These tasty Honey Garlic Cocktail Smokies are the perfect party treat. They are small sausages coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce that makes them so hard to resist!
Making them is a breeze! Just toss the smokies in a slow cooker, add the sauce, and let them go. I promise you’ll need extra toothpicks for all the grabbing! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cocktail Smokies: These little sausages are the star of the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey or chicken smokies. You can even use plant-based sausage if you’re keeping it vegetarian!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and stickiness. For a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup can serve as a great alternative. Both will give a nice flavor without losing the sticky texture.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient brings depth and saltiness. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for tamari – it tastes nearly the same! Low-sodium soy sauce is another great choice if you want to cut back on salt.
Brown Sugar: It enhances the caramel flavor. If you’re out of brown sugar, mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to mimic that deep flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punchy flavor! If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can be a quick substitute but use less – about a teaspoon instead of three cloves.
How Do You Get the Sauce to Perfectly Coat the Smokies?
The sauce is key to making the smokies delicious. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix well before pouring! Make sure honey and sugar dissolve completely in the sauce mix to avoid grainy bits.
- Use a slow cooker for even cooking. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully over hours, making the smokies extra juicy.
- If using the stove, keep the heat low to prevent burning. Stir often to ensure the sauce thickens nicely around the sausages.
- Look for a glossy finish! This shows the sauce has thickened properly and will cling well to each smokie.
Enjoy these sweet and garlicky bites at your next gathering!
Honey Garlic Cocktail Smokies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds cocktail smokies (little smokies sausages)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-30 minutes of cooking time, depending on whether you are using a slow cooker or cooking on the stove. Total, you should be ready to serve in about 30 minutes to 3 hours if using the slow cooker.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined. This sauce is going to pack a lot of flavor, so get it nice and smooth!
2. Prepare the Smokies:
Place the cocktail smokies in a slow cooker. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also use a medium saucepan on the stove for quicker cooking. Both ways will work beautifully!
3. Coat with Sauce:
Pour the honey garlic sauce all over the smokies. Gently stir to coat all the sausages evenly. You want each little smokie to be submerged in that tasty sauce!
4. Cook Them Up:
If you’re using a slow cooker, cover it and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Just remember to give them a stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick. If you’re on the stove, set it to low heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 15-20 minutes or until the sauce thickens and really clings to the smokies.
5. Final Touch:
When the sauce is thickened and glossy, turn off the heat. Carefully transfer the smokies to a serving bowl. They’ll look so delicious and inviting!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They make for an amazing appetizer or party snack that everyone will love! Enjoy the sticky, sweet, and garlicky bites!
Your guests will be coming back for seconds and thirds, so be ready! 😄
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While cocktail smokies are traditional, you can substitute with mini sausages, turkey sausages, or even plant-based sausages to suit your dietary preferences.
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra spice!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and even cook the smokies ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
