Mississippi Little Smokies Recipe (Crockpot Party Favorite)

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that practically makes itself, this Mississippi Little Smokies recipe is about to become your go-to. Savory cocktail sausages slow-cooked in butter, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini create a bold, buttery, and slightly zesty flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Inspired by the famous Mississippi-style flavor combination often associated with dishes like Mississippi Pot Roast, this appetizer transforms simple cocktail sausages into an irresistible party snack. Whether you’re hosting game night, planning a holiday spread, or just want something easy and comforting, this crockpot little smokies recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these buttery ranch sausages perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love Mississippi Little Smokies

There are hundreds of party appetizer sausages recipes out there, but this one stands apart. Here’s why:

• Minimal ingredients – Only five core ingredients.
• Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does all the work.
• Perfect for gatherings – Ideal for potlucks, tailgates, and holidays.
• Rich, bold flavor – Buttery, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy.
• Make-ahead friendly – Stays warm in the crockpot for hours.

These easy slow cooker appetizers are practically foolproof, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks.

What Are Mississippi Little Smokies?

Mississippi Little Smokies are bite-sized cocktail sausages cooked in a signature Mississippi-style sauce made with:

• Butter
• Ranch seasoning
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Pepperoncini juice

The combination creates a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the smoky richness of the sausages.

Unlike sweet barbecue-style little smokies, this recipe leans into bold, buttery ranch flavors with a gentle tang instead of sweetness.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Mississippi Little Smokies recipe:

• 2 pounds cocktail sausages (Little Smokies)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 6–8 whole pepperoncini peppers
• ¼ cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

That’s it. Just a handful of ingredients transforms into a flavor-packed appetizer.

Ingredient Breakdown & Tips

Cocktail Sausages

You can use beef, pork, or a combination. Choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor and texture.

Ranch Seasoning

This is the flavor backbone. It adds garlic, onion, herbs, and salt in one easy step.

Butter

Don’t skip it — butter creates the signature rich, silky sauce that coats every sausage.

Pepperoncini Peppers

These add brightness and tang without overwhelming heat. If you prefer more spice, add extra peppers.

Pepperoncini Juice

This balances the richness of the butter and enhances the tangy profile.

Instructions

1. Add the cocktail sausages to your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the sausages.
3. Slice the butter into chunks and distribute over the top.
4. Add whole pepperoncini peppers and pour in the pepperoncini juice.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours.
6. Stir halfway through cooking to evenly coat sausages in sauce.
7. Once heated through and coated in a glossy buttery sauce, switch to WARM setting.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve directly from the crockpot.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t Overcook

Little smokies are pre-cooked, so you’re simply heating and flavoring them. Overcooking can cause them to split.

2. Stir Occasionally

This helps distribute the sauce evenly and prevents butter from settling.

3. Keep Warm for Parties

The WARM setting keeps them ready to serve for hours without drying out.

4. Adjust Heat Level

Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want extra kick.

Flavor Variations

While this classic version is unbeatable, here are a few fun twists:

1. Creamy Mississippi Smokies

Add 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking for a richer sauce.

2. Spicy Kick Version

Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

3. BBQ Fusion

Mix in ½ cup barbecue sauce for a sweet-savory blend.

4. Honey Butter Twist

Add 1–2 tablespoons of honey for a sweet contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Mississippi Little Smokies are versatile and pair beautifully with:

• Toothpicks for easy grabbing
• Slider buns for mini sandwiches
• Mashed potatoes for a comforting meal
• Rice or egg noodles
• Party platters with cheese and crackers

They’re especially popular during football season and holiday gatherings.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These buttery ranch sausages shine at:

• Game day parties
• Potlucks
• Thanksgiving appetizers
• Christmas gatherings
• New Year’s Eve celebrations
• Casual family movie nights

Because they require almost no prep time, they’re ideal when you need something impressive without stress.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Make It on the Stovetop

No slow cooker? No problem.

1. Add all ingredients to a large saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-low for 20–25 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally until butter melts and sauce thickens.

Nutritional Overview

Mississippi Little Smokies are indulgent and rich, making them best enjoyed as a party treat rather than an everyday meal. You can lighten the recipe slightly by reducing butter or using turkey sausages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mississippi Little Smokies spicy?

Not very. Pepperoncini peppers add tang more than heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Combine everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate, and cook before serving.

Fun Food Fact

The “Mississippi” flavor trend gained popularity after the viral success of Mississippi-style pot roast recipes, known for combining ranch seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini. This appetizer version captures that same bold Southern-inspired flavor in bite-sized form.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker appetizer that delivers bold flavor with almost zero effort, this Mississippi Little Smokies recipe is your answer. Rich, buttery, tangy, and perfectly savory, it’s the kind of dish guests rave about — and request again and again.

Make it once, and it just might become your signature party snack.

Mississippi Little Smokies

Buttery, tangy crockpot cocktail sausages made with ranch seasoning and pepperoncini for the ultimate party appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs cocktail sausages
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
• 0.25 cup pepperoncini juice

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Add cocktail sausages to slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over sausages.
3. Top with sliced butter, pepperoncini, and juice.
4. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours.
5. Stir halfway through and keep warm until serving.

Notes

Adjust spice by adding more or fewer pepperoncini. Can be doubled for large gatherings.