– **Title**: Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs Lit’l Smokies sausages
– 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
– 1 packet Au Jus gravy mix
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
– 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers (with some juice)
– Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the Lit’l Smokies sausages in the bottom of a crock pot.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the Ranch seasoning mix and Au Jus gravy mix. Sprinkle this mixture over the sausages in the crock pot.
3. Cut the stick of butter into slices and place them on top of the sausage mixture.
4. Add the pepperoncini peppers along with a few tablespoons of their juice on top.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the sausages are heated through and the flavors have melded.
6. Once cooked, stir the mixture gently to combine and serve warm.
7. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lit’l Smokies: These small cocktail sausages are the star of the dish. If you can’t find them, consider using other types of small sausages, like kielbasa or your favorite smoked sausage. Quarter them to match the size!
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds great flavor! If you don’t have ranch mix, you can use a homemade blend of herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, or substitute with Italian dressing mix for a different taste.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This mix contributes a rich taste. If you’re out, try using beef bouillon or beef broth instead. Whisk in some cornstarch to thicken it if you prefer a gravy-like consistency.
Pepperoncini Peppers: These peppers bring a nice tanginess. If you want less heat, use banana peppers or omit them entirely. You could also chop them slightly to mix better with the dish.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. If you’re cutting back on butter, try using olive oil, which will still provide a nice flavor.
Diced Onion: It’s optional but adds depth. You can substitute green onions or shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do I Properly Layer My Ingredients in the Crock Pot?
Getting your layering right can impact how well the flavors meld together. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Start with the Lit’l Smokies at the bottom; this allows them to soak up the flavors as they cook.
- Sprinkle the ranch and au jus mixes next to evenly coat the sausages.
- Add the pepperoncini along with the juice for moisture and tang.
- Scatter the butter pieces on top to let them melt down into the dish.
- If you’re adding onion, toss it in at this stage.
- Finally, give everything a gentle stir – you don’t want to break the sausages! Stirring helps mix the seasonings evenly.
Following this order ensures that your dish cooks properly and has a great flavor throughout!
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Smokies:
- 2 pounds Lit’l Smokies (cocktail sausages)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers (whole)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup diced onion (optional, for additional flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 10 minutes of prep time to gather and mix all ingredients. After that, cook the dish in your crock pot on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This makes it easy to prepare ahead of time while you focus on other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Start by placing the Lit’l Smokies sausages in your crock pot. These little sausages will be the star of your dish, so make sure to spread them out evenly across the bottom.
2. Add the Seasoning Mixes:
Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix over the sausages. It’s important to coat them evenly so every bite is packed with flavor!
3. Add the Peppers and Onion:
Pour the whole pepperoncini peppers and their juice over the sausages and seasoning. If you’re using onion to add a little extra flavor, now’s the time to toss those diced pieces in, too!
4. Scatter the Butter:
Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the mixture in the crock pot. This will melt and add richness to your dish.
5. Mix it All Together:
Gently stir everything in the crock pot to combine the ingredients well. You want all the flavors to mix together nicely!
6. Let It Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the sausages are heated through and the flavors have blended beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cooking time is up, give everything a good stir before serving. Enjoy these warm as an appetizer or a tasty party snack. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Another Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Lit’l Smokies are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute them with other cooked sausages or even meatballs. Just ensure they are smaller in size for better cooking and serving. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the type of sausage used.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of pepperoncini peppers or even omit them altogether. Alternatively, adding a small amount of diced bell peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a day ahead! Simply place everything in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just place the insert back in the crock pot and cook as directed. This allows the flavors to blend nicely!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stove. For a fun variation, try them in a wrap or as a topping on nachos!
