Introduction

Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sweet, spicy, and packed with savory garlic flavor. These bite-sized sausages simmered in a sticky, zesty sauce are great for parties or quick snacks.

The image shows several skewered sausages stacked on a white plate, each sausage covered with a thick, glossy dark red sauce that looks sticky and rich. The sauce is sprinkled with small bits of crushed yellow and red chili flakes, giving texture and a hint of spice. The sausages are plump and golden brown under the sauce with a shiny, slightly oily surface. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and the overall scene is close-up, showing the juicy texture and the sauce’s shine clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (like 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 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and heated through.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the Lil Smokies and stir well to coat evenly.
Step 4: Let the sausages simmer in the sauce for 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and clings to the Lil Smokies.
Step 5: Remove from heat, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the heat level by using more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes and reduce the hot sauce.
Keep the Lil Smokies warm in a slow cooker for easy party serving.
Try swapping soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store leftover Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies 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. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several thick sausage sticks stacked on top of each other on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each sausage stick is coated in a dark reddish-brown sticky glaze that shines brightly. The glaze has visible small bits of crushed chili flakes scattered over the surface, adding texture and color contrast. Three wooden skewers rise vertically from the sausages, each skewer going through a different stick, showing the dish is served in stick form. The overall look is glossy, richly sauced, and appetizing with a deep red glaze covering the evenly cooked sausages. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken Lil Smokies instead?

Yes, turkey or chicken Lil Smokies work well in this recipe and offer a leaner alternative. Just adjust cooking times if needed to ensure they are heated through.

How can I make this recipe less sticky?

If you prefer a less sticky sauce, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of water while simmering to thin the glaze to your desired consistency.