These Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that instantly captivate the senses. Slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection, each bite bursts with the tropical tang of pineapple and rich brown sugar glaze, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a simple get-together, this dish brings an effortless charm and a delightful mix of spices with every serving. The combination of juicy Lil’ Smokies and a luscious pineapple glaze will make these bites your new favorite appetizer.
- Sweet and savory blend creates a unique and irresistible appetizer.
- Slow cooker method makes preparation hands-free and flavor-packed.
- Perfect for parties, game days, and casual gatherings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Lil’ Smokies sausages: Two 14 oz packages of smoky, bite-sized sausages perfect for snacking and slow cooking.
- Brown sugar: One cup of rich brown sugar adds sweetness and a caramelized depth to the glaze.
- Pineapple juice: One cup of fresh or canned pineapple juice provides tartness and tropical flavor.
- Pineapple chunks: One cup of fresh or canned pineapple chunks adds juicy texture and bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Soy sauce: One tablespoon of soy sauce balances sweetness with a hint of umami and saltiness.
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon of garlic powder enhances the savory notes with mild pungency.
- Onion powder: One teaspoon of onion powder provides subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Black pepper: Half a teaspoon of black pepper adds mild heat and earthy warmth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper introduces a spicy kick for those who like it hot.
Instructions
- Whisk together the pineapple glaze
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you desire spice. Whisk thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth; this glaze is the flavor powerhouse that coats the sausages beautifully.
- Combine Lil’ Smokies with the glaze in the slow cooker
Add the Lil’ Smokies to your slow cooker, then pour the pineapple glaze evenly over them. Stir gently to make sure every sausage is well-coated, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply during cooking.
- Add pineapple chunks and mix
Incorporate the pineapple chunks into the slow cooker with the sausages and glaze. These chunks will soften and infuse additional sweetness throughout the dish, complementing the savory notes wonderfully.
- Slow cook the bites
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The slow heat melds all the flavors together and heats the sausages thoroughly, resulting in tender, flavorful bites ready to serve.
- Serve warm with toothpicks
Once cooked, serve these tasty Lil’ Smokies warm. Offering toothpicks for easy grabbing makes them a perfect finger food for parties, encouraging guests to enjoy the sweet-savory delights hassle-free.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference and omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- Fresh pineapple adds more texture, but canned is a convenient and tasty alternative.
- Leftover bites store well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve flavors.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to maintain the sauce’s texture and keep sausages juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these flavorful Lil’ Smokies bites with a fresh green salad or crispy vegetable sticks for a balanced snack. They also complement classic party sides like chips, dips, or quesadillas.
- For stronger pineapple flavor, reduce the juice slightly or add pineapple zest to the glaze.
- Try substituting soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free alternative without sacrificing umami.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup after cooking this sticky, flavorful dish.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple chunks work beautifully and provide a fresher texture and flavor compared to canned.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the recipe gluten-free and safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, simmer the mixture over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- How spicy is the recipe with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds a mild heat; omit it if you prefer no spice or adjust the amount to control the kick.
- Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze and assemble in the slow cooker to refrigerate overnight; cook the next day before serving.
- What toothpicks work best for serving?
Wooden or decorative party toothpicks work well for easy grabbing and a polished look at gatherings.
- What other sausages can I use?
While Lil’ Smokies are ideal, cocktail sausages or mini smoked sausages can also be used as substitutes.
Pineapple Brown Sugar Lil’ Smokies
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 medium bowl
Ingredients
- 2 packages 14 oz each Lil’ Smokies sausages
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until sugar is dissolved and mixture is combined.
- Add Lil’ Smokies sausages to the slow cooker and pour the pineapple glaze over them; stir gently to coat evenly.
- Mix in the pineapple chunks with sausages and glaze in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until sausages are heated through and sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
- Great for parties, game days, and gatherings.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days.
