Hot 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
Scale
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
