When it comes to party food, tailgating snacks, or easy weeknight treats, Mississippi Lil Smokies are a classic go-to. These little cocktail sausages are smothered in a sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce that comes together with just a few pantry staples. The best part? They’re effortless to prepare, can be made on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker, and they never fail to disappear quickly at gatherings.

This recipe is a variation of the famous Mississippi roast flavors, using BBQ sauce, grape jelly, and Worcestershire to create a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, bringing something to a potluck, or just want a fun snack for the family, these little sausages will hit the spot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Just five ingredients and almost no prep time.

• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a bite-sized smoky sausage coated in sticky sauce.

• Versatile: Works as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish at BBQs.

• Adaptable cooking methods: Make it in the crockpot for hands-off cooking, simmer on the stovetop for speed, or bake in the oven for convenience.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mississippi Lil Smokies:

• 1 (14 oz) package cocktail sausages (Lil Smokies)

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite – smoky, spicy, or sweet)

• ½ cup grape jelly (provides sweetness and balance)

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds savory depth)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a little tang)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth. The combination might sound unusual, but it creates the signature sweet-and-savory glaze that makes this recipe irresistible.

2. Combine with Sausages

Place the cocktail sausages in a skillet, saucepan, slow cooker, or baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over them and stir until the sausages are evenly coated.

3. Cook the Lil Smokies

Depending on your method of choice:

• Stovetop: Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–1.5 hours. Perfect for parties since they stay warm in the pot.

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

4. Serve

Once the sauce is thick and glossy, transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

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Tips for Success

1. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the grape jelly to ⅓ cup and add a splash of hot sauce.

2. Make ahead: Prepare a day in advance and reheat in the slow cooker before serving. The flavors deepen overnight.

3. Double the recipe: For larger parties, simply double or triple the ingredients. These disappear fast!

4. Keep warm: If serving at a buffet or potluck, keep the sausages in a slow cooker on the "warm" setting.

5. Try different mustards: Dijon adds a smooth tang, but spicy brown mustard gives extra punch.

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Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha to the sauce.

• Fruit Swaps: Substitute grape jelly with apricot preserves, orange marmalade, or cranberry sauce for a different flavor profile.

• Different Sausages: Use mini chicken sausages, turkey sausages, or even cut-up hot dogs.

• Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each Lil Smokie in bacon before coating with the sauce. Bake until the bacon is crisp.

• Cheesy Smokies: Stir in shredded cheddar or top with grated Parmesan just before serving for a gooey, indulgent twist.

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Serving Ideas

Mississippi Lil Smokies are most often served as appetizers, but they can easily be part of a meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

• With toothpicks or skewers as a finger food for parties.

• On toasted slider buns with coleslaw for quick mini sandwiches.

• Paired with macaroni and cheese or baked beans for a Southern-style dinner.

• Over steamed rice for a fast and filling comfort meal.

• Alongside cornbread muffins or biscuits to soak up the extra sauce.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked Lil Smokies with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in a slow cooker on low until heated through. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to avoid splattering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another jelly besides grape?
Absolutely. Apricot, peach, cranberry, or even hot pepper jelly work wonderfully. Each gives the dish a different flavor twist.

2. Do I need to cook the sausages first?
No, cocktail sausages are pre-cooked. You’re simply heating them through and infusing them with the sauce.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetarian cocktail sausages and swap Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian version (or soy sauce) to make the recipe fully meat-free.

4. How do I thicken the sauce more?
If you want a stickier glaze, simmer the sauce uncovered a few extra minutes on the stovetop until it reduces.

5. Are Mississippi Lil Smokies gluten-free?
That depends on the brand of sausages and BBQ sauce. Many are gluten-free, but check labels to be sure.

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Nutrition Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Sugars: 14g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 550mg

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Final Thoughts

Mississippi Lil Smokies are proof that simple ingredients can create a big impact. With their sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor, they’ve become a party classic for good reason. Whether you’re making them for game day, family movie night, or holiday gatherings, this recipe guarantees happy guests and empty plates.

Once you try them, you’ll see why this dish has earned its place among the most beloved appetizers in American cooking.