This sweet-and-savory appetizer brings sticky brown sugar glaze, tangy pineapple, and little smokies together in one easy dish. It smells caramelized and sweet as it bakes, and the sausages stay juicy while the pineapple softens and bubbles. Serve warm at a party and watch them disappear. If you enjoy sweet-savory comfort foods, you might also like these brown sugar cinnamon streusel pancakes for a sweet breakfast twist.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 (appetizer servings)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Values are approximate per serving (1 of 8).
- Calories per serving: 250 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
Why Make This Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
These bites are quick to prepare and deliver big flavor. The brown sugar caramelizes around the smokies and pineapple, giving a sticky, glossy coating. The pineapple adds acidity and a fresh pop that balances the sweet glaze. They smell warm and caramel-like while baking and have a chewy, juicy bite that guests love. They work for game day, potlucks, or a simple family snack.
How to Make Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
This recipe is mostly hands-off. You make a quick marinade, toss the ingredients together, and bake until bubbly. The process locks in juices and gives you a caramelized sauce with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Lil’ Smokies
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks for serving
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the smokies and pineapple in a single layer or close to it.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil to create a smooth marinade. Stir until the brown sugar mostly dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Coating
Add the Lil’ Smokies and pineapple chunks to the marinade. Toss gently so each piece gets well coated with the sweet-savory sauce.
Step 4: Baking
Arrange the coated smokies and pineapple in the baking dish in a single layer as much as possible. Bake in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is bubbly and the brown sugar has caramelized slightly. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating.
How to Serve Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
- Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks. The sticky glaze makes them perfect finger food.
- Pair with napkins and small plates at parties.
- Offer a side of pickles or quick mustard for contrast.
- For a casual meal, serve over steamed rice or with sweet potato fries to soak up the sauce.
How to Store Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat to keep the glaze glossy.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Tip: If the sauce thickens when chilled, add a splash of water or a teaspoon of oil when reheating and stir to loosen the glaze.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
- Use canned pineapple if you want more sweetness and ease. Fresh pineapple gives a brighter, tart flavor.
- Cut larger pineapple chunks into bite-sized pieces to match the smokies.
- Stir once halfway through baking to coat everything evenly and prevent burning.
- If your glaze seems too thin, bake a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce and thicken it.
- For less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and rinse canned smokies briefly if desired.
- Watch the last 5 minutes closely. Brown sugar can go from glossy to burnt quickly.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy kick: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Smoky-sweet: Use maple syrup instead of some brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Tangy glaze: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice to balance sweetness.
- Herb garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onion before serving for color and freshness.
- Bacon-wrapped: Wrap each lil’ smokie in half a bacon slice, secure with a toothpick, then coat and bake (increase bake time to 30–35 minutes).
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the marinade so the sauce does not become too watery.
Q: Can I make these in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours. The sauce will be thinner than oven-baked, but it will be very tender.
Q: How many Lil’ Smokies are in one package?
A: Package sizes vary. Count servings by weight or number; plan roughly 10–12 smokies per appetizer serving if you expect hungry guests.
Q: Will the brown sugar burn while baking?
A: Stir once during baking and check in the final minutes. If the edges brown too quickly, lower the oven by 25°F and extend cooking a bit.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Toss the smokies and pineapple with the marinade and refrigerate in a covered dish for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: What can I serve with this for a full appetizer spread?
A: Add crackers, cheese cubes, vegetable sticks, and a small bowl of mustard or dipping sauce to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
These Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with sticky-sweet glaze and bright pineapple tang. They bake up quickly and travel well to parties. For an extra reference and similar recipe ideas, see this trusted version of Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites at Pineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Bites. Try them warm and enjoy the sticky, sweet, savory bites—guests will ask for the recipe.
PrintPineapple Brown Sugar Mississippi Little Smokies Bites
- Author: hannah-belssy
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A sweet-and-savory appetizer featuring sticky brown sugar glaze and tangy pineapple with juicy little smokies.
Ingredients
- 1 package Lil’ Smokies
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the smokies and pineapple in a single layer or close to it.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil to create a smooth marinade. Stir until the brown sugar mostly dissolves.
- Add the Lil’ Smokies and pineapple chunks to the marinade. Toss gently to coat each piece.
- Arrange the coated smokies and pineapple in the baking dish in a single layer. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
Notes
Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks. For a meal, serve over steamed rice or sweet potato fries to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg