Crockpot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

These Crockpot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are bite-size sausages coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory sauce with honey, garlic, and soy. The slow cooker keeps them warm for serving, making this an easy appetizer for parties and gatherings.

They’re perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or an easy snack table.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on low or 1–1½ hours on high
Total Time: Approximately 2½ hours on low
Servings: 8–10

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet honey and savory garlic sauce
Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients
Slow cooker keeps the sausages warm for serving
Great for parties and potlucks
Easy to double for a crowd
No need to brown the sausages first
A tasty alternative to barbecue Lil Smokies
Simple to adjust the sweetness or spice
Delicious served with toothpicks
Leftovers reheat easily

Ingredients

Lil Smokies and Sauce

2 packages (14 ounces each) beef Lil Smokies
½ cup honey
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water

Optional Garnishes

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Red pepper flakes

How to Make Crockpot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

Step 1: Add the Lil Smokies

Place the Lil Smokies in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, and black pepper.

Pour the sauce over the sausages and stir to coat.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–1½ hours, stirring once or twice if convenient.

The sausages are already cooked, so the goal is to heat them through and let them absorb the sauce. Avoid cooking them for too long, which can make them split or become overly soft.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Stir the mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve

Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting for serving.

Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve with toothpicks.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

Use low-sodium soy sauce so the sauce doesn’t become too salty.
Mince the garlic finely so it blends into the sauce.
Stir the sausages during cooking if you’re nearby to coat them evenly.
Add the cornstarch slurry near the end; adding it too early can make the sauce unevenly thick.
Keep the slow cooker on warm once the sausages are heated through.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of warm water.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with extra honey or vinegar as needed.

Can I Use Cocktail Sausages Instead?

Yes. Use any fully cooked cocktail sausages of a similar size. If the package is larger or smaller, adjust the sauce proportionally.

Can I Make the Sauce Without Ketchup?

Yes. Replace the ketchup with 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 tablespoon water, or leave it out and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce and a little more honey to taste.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1–2 teaspoons sriracha to the sauce.

BBQ Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.

Pineapple Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

Add ½ cup drained pineapple tidbits during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Sesame Honey Garlic Lil Smokies

Stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds over the sausages before serving.

Brown Sugar Garlic Lil Smokies

Replace 2 tablespoons of honey with extra brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Can I Make Them Ahead?

Yes. Whisk the sauce together up to two days ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container.

You can also cook the Lil Smokies ahead and refrigerate them with the sauce. Reheat them in the slow cooker on low until hot, then switch to warm for serving.

Storage

Let leftovers cool, then store the sausages and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Can You Freeze Crockpot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies?

Yes. Cool them completely, then freeze the sausages with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently until hot throughout. The sauce may need a stir or a small splash of water after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lil Smokies already cooked?

Most packaged cocktail sausages are fully cooked, but check the package label. Heat them until steaming hot before serving.

Why is my sauce thin?

Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, stir it into the hot sauce, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes. Make sure the lid is on while it thickens.

Can I cook them overnight?

These sausages don’t need a long cooking time. Cook them for the recommended time, then use the warm setting for serving rather than leaving them on low overnight.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and double the sauce ingredients. Avoid filling the cooker above its recommended capacity.

What can I serve with them?

Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, or pair them with rice, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls for a simple meal.

Can I use regular soy sauce?

Yes, but the sauce may taste saltier. Low-sodium soy sauce gives you more control over the seasoning.

Pro Tips

The Lil Smokies only need time to heat through and take on the sauce flavor. Add the cornstarch slurry near the end, then keep the slow cooker on warm so the sauce stays glossy and the sausages don’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

These Crockpot Honey Garlic Lil Smokies are an easy party appetizer coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Serve them warm with toothpicks for game day, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a simple bite-size snack.