1 pound beef or chicken smoked sausage, sliced into half inch rounds
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce or sriracha
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the honey from sticking and to make cleanup much easier. Slice your smoked sausage into rounds that are about half an inch thick, ensuring they are uniform so they cook evenly.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you want an extra kick, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and the spices are well incorporated into the honey.
Place the sliced sausage rounds into a large bowl and pour about two thirds of the hot honey glaze over them. Toss the sausage thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon until every piece is generously coated in the sweet and spicy mixture. Save the remaining third of the glaze for later.
Spread the coated sausage bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping so the edges can get slightly crispy. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs to flip the pieces over to ensure both sides get that beautiful caramelization.
Remove the tray from the oven once the sausage is browned and the glaze is bubbling. Drizzle the remaining hot honey glaze over the warm bites for an extra glossy finish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while they are hot and sticky.
