stew for a complete table.
Step-by-Step Overview
This recipe is intentionally simple. You’ll layer the Lit’l Smokies in the slow cooker, sprinkle two powdered mixes over them, pour melted butter on top, gently stir, and let the crock pot do the rest for 3–4 hours on low. The result is saucy, slightly caramelized little sausages that hold their shape and pack big flavor with minimal hands-on time.
If you like hands-off recipes with big payoff, try pairing with something crispy like crispy air fryer potato skins for texture contrast.
What You’ll Need
1 package of Lit’l Smokies (cocktail sausages), 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix, 1 packet of au jus gravy mix, 1 cup of unsalted butter
Notes on ingredients:
- Lit’l Smokies: use the cocktail sausage package size sold in your store (typically 14–16 oz). Beef, pork, or mixed varieties all work.
- Ranch and au jus packets add most of the flavor; substitute low-sodium mixes if you watch sodium.
- Unsalted butter helps you control salt—if using salted, taste before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the Lit’l Smokies in the crock pot in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the sausages.
- Melt the cup of butter and pour it over the sausages so the mixes start to dissolve into the fat.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring each little sausage is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until everything is hot and the sauce is glossy. Stir once halfway through the cook time if you can.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Quick tips inside the steps: melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop first to help the seasoning dissolve. If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the lid in the final 30 minutes to let a little liquid evaporate and concentrate the sauce.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These little smokies are incredibly versatile:
- Appetizer: serve with cocktail picks on a platter next to mustard or spicy ketchup.
- Slider station: tuck them into mini buns with pickles and coleslaw.
- Party bowl: add toothpicks and a bowl of warm honey mustard for dipping.
- Comfort side: spoon over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits for a casual dinner.
For a Tex-Mex twist, serve alongside taco-style sides like sweet potato turkey taco bowls to mix flavors and textures.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for 3–4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: portion into a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring, until just heated through.
- Oven: place in an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes).
Freezing: you can freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that texture may change slightly after freezing.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Stir once midway through cooking to redistribute sauce and avoid hot spots.
- If you want a glossier, stickier finish, uncover for the last 15–30 minutes of cooking.
- Use a 3–4 quart slow cooker for a single package; use a larger crock if doubling the recipe.
- To reduce sodium, swap in low-sodium or half packets of the mix and add a splash of Worcestershire or low-sodium soy to boost umami.
- Avoid overcooking: little smokies are pre-cooked; you’re warming and glazing them, so 3–4 hours on low is plenty.
For another easy-protein inspiration that’s great alongside this kind of snack, see this taco cottage cheese sweet potato bowl for a lighter counterpoint.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet & Spicy: add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes to the butter before pouring.
- BBQ Mississippi: swap half the butter for your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy glaze.
- Vegetarian: use plant-based cocktail sausages or small meatless meatballs and follow the same method.
- Cheesy: stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar at the end off heat for a melty coating.
- Cranberry Holiday: stir in 1/3 cup whole cranberry sauce at the end for a festive sweet-tart finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook these on high instead of low?
A: Yes. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 1.5–2 hours. Keep an eye on them to avoid splitting the sausages.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: You can, but some mixes are packaged in single servings—save the remainder of the packet in an airtight bag for another use. Adjust butter proportionally.
Q: Are these safe to leave in a crock pot on warm for long periods?
A: For food safety, keep the crock set to “warm” only for short windows after the 3–4 hour cook. Don’t hold above four hours on warm for serving at room temperature events; transfer to an insulated container if you need to keep them out longer.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce?
A: Stir together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water, then whisk into the crock for the last 15 minutes and cook uncovered to thicken.
Q: Can I bake instead of using a slow cooker?
A: Yes—spread in a shallow baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes, stirring once.
Conclusion
These Crock Pot Mississippi Little Smokies are a dependable, no-fuss recipe that delivers big flavor from just a few ingredients — perfect for busy hosts and home cooks alike. For a version with extra notes and community-tested tips, check the original take on the dish at Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies – The Country Cook, and read another home-cook variation and serving ideas at Crockpot Mississippi Little Smokies – Shaken Together.
PrintCrock Pot Mississippi Little Smokies
A simple, budget-friendly appetizer featuring cocktail sausages, ranch seasoning, and au jus gravy mix cooked in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 package Lit’l Smokies (14–16 oz)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Place the Lit’l Smokies in the crock pot in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the sausages.
- Melt the cup of butter and pour it over the sausages.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring each sausage is coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring once halfway through if possible.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg