If you need an appetizer that disappears faster than you can set down the tray, these honey garlic glazed sausage bites are it. They’re sweet, savory, sticky, and glossy—perfectly caramelized little rounds of sausage coated in a bold sauce that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple, uses basic pantry ingredients, and can be made in the oven or on the stovetop depending on what’s easiest for you.
These bite-sized sausage pieces are a go-to for game day, potlucks, holiday parties, and quick weeknight snacking. They’re also amazing served over rice, tucked into sliders, or paired with toothpicks for a no-fuss finger food that looks (and tastes) like you worked hard. If you love sticky glazes, easy crowd-pleasers, and big flavor with minimal effort, keep this one in your favorites.
Why These Sausage Bites Are Always a Hit
- Quick to make with simple ingredients
- Sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully
- Perfect party appetizer for holidays and game day
- Easy to scale up for a crowd
- Great make-ahead option and reheats well
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe works with lots of sausage types, so use what you have and what your crowd loves.
For the sausage
- 2 lbs smoked sausage (kielbasa, beef sausage, turkey sausage, or any fully cooked smoked sausage)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon oil (only if pan-searing)
For the honey garlic glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium works great)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup (adds color and tang)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for extra caramel flavor)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Optional garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Honey Garlic Sausage Bites (Oven Method)
This method gives you that glossy, baked caramelization with minimal hands-on time.
- Preheat the oven.
Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. - Slice the sausage.
Cut into 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. - Mix the sauce.
In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar (if using), minced garlic, vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. - Coat and bake.
Add sausage pieces to a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan and pour the sauce over. Toss to coat. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. - Finish for extra stickiness.
If you want a thicker, stickier glaze, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. - Serve hot.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions if you like. Add toothpicks and enjoy.
Stovetop Method (Fast and Super Sticky)
If you want the glaze really thick and shiny, stovetop is fantastic.
- Slice sausage and brown it in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until edges are golden.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer 6–10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats every piece.
Best Sausage to Use
- Kielbasa: classic and smoky, great with honey garlic.
- Beef smoked sausage: hearty and bold, holds up well.
- Turkey sausage: lighter but still flavorful.
- Chicken sausage: works best if it’s fully cooked and not too lean.
The key is using a fully cooked smoked sausage, because you’re mainly heating and glazing, not cooking from raw.
Tips for Perfect Caramelized Glaze
- Keep it moving: glaze thickens quickly; stir to prevent scorching.
- Watch the broil: honey can burn fast.
- Balance sweetness: if your honey is very sweet, use low-sodium soy sauce and keep the brown sugar optional.
- Want it thicker? simmer an extra 2–3 minutes or add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
Flavor Variations (Easy Upgrades)
Spicy Honey Garlic Sausage Bites
Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
Pineapple Honey Sausage Bites
Add pineapple chunks and a splash of pineapple juice for sweet-tangy vibes.
BBQ Honey Sausage Bites
Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce and reduce honey slightly.
Maple Garlic Sausage Bites
Replace half the honey with maple syrup for a deeper, smoky sweetness.
Asian-Style Sticky Sausage
Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger and finish with sesame oil (a few drops) and sesame seeds.
What to Serve With Sausage Bites
These are amazing as a party snack, but they also make a full meal with the right sides:
- White rice, fried rice, or noodles
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw or a crunchy salad
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Dinner rolls or slider buns
For parties, set them out with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Make ahead:
Cook them fully, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving and add a splash of water to loosen the glaze if needed.
Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat:
- Skillet: medium heat, stir until hot
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes
- Microwave: 30–60 seconds, stir halfway
FAQ
Can I use cocktail sausages or little smokies?
Yes—this glaze is perfect for little smokies. Reduce cooking time slightly since they’re smaller.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll get less caramelization. For best flavor, brown the sausage first, then slow cook on low for 2–3 hours. If you want it thicker, finish in a skillet or under the broiler.
What if my sauce is too salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and add a little more honey or a squeeze of lemon to balance it.
Keywords
honey garlic sausage bites, sticky sausage bites, glazed sausage appetizer, kielbasa bites recipe, sweet and savory sausage, easy party appetizers, little smokies honey garlic, game day appetizer recipe