Sweet and Spicy Kielbasa Sausage Bites are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just three ingredients, these glazed sausage bites are perfect for holiday gatherings or game day parties.
Sweet and Spicy Kielbasa Sausage Bites
I don’t have an extreme sweet tooth, but I enjoy sweet flavors when they’re balanced with heat. The spicy kick helps cut through the sweetness and keeps every bite interesting.
For this recipe I chose kielbasa for its smoky, savory flavor. The smokiness pairs beautifully with a simple sweet-and-spicy glaze. Rather than a pasta dish, I wanted a meaty appetizer that’s easy to prepare and serves well at parties.
Tips for cooking kielbasa bites
- Heat the sauce over medium-low so the preserves and hot sauce meld together slowly and evenly.
- Brown the sliced kielbasa first. Searing adds texture and deepens the flavor.
- These are best served immediately while the glaze is glossy. If you need to hold them, keep them warm in a slow cooker, but note the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do kielbasa bites keep? Stored covered in the refrigerator, they will keep up to three days, though they’re best fresh.
- What’s the best way to reheat? Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
- Do you need to season kielbasa? For this recipe additional seasoning isn’t necessary—the kielbasa and glaze provide plenty of flavor.
- How should I serve them? Serve on a platter with toothpicks, or keep them warm in a small slow cooker for a party setting.
Make it a meal
Pair these bites with other hearty recipes to round out a gathering or game-day spread. Complementary options include meatballs, chili, flatbreads, or a simple dessert to finish the meal.
Helpful tools
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan for the glaze
- Whisk
Sweet and Spicy Kielbasa Sausage Bites
Jessy Freimann
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 4 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 13 ounces kielbasa, sliced
Instructions
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Whisk apricot preserves and hot sauce together in a small saucepan over medium–low heat. Stir occasionally for about 7 minutes, until the mixture begins to bubble and the preserves are melted.
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While the sauce heats, lightly grease a large sauté pan with cooking spray and heat to medium–high.
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Add the sliced kielbasa and brown for about 5 minutes per side, until nicely seared.
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Drain excess oil, reduce heat slightly below medium, then add the sauce to the pan.
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Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces and coats the kielbasa. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Let us know how it was!
If you tried this recipe, please comment and rate it — I love hearing feedback and answering questions. If you make it, tag @thelifejolie on Instagram so it can be shared.
Other meaty appetizer ideas:
- Philly Cheese Steak Bombs
- Salami Chips
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
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