Description
These Candied Kielbasa Bites are the ultimate sweet and savory appetizer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or quick snacks, they feature sliced kielbasa simmered in a sticky brown sugar glaze. Make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe, this kielbasa appetizer recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and bold flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound kielbasa sausage
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds for even cooking.
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
3. Place sliced kielbasa in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour the glaze over and stir to coat.
4. Simmer on medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and caramelizes.
5. Optionally, transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes for crispier edges.
6. Serve warm with toothpicks.
Notes
Let the glaze reduce slowly for a thick, clingy texture.
Use turkey kielbasa for a leaner version—reduce cook time slightly.
Stir regularly to prevent the sugars from burning at the bottom.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5–6 bites
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg