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.

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
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, hot honey, water, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the beef little smokies to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- 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.
- 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

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.
PrintCranberry 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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- 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.
- Cook the sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined, about 5 minutes.
- Add the smokies: Stir the beef little smokies into the saucepan, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- 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.
- 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

