If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible party starter that’s both simple and packed with flavor, the Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe is your new best friend. This dish delivers that perfect sweet and savory balance with tender, bite-sized sausages smothered in a luscious honey garlic glaze, all cooked effortlessly in your crock pot. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving an easy snack, this recipe guarantees smiles (and second helpings) all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe. Each component, from the sweetness of brown sugar to the zing of garlic, works together to create layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing. Plus, the color contrast between the glossy sauce and smoky sausages adds an inviting touch to your appetizer spread.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the tangy and savory notes perfectly.
- Honey: Brings natural floral sweetness and a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the smokies.
- Ketchup: Offers a tangy tomato base that brightens up the sauce with savory depth.
- Soy sauce: Infuses salty umami flavor that enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
- Garlic (minced): Packs a punch of aromatic sharpness that makes every bite memorable.
- Hillshire Farms Lit’l Smokies: These little sausages are the star, delivering smoky, juicy goodness in every mouthful.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Create the Sauce
Start by combining the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it transforms into a consistent, glossy sauce. This step is crucial to marrying the sweet, salty, and garlicky flavors into a perfect blend that will coat your little smokies beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Smokies
While the sauce is coming together, place the Hillshire Farms Lit’l Smokies evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This sets the stage for the smokies to soak up that luscious sauce and become irresistibly tender after cooking.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the freshly made honey garlic sauce over the smokies in the crock pot, making sure every sausage gets generously coated. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 1 hour. This slow cooking lets the smoky flavor of the sausages deepen, while the sauce thickens and glazes each little piece to perfection.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and taste of your Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe by sprinkling some freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. These simple garnishes add color contrast and a fresh or spicy kick that elevates the dish from tasty to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
Pair these glazed smokies with crunchy vegetable sticks, creamy ranch dip, or freshly baked soft pretzels to create a well-rounded snack platter. The variety of textures and flavors lets guests mix and match bites, keeping everyone happy and energized for more socializing.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or a vibrant ceramic dish to make the colors pop. For a fun twist, offer toothpicks or small skewers so guests can nibble on these bite-sized delights with ease. Presentation makes all the difference and will definitely up the wow factor at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen in the fridge, making cold or reheated bites just as enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this appetizer freezes beautifully. Place cooled smokies with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, they will keep well for up to 2 months and are a quick fix for unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce stays evenly glossy and the smokies remain tender. This way, each bite stays as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hillshire Farms Lit’l Smokies work wonderfully, you can use any small cocktail sausage or mini smokies you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times if they vary significantly in size or type.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is generally gluten-free if you ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as some brands contain wheat. Always check labels to keep it friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this appetizer without a crock pot?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce as directed, then gently simmer the little smokies and sauce together in a saucepan on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and sticky.
How long can I leave the dish on the crock pot before serving?
It’s best served fresh after the 1-hour slow cook on low, but you can keep it warm in the crock pot for an additional hour if needed. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or drying out.
Can I adjust the sweetness or garlic level in the sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of minced garlic or sauté it first for a softer taste. For sweetness, tweak the brown sugar or honey amounts to suit your palate—cooking is all about making it your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about gathering around the table with warm little bites bursting with flavor, and the Honey Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe does just that. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a party staple you’ll reach for time and time again. Trust me, once you try this sweet and savory treat, it’ll be a hands-down favorite among your friends and family.
PrintHoney Garlic Crock Pot Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe
Delicious and easy Honey Garlic Little Smokies appetizer cooked in a slow cooker. This recipe combines savory smokies with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, perfect for parties or game day snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons garlic (minced)
Main Ingredient
- 28 oz Hillshire Farms Lit’l Smokies
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Place the brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat for 5 minutes until the sauce is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
- Combine smokies and sauce: Place the Little Smokies in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the smokies.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 1 hour, allowing the smokies to absorb the flavors and heat thoroughly.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, cook the sauce a little longer before adding to the smokies.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack with toothpicks.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
