If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, this Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe is your new go-to dish. Imagine juicy little smokies swimming in a luscious sauce made from hot honey, tangy ketchup, and zesty garlic, slow-cooked until every bite bursts with smoky, sweet heat. It’s effortless to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, ideal for game days, parties, or whenever you want an irresistible appetizer that everyone will talk about. This recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into a captivating flavor experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, but they are the heart and soul of the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe. Each component lends a unique flavor or texture, making the dish harmonious and packed with irresistible taste.
- Lit’l Smokies Sausages (2 packages, 14 oz each): The star of the dish, small and perfectly bite-sized for easy snacking.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Adds tangy sweetness and creates a rich sauce base.
- Hot Honey (1/4 cup): Brings in a fiery sweetness that defines this recipe.
- Minced Garlic (2 tablespoons): Packs that zesty punch that complements the sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 cup): Deepens the umami flavor, rounding out the taste.
- Hickory Liquid Smoke (2 teaspoons): Imparts smoky undertones without needing an actual grill.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Black Pepper (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle bite and warmth to the sauce.
- Ground Mustard (1/2 teaspoon) or Yellow Mustard (2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle tang that balances sweetness and spice.
How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sausages
Start by placing both packages of lit’l smokies sausages into the crockpot. These little sausages are the perfect size for soaking up all the delicious sauce, and their smoky, savory flavor will shine once they slow cook for hours.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, hot honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, hickory liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard until smooth. This sauce blend is the magic behind the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe, combining sweet heat, tang, and smoky depth into one irresistible coating.
Step 3: Coat the Sausages
Pour your sauce over the sausages in the crockpot, and stir gently to make sure every smokie is completely covered. This full coating ensures each bite explodes with that signature blend of flavor you’re craving.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and bubbly, while the flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute the sauce, and get ready for an amazing aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the hot lil smokies directly from the slow cooker for a warm, casual presentation, or transfer them to a nice serving dish if you’re aiming to impress. Every juicy morsel will have that perfect sticky glaze that makes this dish so addictive.
How to Serve Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. They add a pop of fresh color and a slight herbal brightness that beautifully balances the sweet and spicy glaze. A few red pepper flakes also can give an extra kick if your crowd loves more heat.
Side Dishes
These lil smokies pair wonderfully with crunchy crudites, soft rolls to soak up the sauce, or even creamy mashed potatoes to complement their bold flavor. For a casual party, consider serving with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving your Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also skewer them for easy finger food or toss them over a bed of cooked rice for a quick, satisfying meal that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making reheated bites equally delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooked lil smokies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing, and label your container for easy identification.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight if frozen, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to maintain that glossy, thick sauce texture. Avoid overheating to keep the sausages juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook the lil smokies on the stovetop in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the sausages are warmed through. Just be careful to cook low and slow to avoid burning the sauce.
What can I substitute for hot honey?
If you don’t have hot honey on hand, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to achieve a similar spicy-sweet flavor. Adjust to your preferred heat level!
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe offers a balanced heat that suits most palates. It’s sweet with a warm kick rather than overwhelming spiciness, but you can adjust by adding more hot honey or pepper flakes if you crave extra heat.
Can I use regular sausages instead of lit’l smokies?
You can, but lit’l smokies are preferred since their small size makes them perfect for parties and appetizers. If using regular sausages, cut them into bite-sized pieces for the best result.
How long can I leave the hot honey garlic lil smokies on warm in the slow cooker?
You can keep them on the warm setting for about 1 to 2 hours after cooking. This helps maintain temperature without drying them out or thickening the sauce too much.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe, it will become a staple in your appetizer lineup. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to make, full of vibrant, bold flavors, and loved by everyone from kids to adults. So go on, treat yourself and your guests to this warm, sticky, sweet, and spicy delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory and sweet Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are perfect for gatherings and parties. These bite-sized sausages are slow-cooked in a rich sauce made with hot honey, garlic, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, delivering a flavorful and irresistible appetizer that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (14 ounce) packages lil’ 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
- Prepare the Sausages: Place the two 14-ounce packages of lil’ smokies sausages into the crockpot or slow cooker, spreading them evenly at the bottom.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, hot honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, hickory liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Sausages and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all sausages evenly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to the low setting. Cook for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the sauce becomes bubbly and thickened and the sausages are fully heated.
- Serve Warm: Serve the hot honey garlic lil smokies warm directly from the slow cooker or transfer them to a serving dish for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey to control the level of sweetness and heat according to your preference.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking helps to evenly distribute the sauce and prevent burning on the edges.
- These lil smokies can also be prepared in a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
