Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
Introduction
Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are a delicious and easy appetizer that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, these little sausages are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce with a kick of heat.

Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) package beef or pork Lil Smokies
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the Lil Smokies to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned and heated through.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the Lil Smokies and stir well to coat them evenly.
- Step 5: Let the sausages simmer in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped herbs if desired, and serve warm with toothpicks.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
- Try swapping soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken Lil Smokies instead of beef or pork?
Yes, turkey or chicken Lil Smokies work well and provide a lighter alternative without changing the cooking method.
How spicy are these Lil Smokies?
The heat level depends on the hot sauce and amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your preferred spice level.
PrintHot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
These Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Quick to prepare, these bite-sized sausages are cooked in a garlicky olive oil base, coated with a sticky honey and hot sauce glaze, and finished with a hint of soy sauce and optional red pepper flakes. They’re an ideal appetizer or snack for parties and gatherings, served warm with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approx. 14 ounces package) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 (14-ounce) package beef or pork Lil Smokies
Sauce & Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Lil Smokies: Add the Lil Smokies to the skillet with the garlic and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned evenly and heated through.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cooked Lil Smokies in the skillet.
- Simmer: Stir the sausages to coat them thoroughly with the sauce, then let them simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the Lil Smokies with red pepper flakes if using, and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch but will alter the taste.
- Serve with crackers, cheese, or veggies to make it a fuller appetizer spread.
Keywords: Lil Smokies, hot honey garlic, spicy sausage appetizer, party snacks, quick finger food, sweet and spicy sauces

