Of course! CANDIED KIELBASA BITES are the ultimate sweet, savory, smoky, and sticky appetizer that disappears in minutes at any party. They are incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Here’s a complete guide to making this crowd-pleasing favorite.
The Easiest Candied Kielbasa Bites
This is the classic 3-ingredient version that everyone loves. It’s foolproof and always a hit.
Yields: 6-8 servings as an appetizer
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25-40 minutes (depending on method)
Ingredients
· 1 (14-16 oz) package Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage
· ½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
· ¼ cup maple syrup, honey, or your favorite jam (like apricot or peach)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
· 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or soy sauce
· ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
· 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or bourbon
Instructions (Oven Method – Best for Hands-Off Cooking)
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) and place a wire rack on top if you have one. This helps them get crispy all over. If not, it’s fine to bake them directly on the foil.
- Slice: Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Coat: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey/jam), and any optional add-ins. Add the kielbasa slices and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Bake: Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack). Bake for 25-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sauce is bubbly, thick, and the kielbasa is caramelized around the edges. The timing depends on how sticky and caramelized you like them.
- Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving (the glaze will be extremely hot!). Skewer them with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Instructions (Stovetop Method – Best for Speed)
- Slice: Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Brown: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the kielbasa slices for 5-7 minutes, until they are browned and have rendered some fat. You don’t need to add any oil.
- Glaze: Reduce the heat to low. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and any optional add-ins to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and creates a thick, bubbling glaze that coats the kielbasa, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer immediately to a serving plate and serve with toothpicks.
Instructions (Slow Cooker Method – Best for Parties)
- Slice: Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Combine: Place the kielbasa slices in the slow cooker. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and any optional add-ins. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and become glossy.
- Serve: Keep the slow cooker on the “Warm” setting for serving.
Success Tips & Flavor Variations
· The Stickier, The Better: For an even thicker, stickier glaze, you can add a tablespoon of butter to any of the methods.
· Spice it Up: The combination of sweet and spicy is fantastic. Don’t be shy with the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes!
· Pineapple Addition: Add 1 can of drained pineapple chunks to the baking sheet or slow cooker for a classic Hawaiian-inspired twist.
· Get a Little Char: For extra flavor, you can broil the oven-baked version for the last 1-2 minutes to get a slightly charred, caramelized finish. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!
· Sausage Choices: This recipe works with any smoked sausage: Polish sausage, smoked turkey sausage, or even little smoked sausages (like “Little Smokies”) for a bite-sized version. If using Little Smokies, you can reduce the cooking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
· The Classic: Serve straight from the dish with a pile of toothpicks.
· As a Main: Serve over a bed of rice, creamy polenta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.
· Game Day Spread: Pair them with other appetizers like wings, a veggie platter, and nachos.
· Holiday Party: They are a staple on Christmas and Thanksgiving appetizer boards.
They are the perfect “set it and forget it” appetizer that always earns rave reviews. Enjoy