Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe

Sizzling Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe: Southern Comfort Bites

Savory mississippi lil smokies dance across my plate with irresistible southern charm.

Wrapped in crispy bacon, these tiny sausages promise a flavor explosion that will make everyone pause.

Sticky sweet glaze coats each morsel, creating an appetizer that vanishes faster than you can serve them.

Little bites pack massive taste, combining smoky, tangy, and rich elements in one perfect package.

Game day crowds and casual gatherings adore these simple yet magnificent snacks.

Warm comfort meets unexpected deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing recipe that demands immediate attention.

You’ll want to double the batch because these morsels disappear in moments.

Why Mississippi Lil Smokies Are The Perfect Party Bites

  • Crazy Quick Cooking: Minimal prep work means you can transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy sauces creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Versatile Party Superstar: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or casual family get-togethers where guests want something deliciously addictive.
  • Beginner-Friendly Magic: Even novice cooks can nail this recipe with simple mixing and baking steps that guarantee impressive results every single time.

What You’ll Need For Mississippi Lil Smokies

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Little Smokies Sausages: Bite-sized cocktail sausages that form the protein base of this delectable appetizer.
For the Sauce Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Mississippi Comeback Sauce, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce: A dynamic blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that creates a rich and complex glaze for the sausages.
  • Hot Sauce, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy seasonings that add depth and heat to the sauce, creating a bold flavor profile.
For the Garnish and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, crisp contrast to the rich and glazed sausages, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy food release and simple cleanup of the baking dish.

How To Make Mississippi Lil Smokies In Minutes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a baking dish a quick spray of non-stick magic to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Brown sugar
  • Mississippi comeback sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Blend until the mixture looks glossy and smooth like a culinary masterpiece.

Step 3: Coat Those Sausages

Gently tumble the little smokies into the spicy-sweet sauce, making sure every single sausage gets a perfect, glistening jacket of flavor.

Step 4: Arrange In Baking Dish

Spread the saucy sausages in a single layer across the prepared baking dish, allowing each piece maximum exposure to heat and flavor.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it sizzle for 25-30 minutes. Give the sausages an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization.

Step 6: Check For Golden Goodness

Pull the dish out when the sauce looks thick and the sausages sport a crispy, deep golden glaze.

Step 7: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle a vibrant confetti of chopped green onions and parsley over the hot sausages for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and sauce to set. Serve piping hot as an irresistible appetizer or party snack that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Helpful Tips For Mississippi Lil Smokies

  • Prep Like a Pro: Spray the baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent stubborn sauce residue and ensure easy cleanup.
  • Mix Master Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to every sausage, distributing flavors evenly.
  • Coat with Care: Gently fold sausages in the marinade, making sure each piece gets a complete, even coating for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Strategic Baking: Spread sausages in a single layer to promote consistent cooking and prevent crowding, allowing each morsel to caramelize beautifully.
  • Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and parsley just before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the entire dish.

Fun Flavor Twists For Mississippi Lil Smokies

  • Slow Cooker Version: Transfer sausages and sauce to a slow cooker, cook on low for 2-3 hours for tender, deeply flavored little smokies without oven monitoring.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace Mississippi comeback sauce with diced jalapeños and sriracha for an extra-hot version that brings serious heat to the appetizer.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the same delicious sausage experience.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap little smokies with plant-based sausage links or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the original sauce's bold flavor profile while creating a meat-free option.

Tasty Pairings With Mississippi Lil Smokies

  • Pair with Bold Beer Blast: Robust, hoppy IPAs or amber ales perfectly cut through the sweet and spicy glaze, creating a balanced flavor explosion.
  • Complement with Zesty Cocktail Kick: Bloody Marys or spicy margaritas echo the dish's heat while enhancing its complex sauce profile.
  • Match with Crisp Side Companions: Fresh coleslaw or tangy pickle spears provide cool, crunchy contrast to the rich, glazed sausages.
  • Serve with Creamy Dip Delight: Cool ranch or blue cheese dressing offer a smooth, cooling counterpoint to the fiery little smokies, balancing their intense flavor.

How To Store Mississippi Lil Smokies Without Drying Out

  • Store leftover sausages in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Place cooled sausages in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Transfer sausages to microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mississippi Lil Smokies FAQ Guide

  • What is Mississippi comeback sauce made of?

Mississippi comeback sauce is a tangy, zesty condiment typically combining mayonnaise, ketchup, chili sauce, hot sauce, and spices like garlic powder and black pepper, creating a rich and bold flavor profile.

  • Can I use different types of sausages in this recipe?

Yes, while little smokies work best, you can substitute with cocktail sausages, turkey sausages, or even cut up regular smoked sausage links to create similar appetizer-style bites.

  • How spicy will these sausages be?

The heat level depends on the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes you add. For mild flavor, use less hot sauce; for more kick, increase the hot sauce and red pepper flakes proportionally.

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Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe

Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling Mississippi Lil Smokies bring southern comfort straight to your plate with an irresistible blend of tangy and sweet flavors. Spicy sausages glazed in a rich sauce promise a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb little smokies sausages
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Mississippi comeback sauce

Sauce Components:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Garnish and Optional Additions:

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup and smooth food release.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Mississippi comeback sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the mixture transforms into a glossy, well-integrated glaze.
  3. Gently fold the little smokies sausages into the spicy-sweet sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and glistening with the vibrant marinade.
  4. Transfer the sauced sausages into the prepared baking dish, spreading them in a single layer to promote even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote uniform caramelization.
  6. Remove from the oven when the sauce has thickened and the sausages appear slightly crispy and deeply glazed.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and parsley over the hot sausages, adding a burst of fresh color and aromatic garnish.
  8. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving hot as an appetizer or party snack.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels by modifying hot sauce and red pepper flakes for personal heat preferences or dietary needs.
  • Choose low-sodium sausages and sugar alternatives for a heart-healthy version of this classic appetizer.
  • Prevent burning by stirring every 10 minutes and using a light coating of sauce to maintain sausage texture.
  • Enhance presentation by serving in a cast-iron skillet directly from the oven for a rustic, impressive display.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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