These Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites are a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss appetizer that are perfect for game days, casual entertaining, and any party where you want tasty crockpot party food. With grape jelly, chili sauce, and barbecue sauce, you’ll create a sticky, tangy glaze that clings to every bite-sized piece of kielbasa sausage – the kind of appetizer everyone comes back for and you’ll want to have at your next party.

Crockpot Kielbasa Bites

This slow cooker kielbasa recipe has so much flavor while keeping the prep minimal – exactly what you want from quick and easy kielbasa recipes. Browning the kielbasa slices first (on the stovetop or in your air fryer) builds caramelized flavor.

The slow heat in the crock pot lets the sauce ingredients melt into a thick, clingy glaze, elevating a simple kielbasa sausage recipe into a perfect appetizer for football season or any holiday where you need the easiest appetizers!

My whole family loves Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites, and I can never make enough of them – they’re gone in a flash!

Ingredients

Grab these 4 simple ingredients at the grocery store and you’ll have the easiest, best appetizer!

Smoked or kielbasa rope sausages, cut into bite-size pieces
Barbecue sauce – choose your favorite; we love a tangy BBQ sauce to complement the sweet grape jelly
Chili sauce
Grape jelly

How to Make Kielbasa Bites

Cut the sausage into bite size pieces.
Brown the sausage pieces in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until they’re browned on all sides. You can also crisp them up in an air fryer – see how below.
Drain off the grease and transfer the sausage to the crock pot.
Add the barbecue sauce, chili sauce, and grape jelly, then stir to combine.
Cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so, until the sauce is smooth and the sausages are well-coated.

slow cooker kielbasa bites ingredients in a crock pot

Pro Tips

Cut the kielbasa into uniform bite-sized pieces so everything heats evenly.
Don’t skip the browning step – it’s the difference between good and great.
Stir every 20–30 minutes in the crock pot to ensure even glazing and prevent sticking.
To brown the kielbasa in an air fryer: add the sliced kielbasa to the basket in a single layer. All of mine fit at once, but if your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the sausage in batches. Air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes, then flip the slices and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until the kielbasa is browned and heated through to your liking. Add to the slow cooker and continue with the recipe.

Variations

In addition to the basic ingredients, there are things you can add to change up this fantastic appetizer!

Spicy kielbasa: add 1–2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Savory twist: stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
Sweet-smoky: replace half the grape jelly with 1/4 cup maple syrup or light brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
Kielbasa pineapple bites: toss in a small can of pineapple chunks (drained) for a sweet-and-tangy contrast.
Cranberry swap: swap grape jelly for cranberry sauce for a tangy holiday version that’s perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers or Christmas!

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-ahead: Cook up to 24 hours in advance, cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Leftover Kielbasa Bites: Keep refrigerated for 3 – 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, in a skillet, or warm in the crock pot on low. You can briefly crisp them in an air fryer or skillet for a caramelized finish.
Freezing: Freeze cooked kielbasa bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Toothpick-friendly: This fun recipe is perfect for serving on a platter with a toothpick in each bite.
Dipping sauce: Provide extra barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a spicy mayo for dipping your glazed kielbasa bites.
Pairings: Serve with a veggie tray, crusty bread, or slider rolls to make small sandwiches. These kielbasa appetizers are a family favorite and excellent for feeding an entire family or a party crowd.
Events: This easy appetizer recipe is perfect for game day, holidays (Christmas, New Year’s Day, 4th of July, etc.), or any party where you serve finger foods or appetizers!

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