Cranberry Little Smokies with Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Little Smokies with Hot Honey combine sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This easy recipe brings together savory beef smokies with a vibrant cranberry glaze laced with a kick of hot honey.

A white plate piled high with glossy, dark brown glazed sausages, each coated in a shiny, sticky sauce with small bits of green herbs sprinkled over them. Bright red whole cranberries are mixed in and on top of the sausage mound, adding pops of vibrant color. The sauce pools slightly at the base, reflecting light and giving a delicious, juicy look. The background shows a soft, blurred setting with warm tones, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) hot honey
  • 1 pound (450g) beef little smokies
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, hot honey, water, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef little smokies to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm as an appetizer, optionally garnished with fresh cranberries or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For a milder version, substitute hot honey with regular honey or maple syrup.
  • Adding a splash of fresh lime juice can brighten up the sauce.
  • Try using turkey little smokies for a leaner alternative.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain sauce consistency.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a bowl filled with glossy, glazed small sausages that have a rich brown color and a shiny texture from the sauce. Scattered throughout the sausages are bright red fresh cranberries that add a pop of color and contrast. Small green herb leaves, likely thyme, are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh, vibrant touch. The bowl is white and round, placed on a wooden surface with soft warm lights blurred in the background. The overall look is glossy and colorful, with a mix of smooth and tiny textured details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry sauce mixture and cook the smokies ahead of time. Reheat them gently before serving to keep the flavors fresh.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

You can substitute the beef little smokies with vegetarian sausages or plant-based meat alternatives and follow the same cooking method for a meat-free version.

Print

Cranberry Little Smokies with Hot Honey Recipe

A delicious appetizer featuring beef little smokies simmered in a tangy and spicy cranberry hot honey sauce, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

  • Author: lucas
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) hot honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper

Main Ingredient

  • 1 pound (450g) beef little smokies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, hot honey, water, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful base.
  2. Cook the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the smokies: Stir the beef little smokies into the saucepan, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the smokies are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Serve: Serve the cranberry hot honey little smokies warm as an appetizer. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cranberries or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute beef little smokies with turkey or chicken sausages if preferred.
  • Adjust the hot honey quantity to control the heat level of the sauce.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: cranberry, little smokies, hot honey, appetizer, party food, sweet and spicy

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