Crockpot Kielbasa Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer, perfect for game day, holiday parties, or any gathering. These bite-sized pieces of smoky kielbasa are slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce, making them tender, juicy, and irresistibly delicious. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is a stress-free way to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Perfect for Parties – These bite-sized pieces are ideal for serving as an appetizer or snack.
- Flavor-Packed – A combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors makes these bites addictive.
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses simple pantry staples to create a delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized rounds and place them in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the kielbasa, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the kielbasa is heated through and coated in the thickened sauce, switch the crockpot to the warm setting for serving.
- Serve hot with toothpicks as an appetizer or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 (as an appetizer)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (on low) or 2 hours 5 minutes (on high)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
- Tangy Flavor: Substitute half of the barbecue sauce with sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce.
- Beer-Infused: Replace ¼ cup of the honey with beer for a deeper flavor.
- Pineapple Twist: Add a cup of drained pineapple chunks for a sweet and tropical touch.
- Maple Version: Swap honey for maple syrup for a rich, smoky sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked kielbasa bites in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make these kielbasa bites ahead of time?
Yes! Cook them in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat in the crockpot on warm before serving.
2. What’s the best type of kielbasa to use?
Smoked kielbasa works best, but you can also use turkey or beef kielbasa based on your preference.
3. Can I use grape jelly instead of honey?
Absolutely! Many traditional crockpot kielbasa recipes use grape jelly for a sweet and tangy sauce.
4. Can I cook these on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer the kielbasa and sauce over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Keep the crockpot on low and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
7. What should I serve with kielbasa bites?
These are great with crackers, bread slices, rice, mashed potatoes, or even skewered with roasted veggies.
8. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, andouille sausage, chorizo, or bratwurst can be used for a different flavor profile.
9. Do I need to brown the kielbasa before slow cooking?
No, but if you want extra caramelization, you can lightly sear the slices in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
10. How long can I keep them on the “warm” setting?
You can keep them warm for up to 3 hours—just stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Crockpot Kielbasa Bites are the perfect no-fuss appetizer for any occasion. They’re sweet, savory, smoky, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or looking for a simple meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Try them out and watch them disappear fast!
Print
Crockpot Kielbasa Bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (on low) or 2 hours 5 minutes (on high)
- Yield: 8-10 servings (as an appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crockpot Kielbasa Bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. These bite-sized pieces of smoky kielbasa are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, making them tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Effortless to prepare, this dish is perfect for game days, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
2 lbs kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup barbecue sauce
½ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized rounds and place them in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the kielbasa, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the kielbasa is heated through and coated in the thickened sauce, switch the crockpot to the warm setting for serving.
- Serve hot with toothpicks as an appetizer or alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a meal.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Substitute half of the barbecue sauce with sweet chili or teriyaki sauce for a tangy twist.
- You can replace honey with maple syrup for a rich, smoky sweetness.
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