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slow cooker brown sugar kielbasa bites - featured image

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Kielbasa Bites


  • Author: Emily Rhodes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (low) or 1 hour 40 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Sticky, sweet, and smoky kielbasa bites made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in, these crave-worthy bites feature a caramelized brown sugar glaze and tender sausage.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 28 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional, or substitute maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds (about 40-45 pieces).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Place sliced kielbasa in the slow cooker. Pour sauce over sausage and gently toss to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
  5. If sauce is too thin near the end, remove lid for last 20 minutes to thicken. If too thick, add 2 tablespoons water and stir.
  6. Optional: For extra caramelization, transfer cooked bites to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Transfer bites to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve with toothpicks.
  8. To make ahead, cool and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently in slow cooker or microwave.

Notes

Use gluten-free sausage and Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version. Turkey or vegan sausage can be substituted. For extra smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to the sauce. Stir gently during cooking for even coating. Serve hot with toothpicks for easy snacking. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (low) or 1.5 hours (high)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 5 pieces per serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15
  • Sodium: 700
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: kielbasa bites, slow cooker appetizer, brown sugar sausage, party snack, easy potluck recipe, gluten-free appetizer, sweet and smoky sausage