Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a Friday night, everyone’ is starving, and the thought of ordering takeout makes you want to eat again. What are these Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies? Is there a savory, sweet explosion in your mouth? When they see me pulling out the ingredients, they think I’m pulling them out. Is it like a pigs are covered in ketchup or mustard? What makes a glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and savory all at the same time? What are some addictive little bites? What are some of the best appetizers to try? What are some of the best Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies recipes?
What is Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies?
What are Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies? Think of them as mini sausages, those perfectly poppable cocktail weenies, transformed into a cocktail. Something truly special. What are some of the best smoked sausages you’ve ever had? What’s that glaze that really elevates them – it’d be sweet from the honey, savory from soy sauce and a little bit of salty. Is garlic tangy? It’s essentially the adult version of something fun and familiar, but with a flavor profile. What makes your taste buds sing? Can you cook them in a Slow Cooker, on the stovetop or even in the oven? What are some easy appetizers?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways!flavorThe honey teriyaki glaze is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami – it’s ridiculously good. What’s the flavor of smokies? What is the flavor of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic? Beyond the flavor, it’s the whole experience.simplicityWhat makes this a winner? What are some quick and easy recipes that can be made in a matter of minutes? What is Slow Cooker cooking? Is it really a set-it-and-forget type of deal?cost-efficientLittle smokies are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the glaze. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What is a great option when you need to feed crowds on the same budget?versatilityCan you serve these as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main course? What are some great games to play on a game day, potluck, holiday party, or just for the fun of it? What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. What are some ways to make a glaze? I’ve even added a splash of pineapple juice for an extra tropical twist! Compared to boring old cocktail weenies with just BBQ sauce, these are on a completely different level.
How do I make Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies?
Quick Overview
How do I make Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies? How do you whisk together the glaze ingredients, toss in the little smokies, and cook them in a pan. Then you simply whisk the ingredients together. Until they’re sticky, glossy, and utterly irresistible. How can I cook in a Slow Cooker? It requires minimal effort to make. What is the best part? The longer they cook, the more flavorful they become! This recipe is special because it’s incredibly forgiving – you can adjust the cooking time and the thickness. What are some of the best ingredients to cook? Is it hard to mess these up, which is a huge win in my book!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Honey Teriyaki Glaze?
* 1 cup honey (I prefer a raw, local honey for the best flavor, but any kind will work)
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium is best to control the saltiness, but regular is fine too)
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds a nice tanginess to balance the sweetness)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch)
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger – the fresh ginger really packs a punch!)
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick. My kids prefer it without, so I usually leave it out)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps to thicken the glaze, but you can also use arrowroot powder)
For the Little Smokies:
* 2 (12-14 ounce) packages little smokies sausages (any brand will do, but I like the Hillshire brand) Farms ones) * Optional: * Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish * Sesame seeds, optional: Can be eaten raw or roasted.
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker (or Oven/Stovetop).
If using a slow cooker, grease the inside of the pot with cooking spray. How do I stop my little smokies from sticking to my skin? If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). If using the stovetop, grab a large skillet or saucepan.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch – this is crucial for a smooth glaze. I always whisk it really well, until it’s perfectly combined.
Step 3: Combine Little Smokies and Glaze
In a Slow Cooker, pour the honey teriyaki glaze over the little smokies. Stir gently to ensure that all the little smokies are evenly coated in the glaze. This step is important so every single little smokie gets the delicious flavor.
Step 4: Cook
Slow Cooker:Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the more flavor develops and the stickier the glaze becomes.Oven: Transfer the little smokies and glaze to a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop:Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes. Is the glaze thickened? How do I avoid burning the glaze?
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the little smokies are cooked, garnish with sesame seeds and serve. What are the best ways to cook green onions? I like to put out some toothpicks so everyone can easily grab them.
What to serve it with?
What’s the best way to serve Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies? What are some ideas for different occasions?
For Game Day:Serve them alongside other classic appetizers like buffalo wings, sliders, and chips and dip. What are some good side dishes to serve with coleslaw and potato salad?
What are some ideas for a holiday party?How do you serve a chafing dish to your guests? What are some of the best dipping sauces to try? A cheese and cracker platter and some festive cocktails would also be a great addition.
What’s a good weeknight dinner?Serve them over rice with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. What are some good additions to skewers with pineapple and bell peppers? What is a quick and easy way to turn them into meals?
For a Potluck:Bring a big bowl of Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies to your next potluck and watch them disappear! What are some good crowd pleasers to bring along?
Growing up, my family always served these little Hawaiian rolls. The sweetness of the roll combined with the savory smokies was just perfection!
How do I make my Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies taste like real honey?
What are some tips and tricks to make sure your Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies are tasty? Is it possible to be perfect every single time?
Honey Selection: What is While any honey will work, I find that using a raw, local honey adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with processed honey. It’s worth the splurge if you can find it!
Soy Sauce Swaps: WhatHow do I control the saltiness of soy sauce? If you have sauce on hand, just reduce the amount slightly. Is tamari gluten free?
Garlic & Ginger: What areFreshly minced garlic and grated ginger will always provide the most flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can always substitute them for fresh lemon. Can you use ground ginger or garlic powder? Why are dried spices so potent?
Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Thickening the Glaze: WhyI use cornstarch for thickening the glaze, but you can also use arrowroot powder. Just make sure to whisk it into a cold liquid before adding it to the hot glaze to prevent clumping.
What is the difference between a stovetop and Slow Cooker?Each method has its advantages. The slow cooker is great for hands-off cooking and developing flavor over time. Is the stovetop faster? Is the oven a good middle ground, but it can dry out the little smokies if you’re not careful?
The biggest lesson I learned was to not overcrowd the Slow Cooker or pan. Give the little smokies some room to breathe so they can cook evenly and the glaze can properly coat them.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk storage. If you happen to have any leftover Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies (which is rare at my house!), here’s how to store them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the little smokies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the little smokies. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat the little smokies in the microwave, in a skillet on the stovetop, or in the oven. For the microwave, heat them in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the stovetop, heat them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the oven, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on storing the little smokies, I recommend waiting to add the sesame seeds and green onions until you’re ready to serve them. This will prevent them from getting soggy during storage.
I’ve found that the texture is best if you reheat them on the stovetop – they get that nice sticky glaze back!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies! I truly believe this is one of those recipes that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or just want a tasty snack, these little smokies are sure to hit the spot. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other appetizer recipes for more inspiration! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it. Happy cooking!
Honey Teriyaki Little Smokies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Little Smokies sausages
- 0.5 cup Honey
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar.
- Add little smokies to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Place little smokies in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly caramelized.
