If you’re searching for an irresistible party snack that bursts with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, you absolutely need to try this Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe. These bite-sized sausages are swimming in a luscious sauce made with hot honey, garlic, and a blend of savory ingredients that will wow your guests and leave everyone clamoring for more. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is your new go-to for guaranteed crowd-pleasing appetizers that are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe lies in its simple yet powerhouse ingredients. Each component plays its part perfectly, balancing sweetness, heat, and smoky depth, while the garlic adds pungent warmth that ties everything together beautifully.
- 2 (14-ounce) packages lit’l smokies sausages: The star of the show, these bite-sized sausages provide a juicy and savory base.
- 1 cup ketchup: Adds tanginess and a smooth, slightly sweet body to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup hot honey: Creates the signature sweet-heat flavor essential to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic pungency and depth.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory umami kick that enhances overall richness.
- 2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke: Imparts a warm, smoky aroma without needing a grill.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all of the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper: Introduces a mild heat and peppery bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard or 2 teaspoons yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang and slight sharpness to cut through the sweetness.
How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smokies
Start by opening the two packs of lit’l smokies sausages. These little guys are already cooked, so there’s no need to worry about raw meat. Place them in a large skillet or a slow cooker, depending on your preferred cooking method. Getting them ready is quick and painless, setting you up for a wonderfully saucy adventure.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the ketchup, hot honey, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hickory liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and mustard. Stir everything together until the sauce is perfectly blended and glossy. This sauce is the soul of the recipe, delivering layers of flavor that coat each smokie with pure deliciousness.
Step 3: Cook the Smokies in Sauce
Pour the sauce over the smokies and gently stir to coat all of them evenly. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low for about 4 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the sausages tender. If using a skillet, simmer over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Either way, patience here pays off with a flavor-packed dish.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened and the smokies are heated through, give everything one last gentle stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, maybe a pinch more black pepper or a dash more hot honey if you prefer it spicier or sweeter. Now, they’re ready to be served up as the ultimate finger food delight.
How to Serve Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can add a fresh contrast and a pop of color. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top just before serving for an herbaceous brightness that balances the richness of the sauce. For an extra crunch, toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes are fun options that elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies make a fantastic centerpiece for appetizers but also play well alongside complementary sides. Think classic tortilla chips or sturdy crackers to scoop up that sticky sauce. Fresh cut veggies like celery sticks or carrot ribbons bring a cooling crunch. For a more substantial spread, pair with creamy coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad to refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting this recipe creatively takes the fun factor up a notch. Serve the smokies in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out baguette slices for an interactive snack. Skewer them with small cocktail sticks and arrange artistically on a platter for easy grabbing at parties. If you want to impress, layer them over a bed of cheesy polenta or creamy mashed potatoes for a comfort-food twist that’s both hearty and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s snack just as enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover smokies for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They last about 2 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
When it’s time to eat again, gently reheat the smokies on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the sausages. Adding a splash of water or extra hot honey can revitalize the texture and flavor during reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat in the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe, simply increase the amount of hot honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce mixture. Adjust to your personal spice level for that perfect fiery kick.
What if I don’t have hickory liquid smoke?
No worries—if hickory liquid smoke isn’t on hand, a few drops of smoked paprika or a small splash of soy sauce can add a similar smoky depth. The dish will still be delicious without it, just missing a little of that quintessential campfire flavor.
Are lit’l smokies already cooked?
Yes, lit’l smokies come pre-cooked, which makes this recipe extra easy. You’re essentially heating and flavoring them in the sauce, which infuses taste and ensures they’re warm and juicy when served.
Can I prepare this recipe in an instant pot?
Definitely! You can use the sauté function to cook the sauce and then simmer with the smokies under low pressure for about 5 minutes. Make sure to release the pressure carefully and give the sauce a good stir before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly or double the recipe. It’s a hassle-free way to offer a delicious, shareable snack that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe is a wonderful blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky that makes snacking feel truly special. Its ease of preparation combined with bold flavors means you can throw together something fantastic with minimal fuss, impressing friends and family alike. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch for your next gathering or for cozy nights when you want a bite that’s bursting with personality—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer for any gathering. The combination of hot honey and minced garlic creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats the bite-sized smokies beautifully. Quick to prepare and cook, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at parties or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (14-ounce) packages lit’l smokies sausages
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard or 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
Instructions
- Combine the sauce ingredients: In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, mix together the ketchup, hot honey, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hickory liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and your choice of mustard until well combined.
- Add the lil smokies: Stir in the lit’l smokies sausages into the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated with the mixture.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to low and allow the sausages and sauce to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Serve warm: Once the sauce has thickened and the sausages are heated through, transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately as a flavorful appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra smoky flavor, a few more drops of liquid smoke can be added carefully.
- These lil smokies can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low if preparing ahead.
- This recipe is great for events and potlucks and pairs well with crackers or toothpicks.
- Using ground mustard instead of yellow mustard adds a slightly different tangier taste.
