Description

Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites are a delicious and simple appetizer, combining the rich, smoky flavor of kielbasa with the sweetness of apples and brown sugar. The dish is prepared in a slow cooker, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a tender, flavorful bite-sized snack that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or holiday events. The added sweetness from apple juice and the natural tartness of fresh apples create a mouthwatering balance that complements the savory sausage. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method, these bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound kielbasa sausage cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 apples cored and chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1/2-inch pieces and place them evenly in the slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, mix the chopped apples, brown sugar, apple cider, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa slices in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-coated.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
Gently stir to re-coat the kielbasa bites in the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Ingredient Variations: You can substitute the kielbasa with turkey sausage, beef sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. For a deeper apple flavor, you can use apple cider in place of apple juice. Additionally, you can experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tart touch or Honeycrisp for a sweeter note.
Texture Tips: If you prefer your kielbasa bites with a bit more texture, consider browning the sausage pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a slight crispness to the exterior and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Sweetness Control: If you want the dish to be more on the savory side, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different depth of flavor. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, mustard, or red pepper flakes if you want to bring some heat to the dish. These ingredients will add a spicy kick without overwhelming the sweetness from the apples.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, or alongside other appetizers like cheese platters or dips. For a complete snack spread, pair these kielbasa bites with pretzels, bread rolls, or crackers.
Make-Ahead Tips: This recipe can be made ahead of time by cooking the dish and storing it in the fridge. Reheat in the slow cooker on warm, adding a little extra apple juice if needed to keep the sausage moist and flavorful.