These Honey Garlic Cocktail Smokies are sweet, sticky, and oh-so-tasty! Perfect for parties, they are made with little sausages cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce.
Every time I make these, they disappear faster than I can serve them! They are super easy to whip up, making them a favorite for gatherings with friends and family. 🍯✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail Smokies: These little sausages are the star of the dish! You can find beef or pork varieties, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey smokies work well too. Just make sure to get the fully cooked ones to save time.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a lovely glaze. If you’re avoiding honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can make great substitutes. Each one will add a unique flavor twist!
Soy Sauce: This ingredient gives the dish its salty depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option if you’re watching your salt intake. You can even substitute with tamari for a gluten-free choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best for flavor, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon should do it. However, fresh garlic gives a much better aroma!
Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat can elevate this dish, but feel free to leave this out if you prefer it mild. You might want to add a dash of black pepper instead for a slight kick without too much spice.
How Can I Make Sure the Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
Getting the sauce just right is key to these cocktail smokies. Here are some tips to achieve that lovely, sticky consistency:
- Low and Slow: After adding the sauce, reduce the heat to low. This allows the flavors to meld and thickens without burning.
- Stir Regularly: Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures uniform coating on all the smokies.
- Watch for Bubbles: When the sauce starts to bubble gently, it’s a good sign. Keep simmering until it looks syrupy and clings nicely to the smokies.
Trust me, the sauce will complement the flavors beautifully! Enjoy making these for your next get-together!
How to Make Honey Garlic Cocktail Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs cocktail smokies (little smokies sausages)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing garlic)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook—so you can have it ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter, and then sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown, as it’ll taste bitter!
2. Cook the Cocktail Smokies:
Next, toss in the cocktail smokies. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown slightly. This adds lots of flavor!
3. Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the smokies are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (if you’re using it), and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is what brings all the flavor!
4. Combine Everything in the Skillet:
Now, pour the honey garlic sauce over the smokies in the skillet. Make sure all the smokies are coated well with the sauce.
5. Simmer to Thicken:
Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally while it cooks. You want the sauce to thicken and nicely coat the smokies.
6. Serve the Smokies:
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer your tasty smokies and sauce to a serving dish.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve these warm with toothpicks or alongside crackers, and watch them disappear!
Enjoy your sweet and savory Honey Garlic Cocktail Smokies—perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Sausages Instead of Cocktail Smokies?
Yes, you can! If you prefer fresh sausages, make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the sauce. Slice them into bite-sized pieces for easier serving and to help them absorb the honey garlic flavors.
What’s a Good Way to Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the sauce too sweet, you can balance it by adding more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar. Taste as you go so you can find the perfect balance that suits your preference!
How Can I Store Leftover Cocktail Smokies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick, which you can adjust or omit based on your heat preference. If you want extra heat, you can add more flakes or a dash of hot sauce!
