Quick and Spicy Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe for Game Day Fun

Savory mississippi lil smokies dance across your plate with irresistible Southern charm.

Comfort food rarely looks this tempting on a dinner table.

Miniature sausages swimming in a rich, tangy glaze promise pure deliciousness.

Small bites packed with massive flavor capture everyone’s attention instantly.

Soft, tender little smokies melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

Casual gatherings or game day celebrations become extraordinary when this crowd-pleasing dish arrives.

You’ll want seconds before the first plate even reaches the table.

Mississippi Lil Smokies FAQs Answered

• What are little smokies?

Little smokies are small, pre-cooked sausages made from beef or pork, often served as appetizers or party snacks with various glazes and sauces.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or use chicken sausages instead of traditional little smokies for a lighter version.

• How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Stir the mixture halfway through cooking and keep an eye on the baking sheet, ensuring even caramelization and preventing the sauce from becoming too dark or burnt.

• Is bourbon necessary for the recipe?

No, you can replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or don’t have bourbon on hand.

Why Mississippi Lil Smokies Are Crowd Favorites

• Burst with Bold Flavors: A mouthwatering combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce that transforms simple little smokies into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests crave something deliciously addictive and easy to enjoy.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned kitchen pros.
• Zero-Fuss Party Favorite: One-pan recipe that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen.

What You Need For Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Little Smokies: Small cocktail sausages that provide the main protein and hearty base for this appetizer.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and creates a crispy texture throughout the dish.

• Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Bourbon, Dijon Mustard: Create a sweet, tangy, and complex glaze that coats the sausages with deep, caramelized flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Provide additional seasoning and depth to the sauce's overall taste profile.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Add fresh crunch, visual interest, and a subtle layer of flavor to the final dish.

How To Make Mississippi Lil Smokies At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375°F to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Chop Bacon Perfectly

Dice the bacon into small, consistent pieces that will cook evenly and become delightfully crispy.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Bourbon
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Coat Sausages and Bacon

Toss the little smokies and chopped bacon into the sauce. Gently stir to ensure every morsel gets a generous coating of the delicious glaze.

Step 5: Arrange for Maximum Flavor

Spread the sausage and bacon mixture across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This helps each piece caramelize beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give everything a quick stir to ensure even crispiness. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Check for Delicious Doneness

Pull the dish out when the bacon looks crisp and the sauce has transformed into a rich, sticky glaze with a deep mahogany color.

Step 8: Rest and Set

Let the little smokies rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and set, creating an irresistible texture.

Step 9: Add Final Flourish

Sprinkle on some chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These add a fresh crunch and make the dish look absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the little smokies while they’re hot. Set out toothpicks for easy snacking during parties or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips To Get Mississippi Lil Smokies Just Right

• Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Bacon Precision: Cut bacon into small, uniform pieces to guarantee crispy, even cooking throughout the dish.
• Sauce Mastery: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated glaze that clings perfectly to every little smokie.
• Even Cooking Trick: Spread the sausage and bacon mixture in a single layer to ensure maximum caramelization and prevent soggy spots.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and beautiful presentation that elevates the entire dish.

Tasty Ways To Change Up Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace little smokies with plant-based sausage or tempeh chunks, using maple syrup instead of bourbon for a smoky-sweet alternative.
• Spicy Korean Edition: Swap ketchup with gochujang, add sriracha for heat, and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for a Korean-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free ketchup, verify bourbon is gluten-free, and substitute dijon mustard with whole grain mustard to maintain the recipe's core flavor while meeting dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace brown sugar with monk sweetener, use sugar-free ketchup, and reduce cooking time slightly to create a keto-friendly version of the original appetizer.

Perfect Pairings With Mississippi Lil Smokies

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah with smoky undertones that complement the bacon's richness and bourbon's depth, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a dark stout or amber ale with malty characteristics that match the sweet-savory glaze and cut through the dish's richness.
• Refreshing Cocktail Match: Prepare a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan to mirror the bourbon in the recipe, enhancing the overall flavor profile with complementary whiskey notes.
• Crisp Side Salad Balance: Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic contrast against the heavy, sweet-glazed little smokies.

How To Store Mississippi Lil Smokies The Easy Way

• Store cooled little smokies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Pack the glazed sausages in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place desired portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between cycles.
• Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy texture and prevent drying out.

Mississippi Lil Smokies Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mississippi lil smokies bring savory southern comfort to game day snacking, combining sweet and tangy flavors in a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Quick and easy preparation makes these bite-sized treats perfect for gathering friends and satisfying hungry guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausages and Meats:

• 1 lb little smokies sausages
• 0.5 lb bacon, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup bourbon or whiskey
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Garnish and Optional Additions:

• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Dice the bacon into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout the dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, bourbon, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until the sauce becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Add little smokies and chopped bacon to the sauce, gently stirring to coat every piece thoroughly with the flavorful glaze.
5. Transfer the sausage and bacon mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to promote even caramelization.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy and glazed, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Remove from the oven when the bacon is crisp and the sauce has developed a rich, sticky consistency with a deep mahogany color.
8. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and set.
9. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle flavor contrast.
10. Serve hot as an appetizer or party snack, with toothpicks for easy handling.

Notes

• Swap bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains depth of flavor without compromising taste.
• Opt for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to reduce fat content and accommodate different dietary preferences while keeping the dish’s signature crispy texture.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting ketchup and brown sugar ratios, ensuring a perfect glaze that clings beautifully to little smokies without becoming too runny or overly sweet.
• Prevent bacon from burning by cutting into smaller, more uniform pieces and monitoring closely during the last 10 minutes of baking, rotating the pan if needed for even caramelization.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 284
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 811 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 39 mg