Mississippi Little Smokies – SouthernRambles

Mississippi Little Smokies are a sweet, tangy, and savory slow-cooked appetizer that transforms simple cocktail sausages into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Gently simmered in a bold barbecue-mustard glaze, they develop deep flavor and a glossy, irresistible coating perfect for gatherings and game days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless slow-cooker preparation – Minimal prep work lets the appliance handle the cooking.
Bold sweet-tangy flavor balance – Barbecue sauce, mustard, honey, and Worcestershire create layered depth.
Perfect party appetizer – Bite-sized sausages are easy to serve with toothpicks.
Make-ahead friendly – Holds well on warm for hours without losing quality.
Simple pantry ingredients – Uses common condiments you likely already have.
Consistently crowd-pleasing – Familiar comfort flavors appeal to all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Little Smokies

2 packages (14 ounces each) cocktail sausages – Provide the savory, smoky base of the dish.
1 cup barbecue sauce – Adds sweetness, tang, and rich body to the glaze.
1/2 cup spicy brown mustard – Contributes sharpness and gentle heat for balance.
1/4 cup honey – Enhances sweetness and creates a glossy finish.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Deepens umami and complexity.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Builds subtle sweetness and depth.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Provides mild heat and seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the sauce – In a medium bowl, stir together barbecue sauce, spicy brown mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.

Add sausages to the slow cooker – Place the cocktail sausages into the slow cooker in an even layer to ensure uniform heating.

Coat with sauce – Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages and gently stir so each piece is evenly covered.

Slow cook until flavorful – Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve warm – Transfer to a serving dish or keep in the slow cooker on warm, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions and providing toothpicks for easy serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Stir occasionally during cooking – Prevents sticking and ensures even glaze coverage.
Cook on low rather than high – Gentle heat keeps sausages tender and juicy.
Adjust sweetness or heat – Add more honey for sweetness or hot sauce for spice.
Use quality barbecue sauce – The final flavor depends heavily on the sauce you choose.
Keep warm for serving – Slow cookers maintain ideal appetizer temperature.
Double easily for crowds – Scale ingredients without changing technique.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: About 10–12 appetizer portions
Calories: Approximately 220–300 per serving, depending on sausage brand and sauce used

Perfect Pairings

Classic party dips – Pair with cheese dip or spinach dip for variety.
Crunchy vegetable platters – Fresh celery or carrots balance richness.
Soft dinner rolls or sliders – Turn leftovers into mini sandwiches.
Cold beverages or beer – Complements the smoky-sweet glaze.

Ideal Occasions

Game day gatherings – Easy finger food for watching sports.
Holiday parties – Warm appetizer that serves a crowd.
Potluck events – Travels well in a slow cooker.
Casual family get-togethers – Simple, comforting snack everyone enjoys.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days – Store in an airtight container with sauce.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or slow cooker – Prevents sausages from drying out.
Freeze in sauce for longer storage – Keeps flavor and moisture intact for up to 2 months.
Stir before serving again – Redistributes thickened glaze evenly.

Creative Variations to Try

Spicy Mississippi version – Add pepperoncini slices or red pepper flakes.
Bourbon barbecue twist – Stir a splash of bourbon into the sauce.
Grape jelly classic fusion – Replace honey with grape jelly for retro flavor.
Smoky chipotle upgrade – Use chipotle barbecue sauce for deeper heat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sauce too thin – Cook uncovered briefly or stir in a little cornstarch slurry.
Too sweet – Add extra mustard or a splash of vinegar to balance.
Sausages drying out – Ensure they remain fully coated in sauce while heating.
Flavor seems flat – Increase Worcestershire, pepper, or garlic powder.

Why This Recipe Works

Slow cooking allows the sausages to absorb the sweet-tangy glaze while gently rendering their smoky fat into the sauce, creating a rich, cohesive coating. The balance of sugar, acid, spice, and umami ensures the flavor remains bold but not overwhelming. Because portions are small and protein-rich, the appetizer feels indulgent yet moderate in calories compared with heavier party foods.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Little Smokies are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward appetizer—warm, flavorful, and universally loved. With simple ingredients, flexible variations, and reliable slow-cooker convenience, they’re perfect for entertaining or casual snacking, while easy adjustments can tailor sweetness, spice, or overall richness to suit any preference.