Can I make these Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies in an Instant Pot instead?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to mix everything together, then cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a natural release. For the same sticky texture, switch back to sauté after pressure cooking and simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

What if I can't find hot honey at my grocery store?

No problem! Make your own by warming 1/4 cup regular honey with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Let it infuse for about 10 minutes, then cool slightly before using in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can either prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it separately, then combine with the sausages in the slow cooker on the day of your event. Alternatively, cook everything completely, refrigerate, and reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours before serving.

Are these too spicy for kids?

Most kids who enjoy a little flavor actually love these! The hot honey provides more of a gentle warmth than intense heat. For very sensitive palates, substitute regular honey and omit the black pepper for a milder, kid-friendly version.

Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe

Name: Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (14-ounce) packages lit’l smokies sausages; 1 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup hot honey; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard or 2 teaspoons yellow mustard

Description

These Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! Smoky sausages are coated in a sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy sauce made with hot honey, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of liquid smoke. Cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, these lil’ bites deliver big flavor, making them perfect for game-day parties, potlucks, or any occasion calling for a finger-licking dish!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sausages

2 (14-ounce) packages lit’l smokies sausages

Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup hot honey
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hickory liquid smoke
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard or 2 teaspoons yellow mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Sausages
Place the two packages of lit’l smokies sausages into the crock of a slow cooker, ensuring they’re evenly spread for better sauce coverage.
Make the Sauce
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, hot honey, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hickory liquid smoke, salt, black pepper, and mustard. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
Combine Sausages and Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the sausages in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure all the smokies are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Cook the Sausages
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let the sausages cook for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and become bubbly, while the sausages become tender and infused with the sauce’s robust flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve these Hot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies warm, either directly from the slow cooker or by transferring to a serving dish. Perfect on their own, or pair them with toothpicks for easy munching!

Notes

For extra spice, you can add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
If you don’t have hot honey, you can use regular honey and add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes for heat.
These lil’ smokies pair wonderfully with crusty bread or pretzels on the side.
The recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings; just ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the extra quantity.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 210kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg