Description
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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 (12-14 oz.) smoked or kielbasa rope sausages, cut into about 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
Instructions
- 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.
- Serve with toothpicks or a slotted spoon.
Notes
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
- 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!
- Prep Time: 10
- Slow Cooker Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooker
