If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table, Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage is it. Picture this: juicy sausages cooked until perfectly browned and then drenched in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of spice. It’s simple, satisfying, and downright addictive. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, as an appetizer for your next get-together, or even on top of a bed of rice or mashed potatoes, this dish is one that’ll keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming of the sauce for days!
Why You’ll Love Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage
Here’s why this dish is about to become your new favorite:
- Flavor Explosion: The honey garlic sauce is the star, offering the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. It coats the sausages beautifully and gives them a rich, glossy finish.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you still want something flavorful and filling.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet flavor of the honey balances the savory, making it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s one of those meals everyone can agree on.
- Versatile: You can serve it in so many ways—whether on its own, with roasted vegetables, or over rice or mashed potatoes. It also works great as a topping for salads or sandwiches.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be prepped in advance, and the sausages can be cooked and stored for an easy meal later in the week.
Ingredients in Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage
You don’t need much to make this dish, just a few key ingredients that come together to create something amazing:
For the Sausages:
- Sausages (Your Favorite Type): Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or turkey sausages, pick a high-quality one that will soak up the flavor of the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For browning the sausages and creating a crispy, golden exterior.
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (Optional): For a hint of earthy, aromatic flavor.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey: The sweet base of the sauce, creating that luscious, sticky texture.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings savory depth and richness to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
- Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten the sauce and cut through the sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick to the sauce.
(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to dig into this sweet and savory sausage goodness? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausages and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Step 3: Coat the Sausages
Return the sausages to the skillet, turning them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for 3-4 more minutes so they can absorb all that delicious flavor.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the sausages hot, drizzled with any extra sauce from the skillet. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. These sausages are fantastic on their own, or served with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or even in a bun for a quick sausage sandwich.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 17g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin D: 0µg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 450mg
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage
- On Rice: Serve these sausages over a bed of white or brown rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts to balance out the richness of the sausages.
- As a Sandwich: Place the sausages in a toasted bun and drizzle with extra sauce for a quick and tasty sandwich.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The savory sausages and sweet honey garlic sauce go beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
- In a Salad: Slice the sausages and serve them atop a fresh salad for a warm, hearty lunch.
Additional Tips
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you like your sauce. If you prefer a more savory flavor, use less honey and balance with extra soy sauce or vinegar.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat, or drizzle with hot sauce for a fiery finish.
- Vegan Option: You can use plant-based sausages for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
- Meal Prep: Cook the sausages and sauce in advance, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Grill the Sausages: For added flavor, you can also grill the sausages instead of pan-frying them before tossing them in the honey garlic sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken sausages?
A1: Yes! Chicken sausages work great in this recipe and will still absorb the delicious honey garlic sauce.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can cook the sausages and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: Can I make this dish spicier?
A1: Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce to give it an extra kick.
Q4: What kind of sausage should I use?
A1: You can use pork, chicken, or turkey sausages—whatever your preference is! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the sauce.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A1: Yes! Both the sausages and the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q6: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
A1: Yes, maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as a substitute for honey if you prefer.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A1: Yes! Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini would pair wonderfully with the sausages and sauce.
Q9: What should I serve with this dish?
A1: Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or in a bun for a satisfying meal.
Q10: How do I make the sausages extra crispy?
A1: If you like your sausages extra crispy, cook them in the skillet for a few extra minutes before adding the sauce.
Conclusion
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, over rice, or in a sandwich, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a delicious addition to any dinner spread. So go ahead, give this dish a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
PrintSweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausage is a perfect balance of flavors, combining the richness of sausage with the sweetness of honey and the savory depth of garlic. This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 4–6 sausage links (pork or chicken, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausages:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through. If needed, you can slice the sausages into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. - Make the honey garlic sauce:
While the sausages are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine the sausages and sauce:
Once the sausages are cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the sausages and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the sausages. - Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Sausages with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve the sausages with cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- You can substitute the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- This recipe works well with both pork sausages and chicken sausages, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage with sauce (1/4 to 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg