Description
These Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites are a delightful party appetizer featuring sweet and tangy pineapple glaze combined with smoky sausages. Slow-cooked to perfection, they offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a hint of spice, ideal for gatherings and casual snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauteed Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) of Lil’ Smokies sausages
Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Add-ins
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Whisk together thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine sausages and glaze: Place the Lil’ Smokies sausages into a slow cooker. Pour the prepared pineapple glaze over the sausages. Gently stir to ensure all sausages are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Add pineapple chunks: Add the pineapple chunks into the slow cooker, mixing them gently with the sausages and glaze to distribute evenly.
- Slow cook the bites: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat setting for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to ensure the flavors meld together. Cook until sausages are heated through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the Lil’ Smokies warm. Use toothpicks for easy handling and snacking at parties or gatherings.
Notes
- Using fresh pineapple chunks adds a fresher flavor, but canned works well too.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired level of spiciness or omit for a milder version.
- Serve with crackers or alongside cheese for a complete appetizer spread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, simmer sausages and glaze gently in a covered skillet over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
