Sticky Honey Mustard Sausages

Prepare to elevate your party food game with one of the most irresistible appetizers ever: Honey Mustard Sausages. These delightful bites are deceptively simple to make, requiring minimal hands-on effort, yet they consistently deliver an explosion of flavor. The perfect harmony between salty pork cocktail sausages and a luscious sweet honey, fiery mustard glaze is simply sublime and wonderfully balanced. While they’re delicious on their own, a creamy mustard mayo dip is highly recommended, taking mere seconds to prepare and pairing impeccably with the glazed sausages.

Undeniably delicious throughout the year, these honey mustard sausages become an absolute essential during the Christmas season. A generous drizzle of the sweet and spicy honey mustard glaze transforms them into an incredible treat, offering a delightful alternative to traditional pigs-in-blankets. Their appeal lies not only in their superb taste but also in their straightforward preparation. This recipe utilizes just five budget-friendly ingredients and boasts the fantastic advantage of being easily made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes when entertaining.

In my opinion, no good party food recipe is complete without a delectable dipping sauce. I particularly enjoy serving these honey mustard sausages with a zesty, peppery mustard mayo. However, much like my popular honey and mustard sausage rolls, these glazed delights are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips. A rich, garlicky aioli, a tangy fruit chutney, or a vibrant piccalilli would all work brilliantly. For an extra decadent experience, I adore dunking them into a molten cheese fondue or a gooey baked Camembert. My acclaimed Camembert en croûte would make an exquisite companion for these sausages on a festive buffet table.

Why You Will Love This Honey Mustard Sausages Recipe:

These Honey Mustard Sausages aren’t just a recipe; they’re a guarantee for success at any gathering. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite:

• They are ideal for a versatile **snack, sophisticated starter, flavorful side**, or a crowd-pleasing **party food sharer**. Perfect for festive gatherings, much like my chicken mushroom vol au vents, they disappear quickly!
• They burst with **unrivaled flavor**, thanks to the juicy, **meaty** sausages, balanced with the delightful **sweetness** of honey, the **peppery kick** of mustard, and the luscious **creaminess** of the mayonnaise dip. This combination creates a truly memorable taste experience.
• The ultimate convenience: they can be **made-ahead**, saving you precious time and reducing stress when hosting, allowing you to enjoy your guests.
• They are **super simple** to prepare, requiring just **10 minutes of active prep time**. This means more time for you and less time in the kitchen.
• Crafted with only **five budget-friendly ingredients**, this recipe is kind to your wallet without compromising on taste or quality, making delicious entertaining accessible to everyone.

What Exactly Are Cocktail Sausages?

Cocktail sausages are simply small, mini-sized pork sausages. Their diminutive stature makes them a staple canapé, ideal for serving at parties and gatherings where bite-sized delights are preferred. Designed to be eaten in just one mouthful, they are the quintessential finger food, hence their name – historically served alongside cocktails. Typically, you purchase them raw and cook them, often enhancing their flavor with a delectable sticky glaze, as we do in this recipe.

Where Can You Buy Cocktail Sausages?

This is a great question, as availability can vary by region! In the UK, you’ll find them readily available in all major supermarkets, especially as Christmas approaches when they become a festive season must-have. You can also source them from your local butcher; it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check, as they can usually order them in for you if needed, ensuring the freshest quality.

In the US, raw cocktail sausages seem to be a bit harder to come by. For this specific recipe, it’s crucial to use the raw, uncooked variety, not the pre-cooked deli-style sausages intended for cold picnics. However, fear not! You can easily craft your own by using chipolatas or a similar type of larger sausage. Simply pinch the sausage firmly in the middle, pushing the meat to either side, then twist to separate it into two smaller sections. A quick snip with scissors will give you two perfect cocktail-sized sausages. This DIY method ensures you get the raw pork sausages needed for the glaze to properly adhere and caramelize.

You Will Need The Following Ingredients:

For the full measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!

• Sunflower Oil: This neutral-flavored oil is essential for achieving that desirable golden, slightly crispy exterior on your sausages. Its high smoke point makes it perfect for roasting. Vegetable or rapeseed oil can be used as alternatives.
• Cocktail Sausages: These are the star of our show – the small, mini pork sausages perfectly sized for party snacking. It is crucial to use the **raw (uncooked)** variety, rather than the pre-cooked deli-style ones often found in the picnic section. The raw sausages allow the glaze to properly caramelize and infuse with flavor.
• Runny Honey: This ingredient provides the essential sweetness that balances the savory pork and tangy mustard in our glaze. Any good quality runny honey will work, but feel free to experiment with different varieties like wildflower or acacia honey for subtle flavor nuances. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• Mustard: The mustard brings a delightful fiery and peppery heat to the glaze, creating that iconic honey mustard flavor. You can opt for either wholegrain mustard for a textural component or smooth Dijon mustard for a more refined finish. Brands like Maille are excellent choices. If you only have English mustard, use slightly less as it tends to be much stronger and more pungent.
• Mayonnaise: A rich, creamy, and subtly peppery mustard mayonnaise forms the ideal dipping companion for your honey mustard sausages. For the best results, choose a full-fat version. You can either whip up your own homemade mayonnaise for ultimate freshness or opt for a good-quality shop-bought variety – there’s no judgment here! Premium brands like Delouis or Stokes are highly recommended for their superior taste and texture.

Substitutions and Variations:

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs:

• Oil Alternatives: If sunflower oil isn’t available, vegetable oil or rapeseed oil are excellent substitutes. The key is to use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point to ensure proper cooking without imparting unwanted flavors.
• Sausage Choices: While raw pork cocktail sausages are traditional, you can also use chipolatas, which are slightly larger but equally delicious. Don’t be afraid to explore different sausage flavors beyond plain pork, such as apple, sage, or even a subtly spiced variety, as long as they are uncooked. Always aim for the best-quality sausages you can find for superior flavor and texture.
• Mustard Varieties: I particularly love the rustic texture that wholegrain mustard brings to these honey mustard sausages. However, smooth Dijon mustard is a fantastic alternative for a more refined glaze. If you’re using potent English mustard, be cautious and reduce the quantity slightly, as its flavor is considerably stronger.
• Herbaceous Notes: Infuse your honey mustard sausages with a wonderful herbal aroma by adding some freshly plucked thyme sprigs to the glaze mixture before coating. Finely chopped fresh rosemary or chives would also add a delicious depth of flavor.
• Sweetener Swaps: While honey is the classic choice, different types of honey offer subtle variations in taste – enjoy experimenting! Alternatively, you can successfully substitute maple syrup or agave syrup for a plant-based or different flavor profile.
• Diverse Dip Pairings: My creamy, peppery mustard mayonnaise is a perfect match, but the possibilities for dips are endless!
  • Tangy & Savory: Explore the world of chutneys and pickles if you appreciate a tangy contrast. Caramelized onion chutney, spicy tomato chutney, or a classic piccalilli are all delicious options.
  • Creamy & Rich: For more creamy dips, consider a cool sour cream and chive dip, or a luxurious garlic aioli. A cheat’s aioli can be easily made by simply swirling crushed or roasted garlic through good-quality mayonnaise.
• Fondue Fun: These honey mustard sausages are absolutely ideal for dipping into a warm, gooey cheese fondue. Simply skewer them onto cocktail sticks and dunk away! They are also incredibly delicious when dipped into baked Camembert or Brie. For an extra festive touch, serve them with my acclaimed Camembert en croûte (whole baked Camembert in puff pastry).

Here’s How To Make Easy Honey Mustard Sausages:

Follow this step-by-step guide to create these incredible honey mustard sausages. For precise measurements and complete instructions, refer to the full recipe card below.

STEP ONE: Prepare the sausages for roasting. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / 400°F). Pour the sunflower oil into a large roasting tin and place it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, allowing it to get very hot – much like you would when preparing roast potatoes. This initial heat ensures the sausages get a lovely sear. Carefully tip the uncooked cocktail sausages into the hot oil, spreading them out in an even, single layer. Return the tin to the oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.

STEP TWO: Prepare the honey mustard glaze. While the sausages are roasting, grab a small bowl. Combine the runny honey and your chosen mustard (wholegrain or Dijon) in the bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined glaze mixture. Set this aside, ready for the next step.

STEP THREE: Coat the sausages with the glaze. Once the sausages are golden brown, carefully remove them from the roasting tin using a slotted spoon and place them onto a baking sheet lined with kitchen paper. This step is crucial for draining any excess oil, ensuring your glaze adheres beautifully. Carefully discard any oil remaining in the roasting tin; a quick wipe with kitchen paper usually does the trick for any small remnants. Return the drained sausages to the cleaned roasting tin. Pour the prepared honey-mustard mixture generously over the sausages. Stir well, using tongs or a spatula, until every single sausage is evenly coated in the sticky, flavorful glaze.

STEP FOUR: Final glaze and caramelization. Return the coated sausages to the oven for an additional 5 minutes of roasting. Halfway through this final roasting period, give the tin a good shake to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking. Keep a close eye on them during this stage, as the sugar in the honey can burn quickly. You’re looking for gloriously golden and wonderfully sticky sausages.

STEP FIVE: Prepare the creamy mustard mayo dip. While the glazed sausages are finishing in the oven, take a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise with wholegrain or Dijon mustard. Adjust the amount of mustard to your taste preferences, starting with a little and adding more if you desire a stronger kick. Stir until smooth and creamy, then set aside.

STEP SIX: Serve and enjoy! Remove the perfectly glazed honey mustard sausages from the oven. Tip them onto a beautiful serving plate or platter. For an added touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle them with a handful of white sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot, alongside your delicious, creamy mustard mayonnaise dip. Watch them disappear!

Expert Cooking Tips for Perfectly Glazed Sausages:

Achieving perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed honey mustard sausages is easy with these insider tips:

• Choose the Right Sausages: Always ensure you’re using raw cocktail sausages, not the pre-cooked deli variety. Raw sausages allow the fat to render and the glaze to properly adhere and caramelize, creating that desirable sticky texture. If cocktail sausages are hard to find, raw chipolatas are an excellent substitute; simply cut them into smaller pieces.
• Give Them Space: Do not overcrowd your roasting tin when baking the cocktail sausages. They need ample space to cook evenly and brown properly on all sides. If your tin is too full, the sausages will steam rather than roast, preventing them from developing that crucial golden crust. It’s always better to use two medium-sized roasting tins if one seems too snug.
• Glaze with Vigilance: Once you’ve drizzled the honey mustard glaze over the sausages, it’s vital to keep a very close eye on them during their final roast. Honey contains sugar, which caramelizes rapidly and can burn quickly if left unattended. Shuffle the tray vigorously every couple of minutes to ensure all sides get wonderfully golden and sticky, preventing any one side from over-browning.
• Taste Test Your Dip: When preparing your mustard mayonnaise or any dip, always taste as you go. Mustards vary significantly in their heat and intensity, and a little often goes a long way. It’s much easier to add more mustard if needed than to try and dilute an overly strong dip. Adjust to your personal preference for the perfect accompanying kick.
• Hot Oil is Key: Preheating the oil in the roasting tin before adding the sausages is a crucial step. This initial blast of heat helps the sausages develop a delicious, crispy exterior from the start, contributing to a superior texture and ensuring they cook beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:

If you’re a fan of these easy honey mustard sausages, be sure to explore my other fantastic entertaining and party food recipes. My honey and mustard sausage rolls, Japanese shrimp tempura (ebi tempura), and giant skillet potato latke are all perfect additions to any festive buffet. For cheesy delights, you’ll love Camembert En Croûte, Brie Puff Pastry Bites, or a festive Brie Crescent Wreath. Alternatively, these sticky hoisin sausages or smashed potatoes with crème fraîche offer more easy and delicious options for any occasion!

Made This Recipe And Loved It?

I would absolutely love it if you could leave a review in the comments section below! Your feedback means the world to me – I adore hearing what you thought, any creative changes you made, and the stories behind why you tried my recipes. Plus, if you share a photo on Instagram, please tag me @desertislanddishes. It truly makes my day to see your wonderful creations!

★★★★★

5 from 2 votes

Honey Mustard Sausages

By: Margie

These honey mustard sausages are the perfect fuss-free party food recipe. Imagine delicious pork sausages in a sweet honey and fiery mustard glaze – all served with a creamy mustard mayo dip…

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Total: 45 mins

Servings: 48 cocktail sausages

Ingredients

For the honey mustard sausages:

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 48 uncooked pork cocktail sausages
• 3 tbsp runny honey
• 2 heaped tbsp wholegrain or Dijon mustard

To serve:

• Good-quality mayonnaise
• Wholegrain or Dijon mustard, or to taste
• White sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / 400°F). Line a baking sheet with kitchen paper and set aside.
2. Pour the sunflower oil into a large roasting tin and pop it in the oven for about 5 minutes, until it is very hot (similar to preparing for roast potatoes).
3. Carefully tip the uncooked sausages into the hot oil and spread them in an even layer. Return to the oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausages from the tin and place them onto the baking sheet lined with kitchen paper. This helps remove any excess oil.
5. Carefully discard any oil remaining in the tin. You can wipe it out with kitchen paper, or if there’s a significant amount, carefully pour it into a heatproof bowl to discard once cool.
6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the honey and mustard until well combined.
7. Return the drained sausages to the cleaned tin and pour the honey-mustard mixture over them. Stir well until all sausages are evenly coated.
8. Return the sausages to the oven and roast for a further 5 minutes, shaking the tin halfway through. Watch closely to ensure they don’t burn, aiming for gloriously golden and sticky sausages.
9. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and wholegrain or Dijon mustard to taste. Set aside.
10. Remove the honey mustard glazed sausages from the oven and tip onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with the mustard mayonnaise dip.

Notes

Scroll up for a detailed **step-by-step guide** on how to make these honey mustard sausages, including images.

Make ahead: These honey mustard sausages can be prepared in advance. Cook them as instructed above, then let them cool completely. Cover and chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / 400°F). Tip the sausages into a large roasting tin and warm in the oven for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until piping hot.

To freeze: You can freeze these sausages after the first cooking stage (before adding the glaze). Drain them on kitchen paper, then toss with the marinade. Place in a single layer in freezer-safe containers (use baking paper between layers if stacking) and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating. Once defrosted, preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / 400°F), transfer to a roasting tin, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until hot.

Sausage selection: Ensure you use raw cocktail sausages, not the cooked deli ones. Chipolatas are a good substitute. I prefer plain pork, but feel free to experiment with different flavors. Always choose the best quality you can find.

If you can’t find raw cocktail sausages: You can make your own! Use chipolatas or similar sausages, pinch them in the middle, push the meat to either side, twist to separate, and then snip to create two smaller sausages.

Serving suggestions: A peppery mustard mayonnaise is perfect. Other great options include garlic aioli, ketchup, or even dipping them into baked Camembert for a truly indulgent treat. They also make a fantastic alternative to pigs in blankets for a roast dinner.

Nutrition

Calories: 48 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 1 g,
Protein: 2 g,
Fat: 4 g,
Saturated Fat: 1 g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g,
Trans Fat: 0.03 g,
Cholesterol: 9 mg,
Sodium: 86 mg,
Potassium: 33 mg,
Fiber: 0.03 g,
Sugar: 1 g,
Vitamin A: 10 IU,
Vitamin C: 0.1 mg,
Calcium: 2 mg,
Iron: 0.2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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