Get ready to fall in love with a sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive party snack! The Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe turns humble cocktail sausages into irresistible bites coated in a glossy, sticky sauce that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, garlicky, and spicy. Whether you’re hosting a game-day bash, potluck, or casual family gathering, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again. It’s quick to make, always a crowd pleaser, and seriously hard to resist.

Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of pantry staples combine to create layers of bold flavor in this Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe. Each ingredient pulls its weight—balancing heat, sweetness, tang, and richness to make every bite truly crave-worthy.

Lil Smokies (cocktail sausages): These little sausages are the star of the show, bringing a savory, smoky bite that soaks up all the sauce flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps form a silky base for the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic provides a sharp, aromatic kick that ties all the flavors together.
Honey: The honey brings a natural, sticky sweetness that clings to every sausage, giving the signature glaze.
Hot sauce (Frank’s or sriracha): The type Appetizer.
Brown sugar: Just a touch deepens the caramel notes and balances the heat for a smooth, sweet finish.
Dijon mustard: Slightly sharp and tangy, this rounds out the flavor with a bit of zing.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle these in to really turn up the heat, or skip them if you prefer a milder experience.
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): These fresh garnishes brighten the dish for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic. Give it a quick sauté, about 30 to 60 seconds, just until it smells wonderfully fragrant. Don’t walk away—garlic can go from perfect to burned in a flash!

Step 2: Build the Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Now, pour in the honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for extra heat. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken up, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors into a silky, slightly sticky glaze.

Step 3: Add the Lil Smokies

Tip your Lil Smokies into the skillet, giving them a good stir so each one is coated in that magical sauce. Keep the heat on medium and let it all cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often. You’ll know it’s ready when the sausages are warmed through and the sauce clings to them like a luscious glaze.

Step 4: Time to Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies to your favorite serving dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh finish and vibrant color. A pile of toothpicks on the side makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy—no utensils required!

How to Serve Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped parsley or green onions adds brightness and a splash of green that makes these little sausages pop visually. For even more flair, you could try a light zesting of lemon or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Garnishes don’t just add color—they bring a fresh dimension that balances the rich, sticky sauce.

Side Dishes

While the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe are perfect on their own, they play well on an appetizer platter alongside cool, creamy dips, crisp celery and carrot sticks, or warm, fluffy dinner rolls for sopping up extra sauce. They make an incredible addition to a spread that includes deviled eggs, cheese boards, and chips with dip.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, keep the Lil Smokies warm in a slow cooker on low, so guests can help themselves throughout the night. If you’re aiming for a fun twist, skewer a few sausages onto long toothpicks for a “sausage kabob” effect, or pile them on tiny slider buns for unique mini sandwiches. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lil Smokies store beautifully. Transfer them (with all that delightful sauce) into an airtight container and tuck them into the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, making them the perfect snack for tomorrow—if you don’t polish them off first.

Freezing

If you somehow end up with extra, the Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe can be frozen with great results. Cool them completely, then freeze in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before you plan to reheat and serve.

Reheating

For a quick and easy reheat, pop the sausages and sauce into a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch—about a minute or two on high, stirring halfway. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the entire dish a day ahead, then gently reheat in a skillet or in your slow cooker for easy, stress-free entertaining. The flavors might even deepen as they have more time to mingle.

What’s the best hot sauce to use in this recipe?

Frank’s RedHot brings a classic, tangy kick, but sriracha is fantastic for a garlicky depth. Feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce—just keep in mind that each kind brings its own unique flavor profile and heat level.

Is there a good substitute for Lil Smokies?

If you can’t find Lil Smokies, you can use cut-up smoked sausages, kielbasa, or even mini chicken sausages. Just ensure the pieces are bite-sized for easy snacking and sauce coverage.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! The Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe scales up nicely. If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double or triple all of the ingredients and use a larger skillet or a slow cooker to accommodate the batch.

How can I make my Lil Smokies spicier?

You’ve got options: add more hot sauce, include extra red pepper flakes, or try stirring in a bit of chili garlic sauce for a real kick. Taste as you go so the heat is just how you like it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a show-stopping party appetizer or a seriously fun snack, give this Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe a try! The unbeatable combo of sweet, spicy, and garlicky flavors will make it a fast favorite with friends and family—don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers.

Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Cocktail sausages are glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce with a kick of hot sauce, making them an irresistible party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Lil Smokies:

1 (14-ounce) package Lil Smokies (cocktail sausages)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s or sriracha)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish (optional):

Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Lil Smokies to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are heated through and the sauce is sticky and glossy.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks.