Aunt Denise sets these down and suddenly everyone is “just grabbing one more” until they’re gone. These Southern honey mustard lil smokies are exactly that kind of party food: sticky, sweet, tangy, and impossible to stop picking at. They’re made with simple cocktail sausages, pantry-friendly honey and mustard, and baked until the edges get a little browned and caramelized. I love them for busy nights when I’m hosting, because I can whisk the sauce together in a couple minutes, toss everything in a disposable aluminum pan, and let the oven do the rest while I’m getting the house ready. They’re very Midwestern potluck meets Southern church social—nothing fancy, just good, crowd-pleasing food that disappears fast.
Serve these Southern honey mustard lil smokies straight from the disposable aluminum pan or portioned into paper takeout boxes with toothpicks or small cocktail forks on the side. They’re perfect with other easy appetizers like cheese and crackers, veggie trays, or a slow cooker of queso. For something more substantial, pair them with soft dinner rolls or slider buns so people can make mini sandwiches, plus a simple coleslaw or potato salad. They also travel really well, so you can pop the pan on a salt-and-pepper granite counter at a friend’s house and let everyone help themselves while you set out drinks.
Southern Honey Mustard Lil Smokies Made with Cocktail Sausages and Honey
Servings: 10-12 as an appetizer
Ingredients
2 (14-ounce) packages cocktail sausages (lil smokies), about 2 pounds total
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Nonstick cooking spray (for the pan)
Directions
see continuation on next page
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