Here’s a delicious recipe for Candied Kielbasa Bites — a perfect sweet-and-savory appetizer or party snack that’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
🍢 Candied Kielbasa Bites Recipe
🔥 Sweet, sticky, smoky, and totally addictive.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra depth)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Dash of hot sauce (optional, for a kick)
👨🍳 Instructions
Option 1: Stovetop + Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice kielbasa into bite-sized rounds.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Combine: In a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, mix the kielbasa slices with the sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until sauce thickens and kielbasa is glossy and caramelized.
Option 2: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Mix all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the kielbasa is sticky.
Option 3: Skillet Only (Quick Method)
- Brown kielbasa slices in a skillet for 5 minutes.
- Add sauce ingredients to the skillet.
- Simmer on medium-low for 15–20 minutes, stirring until thick and sticky.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toothpicks as a party appetizer.
- Great alongside crackers, cheese cubes, or mini rolls.
- Make it a meal: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes! Any fully cooked sausage works well, though kielbasa has the best smoky flavor.
2. Can I make these ahead?
Yes. They reheat beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
3. Can I freeze candied kielbasa?
Absolutely. Let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
4. Can I make them spicier?
Yes! Add:
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- Or substitute spicy brown mustard
Would you like a printable card or a version with pineapple, bourbon, or honey garlic flavor?