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Candied Kielbasa Bites

These candied kielbasa bites are a sweet-and-savory party appetizer that combine a sticky caramelized glaze with perfectly caramelized slices of beef sausage. With a simple ingredient list that includes brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing treat in no time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds Beef sausage (kielbasa) sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 cup Brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 cup Pineapple juice (or apple juice as a variation)
  • ½ cup Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the 2 pounds of beef sausage into ½-inch rounds ensuring they are uniform in thickness so they caramelize evenly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, ½ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (if using) and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
  4. Place the sausage slices into a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the glaze over them, stirring to ensure each piece is well-coated.
  5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even caramelization.
  6. After baking, give the sausage another stir to coat with any remaining glaze, then transfer the bites to a serving platter. Optionally, add toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Notes

These candied kielbasa bites are incredibly adaptable and come together quickly, making them a standout at any gathering. The glaze reduces beautifully in the oven to coat the sausage slices in a sticky, shiny finish that is hard to resist, and substitutions such as apple juice instead of pineapple juice work just as well. For an extra twist, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or sprinkling with sesame seeds. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain their texture.