Mississippi Smokies

Mississippi Smokies are a delightful twist on classic little smokies, offering a rich, tangy flavor that makes them perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a family reunion, or just a cozy night in, this slow-cooked appetizer is sure to impress. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini creates a unique Mississippi-style flair that’s both simple and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work.
• Flavorful: The blend of ranch seasoning and pepperoncini juice elevates traditional little smokies to a whole new level.
• Versatile: Perfect for parties, game days, or even as a comforting snack at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its addictive taste, this dish is sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
• Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less time spent cleaning up after the feast.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mississippi Smokies seamlessly, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure amazing results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• 6-quart slow cooker: Ideal for making large batches of Mississippi Smokies without any hassle.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping butter and preparing other ingredients quickly.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate amounts of each ingredient for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

A twist on classic little smokies, slow-cooked with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini for that Mississippi-style flavor.

For the Smokies

• 28 ounce package little smokies
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
• 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into tablespoons
• 6 pepperoncini peppers

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Mississippi Smokies

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the little smokies in your 6-quart slow cooker. This ensures they have enough space to cook evenly.

Step 2: Add the Pepperoncini Juice

Pour the pepperoncini juice over the smokies. This will infuse them with tangy flavor as they cook.

Step 3: Season the Dish

Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning over the smokies. These seasonings are what give Mississippi Smokies their distinctive taste.

Step 4: Add Butter and Peppers

Top everything with cubes of butter and place the whole pepperoncini peppers on top. The butter will melt during cooking, enriching the dish further.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Before serving, give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious juices. Enjoy your flavorful Mississippi Smokies!

How to Serve Mississippi Smokies

Mississippi Smokies are a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this flavorful dish.

On Sliders

• Mini Buns: Serve Mississippi Smokies on soft mini buns for a tasty slider option. Add a pickle slice for extra crunch.
• Toppings: Offer toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños for guests to customize their sliders.

With Dips

• Ranch Dressing: Pair the smokies with ranch dressing on the side for dipping, enhancing the ranch flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Provide a tangy BBQ sauce for those who prefer a sweet and smoky contrast.

As Party Food

• Skewers: Thread the smokies onto skewers for easy serving at parties. This makes them fun and convenient to eat.
• Chafing Dish: Keep them warm in a chafing dish during parties so guests can enjoy them throughout the event.

How to Perfect Mississippi Smokies

To ensure your Mississippi Smokies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Use fresh pepperoncini for added flavor and spice.
• Bold butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
• Bold slow cooking: Allow enough cooking time on low heat for flavors to meld beautifully.
• Bold stirring: Stir well before serving to mix all the ingredients evenly.
• Bold serve hot: Serve immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Mississippi Smokies

When hosting or enjoying Mississippi Smokies, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Bold Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the smokies.
2. Bold Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a hearty contrast that guests love.
3. Bold Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a delightful addition that pairs well with savory dishes.
4. Bold Baked Beans: Rich baked beans enhance the smoky flavor profile of this dish.
5. Bold Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser alongside smokies.
6. Bold Vegetable Tray: Fresh veggies with dip offer a healthy option on your appetizer spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mississippi Smokies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few tips to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly.

• Not measuring ingredients: Always measure your ranch seasoning and au jus mix accurately. Too much seasoning can overpower the dish.
• Overcooking smokies: Cooking the smokies for too long can make them tough. Stick to the recommended 2-3 hours on low for the best texture.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality little smokies or butter can impact flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Skipping the stir: Failing to stir the ingredients before serving may leave some flavors concentrated in certain areas. Mix well for even flavor distribution.
• Forgetting to adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, use fewer pepperoncini peppers or omit them. Adjusting spice levels can tailor this dish to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mississippi Smokies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mississippi Smokies

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Mississippi Smokies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mississippi Smokies?

Mississippi Smokies are a delicious twist on classic little smokies, slow-cooked with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini for added flavor.

Can I customize my Mississippi Smokies?

Absolutely! You can add more spices or different types of peppers based on your taste preferences.

How long do Mississippi Smokies last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make Mississippi Smokies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve, making them perfect for parties.

Are there any variations of this recipe?

You can experiment with different seasonings, such as barbecue sauce or adding cheese for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Smokies are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys this delicious dish. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; you won’t be disappointed!