Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer! These Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, simmered in a sticky, irresistible glaze that will have everyone reaching for more. They are incredibly simple to make and come together in just 20 minutes, making them the ideal choice for holiday parties, game day gatherings, or any time you need a quick and delicious bite. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this simple yet elegant appetizer. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of common ingredients and 20 minutes, you can whip up a batch. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe, especially if you use the slow cooker method.
- Perfect for Parties: This recipe is designed for sharing. A warm pot of these glazed sausages is always a hit at gatherings and can be easily doubled or tripled for a large crowd.
- Amazing Flavor: The sauce is the star here. It’s a rich, sticky combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a kick of garlic that perfectly complements the smoky sausages.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the quick stovetop method or the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe has you covered.
The Perfect Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Smokies
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create the delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Lil’ Smokies: You’ll need two 14-ounce packages of these miniature smoked sausages. Drain them well before using.
- Honey: This provides the primary sweetness and helps create that wonderful sticky glaze.
- Soy Sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish while adding a deep, savory flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
- Ketchup: Adds a bit of tang and color to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry is the secret to a thick, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every sausage.
How to Make Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies (Stovetop Method)
This is the quickest way to get these tasty bites on the table. It’s perfect for when you need a last-minute appetizer.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup over medium heat.
- Add Smokies: Add the drained Lil’ Smokies to the saucepan and stir to coat them completely in the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are heated through.
- Thicken the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour it into the saucepan and stir continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a beautiful glaze.
- Serve: Serve hot with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a touch of freshness, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. For other fantastic party food ideas, check out these bacon cheeseburger pinwheels.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies
The crockpot method is perfect for parties, as it keeps the smokies warm for hours and lets the flavors meld beautifully. If you love slow cooker recipes, you should also try these slow cooker steak bites (coming soon).
- Whisk the Sauce: In the basin of your slow cooker, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic.
- Add Smokies: Add the drained Lil’ Smokies and stir until they are fully coated in the sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours, until everything is heated through.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add a cornstarch slurry during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Tips for the Perfect Glaze
A few simple tricks can take your honey garlic sauce from good to unforgettable.
- Don’t Skip the Slurry: The cornstarch slurry is essential for achieving that thick, glossy glaze that clings to the sausages.
- Control the Heat: When simmering on the stovetop, keep the heat at a medium to medium-low level to prevent the honey from burning.
- Add a Little Kick: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce.
What to Serve With Your Smokies
While delicious on their own, you can easily turn these Lil’ Smokies into a more substantial offering. Serve them with small slider buns to make mini sandwiches, or alongside a platter of cheese and crackers. They also pair wonderfully with other appetizers, like our famous grape jelly meatballs (coming soon).
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they are easy to store and enjoy later.
- Storage: Allow the smokies to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: You can gently reheat them in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need a substitute for soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will provide a similar savory, umami flavor.
Yes! This is a great make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare them completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving.
The easiest way to thicken the sauce is with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. It will thicken into a beautiful glaze in 1-2 minutes.
Lil’ Smokies, also known as cocktail sausages or cocktail wieners, are small smoked sausages that are a popular choice for appetizers. They are typically pre-cooked, so they just need to be heated through.
If you can’t find Lil’ Smokies, this honey garlic sauce is also fantastic with meatballs, cut-up kielbasa, or even chicken wings. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the protein you choose.
Enjoy Every Bite!
This Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies recipe is a guaranteed winner for any occasion. It’s the kind of effortless appetizer that lets you enjoy the party without being stuck in the kitchen. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Share your creation on Pinterest and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Honey Garlic Lil’ Smokies
Honey Garlic Lil' Smokies: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ketchup over medium heat.
- Add the drained Lil' Smokies to the saucepan and stir to coat them completely in the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are heated through.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour it into the saucepan and stir continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a beautiful glaze.
- Serve hot with toothpicks and an optional garnish of sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
Add a Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha for a little heat.
