Honey Garlic Sausages in the Slow Cooker

Honey Garlic Sausages in the Slow Cooker

This honey garlic sausage recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and entertaining guests alike. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, creating tender sausages glazed in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or straight from the pot for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Italian sausages
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side until golden, then transfer to your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, butter, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the sauce over the sausages in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
5. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
6. Cook uncovered for the remaining time, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot with the glaze spooned over the sausages.

Practical Tips

Browning matters: Taking time to brown the sausages before slow cooking adds depth and prevents them from becoming too soft. This extra step takes just 10 minutes but makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Adjust the heat level: If you prefer milder sausages, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra kick, add more flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce mixture the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, brown the sausages, combine everything in the slow cooker, and you’re ready to go.

How to Store

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also freeze the sausages and sauce together for up to 3 months.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh sausages instead of Italian sausages? Yes, any fresh sausage variety works beautifully. Bratwurst, chicken sausages, or spicy sausages all take well to this honey-garlic glaze.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this in a Dutch oven in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or simmer gently on the stovetop for 30 to 40 minutes after browning.

Is the cornstarch necessary? The cornstarch thickens the sauce into a proper glaze, but if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip it entirely or use less.