Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Italian Sausage Bites Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can briefly sear the sausage coins in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional. This step adds a nice browned crust to the exterior of the meat.

If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is hot and work in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which would cause the sausage to steam rather than brown.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the honey-soy mixture cling better to the sausage.

Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning, keeping in mind that the saltiness may intensify as the sauce reduces during the cooking process.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the honey-soy sauce mixture before pouring it over the sausages for a spicy, bold finish.
• Pineapple Sausage Bites: Add one cup of canned pineapple chunks to the slow cooker along with the peppers for a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory Italian sausage.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the sausage and sauce have cooled to room temperature, but do not leave them out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. When reheating, ensure the food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is safe for consumption.

You can prepare the sausage and peppers in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply add the sauce and seasoning, then start the slow cooker. This method is excellent for busy mornings when you want to have dinner ready by the time you return home, as it saves time on prep work.

Serving ideas

These honey garlic sausage bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways. For a complete meal, serve the sausage and peppers over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which helps soak up the delicious honey-soy glaze.

Alternatively, pair them with steamed broccoli or roasted green beans to add a fresh, crunchy element that balances the richness of the sausage.

If you are serving these at a party or gathering, place them in a small slow cooker on the warm setting with toothpicks on the side. This allows guests to serve themselves easily.

They also work wonderfully as a slider filling; simply place a few sausage coins inside small toasted buns, top with a little extra glaze, and serve immediately for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Italian Sausage Bites

Prep 10 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch coins
• 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
• 1 packet seasoning packet
• 1 cup honey-soy sauce

Instructions

1. Arrange the Italian sausage coins in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the diced red bell peppers directly over the top of the sausage pieces to ensure even distribution during the cooking process.
2. Evenly sprinkle the contents of the seasoning packet over the sausage and peppers. Pour the honey-soy sauce over the entire mixture, ensuring the liquid reaches the bottom of the slow cooker to coat the sausages.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature of the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the sausage rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to thicken slightly.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.