Last month, I was hosting my sister’s baby shower and needed an appetizer that wouldn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen all afternoon. I wanted something that looked impressive but required minimal effort—the kind of dish where guests would ask for the recipe. That’s when I remembered these Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites from a potluck I’d attended years ago. The combination of sweet pineapple, rich brown sugar, and savory little smokies creates an irresistible glaze that disappears from the platter within minutes.
What makes this recipe brilliant is its simplicity. You need just four main ingredients and about five minutes of prep time. The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other tasks. If you’re looking for more effortless party appetizers, check out my bacon-wrapped appetizers collection for additional crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re planning a game day spread, holiday gathering, or casual get-together, these glazed bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor with home-kitchen convenience. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 main ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on prep time
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer that stays warm in your slow cooker throughout the party
- Sweet and savory flavor combination appeals to both kids and adults
- Easy to double or triple for larger crowds without extra effort
- No complicated techniques or special equipment required
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 packages (14 oz each) Lil’ Smokies sausages
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 3 tablespoons juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Why we use Lil’ Smokies: These bite-sized smoked sausages are perfectly portioned for appetizers and absorb the sweet glaze beautifully. Best substitute: cocktail wieners or cut regular smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces.
Why pineapple chunks: The fruit’s natural sweetness and slight acidity balance the richness of the sausages. Reserve some juice for the glaze. Best substitute: fresh pineapple cut into chunks, though canned is more convenient.
Why brown sugar: Creates that signature caramelized Mississippi-style glaze. Best substitute: equal parts white sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon molasses.
Why Dijon mustard: Adds tangy depth that prevents the dish from being overly sweet. Best substitute: yellow mustard or whole grain mustard.
