Description
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites are a flavorful and easy appetizer featuring bite-sized pieces of kielbasa sausage simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and spices. Perfect for parties and game day, this recipe requires minimal prep and cooks all day in a slow cooker, yielding tender, juicy sausage bites coated in a deliciously thick glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Kielbasa
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the kielbasa pieces in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the sausage evenly with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The kielbasa should be tender, and the sauce will thicken to create a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the kielbasa bites warm with toothpicks as a tasty appetizer ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Notes
- For extra smokiness, include the optional smoked paprika.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
- Use turkey kielbasa for a leaner alternative.
- Serve with dipping sauces like mustard or ranch for added flavor variety.
