Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
Sweet, sticky, and savory appetizers made with Lil’ Smokies sausages and a caramelized brown sugar-pineapple glaze, perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Lil’ Smokies sausages Pre-cooked mini sausages; use turkey or chicken versions for a lighter option.
- 1 cup brown sugar Can substitute with light or dark brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- 1 cup pineapple juice Fresh-pressed juice is preferable for brightness; canned is fine.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks Use fresh for texture; if canned, drain lightly.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce Tamari can be used for gluten-free; adjust for low-sodium needs.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat; adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a bowl until smooth and mostly lump-free. The mixture should look glossy and pourable.
- Place both packages of Lil’ Smokies in the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the glaze over the sausages, making sure most pieces are coated.
- Stir in the pineapple chunks so fruit is distributed throughout, adding flavor and juicy pops.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce coating evenly.
- If sauce looks too thin after the cook time, remove the lid and cook on High for an additional 15–20 minutes to reduce and thicken.
Serving
- Transfer bites to a serving dish and serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking. Optionally, spoon some extra warm glaze over the top before serving.
Notes
For a shinier finish, spoon a small amount of warm glaze over bites before serving. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.