Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
I first learned this hot honey garlic Lil Smokies recipe when I needed a fast, crowd-pleasing appetizer on a weeknight and ended up with a new go-to for parties. Little smokies get a glossy, sticky coating from honey and soy, a bright garlic punch, and a gentle heat from hot sauce and red pepper flakes — all in under 20 minutes. They’re irresistible with toothpicks and perfect when you want something easy but memorable.
Why you’ll love this dish
These Lil Smokies are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast: they’re quick, affordable, and hit sweet, salty, and spicy notes at once. Make them for game day, last-minute guests, potlucks, or an easy family snack. They’re also forgiving — use what you have and tweak the heat to taste.
“Sweet, garlicky, and slightly fiery — everyone asked for seconds within minutes.”
This recipe pairs well with other casual crowd-pleasers; if you like the sweet-spicy combo, try the baked crunchy hot honey chicken for a bigger main course.
How this recipe comes together
Start by building flavor with garlic in a hot skillet, then brown the Lil Smokies so they get a little caramelized surface. Whisk a simple sauce from honey, hot sauce, and soy for an umami-rich balance, pour it in, and let it reduce until glossy and clingy. The whole process is hands-on but fast: sauté, brown, combine sauce, simmer briefly, and finish.
What you’ll need
- 1 (14-ounce) package beef or pork Lil Smokies (substitute turkey or vegetarian sausages if desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- 1/3 cup honey (maple or agave can be swapped)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot are great)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional; adjust for heat)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
If you want a richer mouthfeel, a tablespoon of butter stirred in at the end makes the sauce silkier. For inspiration on other honey-garlic dishes, see this honey garlic chicken thighs recipe.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook 45–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not brown.
- Add the Lil Smokies in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and heated through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley or green onions if using. Serve warm with toothpicks.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these on a platter with toothpicks for parties, or spoon them over rice for a quick weeknight meal. They’re also excellent wrapped in puff pastry for pigs-in-a-blanket, or paired with a soft cheese board for a salty-sweet contrast. For a fuller spread, complement them with crunchy veggies and a cooling dip; if you prefer a heartier match, the garlic parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes is a great option to serve alongside.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals. To freeze, arrange cooled Lil Smokies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Always reheat until steaming hot (165°F/74°C) for safety.
Helpful cooking tips
- Keep heat moderate when you add the honey; high heat can scorch it and create a bitter flavor.
- Browning the sausages first gives texture and deeper flavor — don’t skip that step.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a teaspoon or two of water or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
- For less sodium, reduce soy sauce or use low-sodium tamari.
- Make a double batch: they reheat well and free up time when guests arrive. For another protein-forward, high-flavor recipe idea, check out this high-protein honey garlic butter chicken with mac & cheese.
Creative twists
- Pineapple-honey: add crushed pineapple (drained) for a sweet-tart tropical note.
- Bourbon glaze: stir a tablespoon of bourbon into the sauce and simmer to meld flavors.
- Smoky maple: swap half the honey for maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Vegan version: use plant-based cocktail sausages and tamari, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
Common questions
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Plan 15–20 minutes total: about 1 minute for garlic, 5–7 minutes to brown the Lil Smokies, and 3–5 minutes to reduce the sauce.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or warm in a slow cooker on Low until heated through.
Q: What if I don’t have Lil Smokies — can I use regular sausages?
A: You can slice cocktail or full-size sausages into bite-size pieces and follow the same method; adjust browning time for thickness.
Q: Is it safe to freeze the cooked Lil Smokies?
A: Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure even temperature and food safety.
Q: How can I control the heat level?
A: Reduce or omit the hot sauce and leave out red pepper flakes for a mild version; increase hot sauce or add cayenne for more heat.
For a sweet finish that complements honey-forward appetizers, try this date honey nut cake as a dessert option with similar flavor notes.
Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 45–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not brown.
- Add the Lil Smokies in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and heated through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley or green onions if using. Serve warm with toothpicks.
