If you’re craving an appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, these Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites will become your new favorite party pleaser. Made with bite-sized sausages simmered in a luscious pineapple and brown sugar glaze, they bring a tropical twist to a classic Southern dish.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or a casual get-together, these smoky and sweet bites are incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker, freeing you up to enjoy your guests while the flavors develop slowly and beautifully.
- Combines sweet pineapple with savory sausage for a unique flavor harmony.
- Slow cooker method ensures effortless preparation and tender results.
- Perfect for parties, easy to serve with toothpicks for casual snacking.
Ingredients
- Lil’ Smokies sausages: 2 packages (14 oz each) of bite-sized smokies, flavorful and perfect for appetizers and snacking.
- Brown sugar: 1 cup to add deep sweetness and help create a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Pineapple juice: 1 cup of fresh or canned juice to infuse a tropical tartness that balances sweetness.
- Pineapple chunks: 1 cup of fresh or canned bits provide texture and bursts of juicy pineapple flavor.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon to add umami depth and enhance the savory notes.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon to impart subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the glaze.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon for a rich, savory foundation that rounds out the flavors.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon to add mild heat and balance sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/4 teaspoon for those who prefer a spicy kick to cut through the sweetness.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture forms a flavorful, balanced glaze that melts and coats the sausages evenly.
- Add Lil’ Smokies and Glaze to Slow Cooker
Place the Lil’ Smokies sausages in the slow cooker and pour the pineapple glaze over them. Gently stir to ensure each sausage is well coated, allowing the flavors to penetrate as they cook.
- Incorporate Pineapple Chunks
Add the pineapple chunks into the slow cooker. Mixing them with the sausages and glaze infuses bursts of sweet juiciness that complement the smoky sausages beautifully.
- Slow Cook Until Tender and Bubbly
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking melds flavors deeply while heating the sausages through and thickening the glaze to a deliciously sticky sauce.
- Serve Warm with Toothpicks
Once cooked, serve the Lil’ Smokies warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. Their sticky-sweet coating and tender bite make them irresistible finger food.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to customize the spice level according to your preference.
- Use fresh pineapple when possible for best texture, though canned works well too.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for the next day.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the glaze’s texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Lil’ Smokies bites pair wonderfully with cold beer or a crisp white wine. Serve alongside crunchy vegetable sticks or a fresh green salad to balance richness.
- For a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, use tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Stirring occasionally during slow cooking helps prevent the glaze from sticking and burning on the sides.
- For extra texture, add toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions just before serving.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausages are cooked through and the glaze thickens.
- Are Lil’ Smokies gluten-free?
Many Lil’ Smokies varieties are gluten-free, but it’s important to check the package label to be sure. Use gluten-free soy sauce to maintain gluten-free status in this dish.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day for fresh, hot appetizers.
- How spicy is the recipe with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds a mild to moderate heat. Adjust or omit it to suit your spice tolerance.
- Can I double this recipe for larger gatherings?
Yes, simply double the ingredients but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume and cook evenly.
- What can I serve alongside these bites?
They pair nicely with crudités, cheese platters, or even as a savory topping for slider buns to create mini sandwiches.
Pineapple Brown Sugar Smokies
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker For cooking sausages and glaze
- 1 medium bowl For mixing glaze ingredients
- 1 whisk For combining glaze
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 dissolves.
- Place Lil’ Smokies in slow cooker and pour the pineapple glaze over them, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Add pineapple chunks to the slow cooker and mix gently with sausages and glaze.
- 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 to desired spice level.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for a few days.
