Sizzling Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor.

This honey garlic sausage recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort.

Sizzling links coated in a tangy honey garlic glaze create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

sweet meets savory in this quick and easy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Each bite combines the rich depth of sausage with bright, balanced notes of honey and garlic.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, irresistible coating that transforms ordinary sausages into something spectacular.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage That’s Hard to Resist

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What’s Inside Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage

• Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa: Provides the main protein and hearty flavor for the dish.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a tangy and slightly sharp taste.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers optional heat and spice.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and prevent sticking.
• Water, Cornstarch: Creates a smooth sauce with the right consistency.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, optional garnish for color and brightness.

How to Cook Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage

Step 1: Prep the Sausage

Slice the smoked sausage or kielbasa into bite-sized rounds. Make sure each piece is roughly half an inch thick for even cooking and perfect sauce absorption.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place sausage slices into the hot pan.

Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove sausage and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet with remaining oil and sausage drippings, add minced garlic. Sauté quickly until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, which takes about 30 seconds.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a rich and tangy sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch until completely smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until it reaches a perfect, glossy thickness.

Step 6: Reunite Sausage and Sauce

Return the golden-brown sausage slices to the skillet.

Gently toss each piece to ensure complete coating with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sausage to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sausage to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot alongside steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips to Perfect Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage

• Select fresh, well-marbled smoked sausage or kielbasa for maximum flavor and texture.
• Achieve golden-brown sausage edges by cooking on medium heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture carefully to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding more or less as desired.
• Pair with complementary sides like rice or roasted vegetables to enhance the dish's overall taste profile.

Ways to Change Up Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage

• Spicy Chorizo Fusion: Replace kielbasa with spicy chorizo sausage for a bolder, more intense flavor profile that adds extra heat and complexity to the dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage links or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the same honey garlic sauce for a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip traditional rice or potatoes and serve over roasted cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly and low-carbohydrate meal option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What to Pair with Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage

• Sip Perfect German Pilsner: Crisp, light beer complements the sausage's rich, smoky flavor while cutting through the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce.
• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Hearty, slightly tangy bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and provides a wonderful textural contrast to the sausage.
• Match with Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly bitter, caramelized vegetables balance the sweetness of the honey sauce and add a nutritious green element to the meal.
• Create Creamy Potato Salad Side: Cool, tangy potato salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy sausage, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.

How to Store Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the sausage remains covered in sauce to maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled sausage and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place sausage in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm sausage in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently and heat until thoroughly warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, bratwurst, or andouille sausage. The key is to choose a fully cooked sausage that will brown nicely and absorb the honey garlic sauce.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit entirely. If you want more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the honey amount, or substitute with a sugar-free alternative. You can also use lean turkey or chicken sausage for a lower-fat option.

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table, blending rich spices with delicate honey notes. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the smoked sausage by slicing into uniform half-inch medallions.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Carefully place sausage rounds into the hot skillet, cooking until each side develops a rich golden-brown caramelization, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove browned sausage and temporarily set aside on a clean plate.
5. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, releasing its intense fragrance (about 30 seconds).
6. Create the signature sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and optional red pepper flakes, whisking thoroughly to integrate flavors.
7. Dissolve cornstarch completely in water, ensuring a smooth, lump-free liquid mixture.
8. Pour cornstarch solution into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and promote even thickening.
9. Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a glossy, syrup-like consistency.
10. Reintroduce sausage medallions to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the honey garlic glaze.
11. Allow sausage to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, enabling deeper flavor absorption.
12. Transfer glazed sausage to a serving platter, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
13. Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Swap kielbasa for turkey or chicken sausage to create a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice levels, making the dish mild for kids or extra zesty for heat lovers.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
• Create a vegetarian version by substituting sausage with firm tofu or tempeh, ensuring the plant-based protein absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg