Description
These Honey Garlic Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Party Cups are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Combining the savory goodness of Lil’ Smokies sausages with a sweet and tangy honey garlic glaze, all nestled in a crispy phyllo pastry cup, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or a fun snack any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (14 oz) Lil’ Smokies sausages
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (12 count) mini phyllo pastry cups
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Lil’ Smokies to the saucepan and stir to coat them in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sausages to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: While the sausages are cooking, arrange the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet.
Step 6: Once the Lil’ Smokies are ready, spoon a few sausages into each pastry cup, drizzling extra glaze over the top.
Step 7: Bake the filled pastry cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cups are golden and crispy.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These party cups are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a flavor explosion that complements the smoky sausages perfectly. Plus, the crispy phyllo cups add a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Honey Garlic Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Party Cups as an appetizer at parties, potlucks, game day events, or any social gathering. They pair well with other appetizers like:
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Buffalo chicken wings
- Mini quiches
- A cheese and charcuterie board
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic glaze.
- If you don’t have mini phyllo cups, you can use small puff pastry squares as an alternative.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the pastry cups while baking to prevent them from burning.
- Prepare the honey garlic glaze in advance to save time when assembling the party cups.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the honey garlic glaze while it’s simmering.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your liking, depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
- If you want to get creative, try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of the sausages before baking for extra richness.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Mississippi Lil’ Smokies Party Cups are a surefire way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Their irresistible flavor combination and easy preparation make them a go-to appetizer for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delicious, bite-sized treats!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make these party cups ahead of time?
A: While they are best served fresh, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze and cook the Lil’ Smokies in advance. Store them separately and assemble the party cups just before baking to prevent the phyllo cups from becoming soggy.
Q2: What can I use if I don’t have phyllo pastry cups?
A: Puff pastry squares work well as a substitute. Simply cut the puff pastry into small squares, bake them until golden, and then top with the honey garlic Lil’ Smokies.
Q3: How can I add a spicy twist to this recipe?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic glaze while it’s simmering. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Q4: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes, you can use other types of sausages, such as cocktail sausages or Italian sausages, depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q5: How should I store any leftover party cups?
A: Store any leftover party cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through and the phyllo cups are crispy again.
