Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites are an ideal appetizer for any occasion, blending the smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa with the sweet and tangy notes of apples, brown sugar, and apple cider. This dish is a hit at parties, game days, or family gatherings. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other preparations or simply relax.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from a family gathering where we needed a quick and easy appetizer that could feed a crowd without a lot of fuss. My grandmother suggested a slow cooker recipe she used to make, combining kielbasa with sweet and savory ingredients. The result was so delicious and effortless that it quickly became a family favorite. Since then, these Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites have been a go-to recipe for every event, loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
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 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the Slow Cooker:
Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Kielbasa
Slice the Kielbasa:
Cut 1 pound of kielbasa sausage into 1/2-inch thick slices. This size is perfect for bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and serve.
Add to Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced kielbasa into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed along the bottom.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Chop the Apples:
Core and chop 2 apples into small pieces. The type of apple can be chosen based on your preference. Granny Smith apples add a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add more sweetness.
Mix Ingredients:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour Apple Mixture Over Kielbasa:
Pour the apple and seasoning mixture over the kielbasa in the slow cooker. Make sure that the sausage pieces are well-coated with the mixture.
Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together more deeply, while cooking on high will be quicker if you’re short on time.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
Stir and Check:
Once the cooking time is up, give the kielbasa bites a gentle stir to coat them in the sauce once again. Ensure the kielbasa is heated through and the apples are tender.
Garnish (Optional):
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and fresh flavor just before serving.
Serve:
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites hot. Dispense them onto a serving tray with toothpicks for easy picking, or serve them over your chosen accompaniment such as rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Step 6: Keeping Warm
Keep Warm:
If serving at an event, keep the kielbasa bites warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting. They are best enjoyed when the kielbasa is succulent and the apple bits are tender.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats:
If kielbasa is not available, you can substitute with other types of sausage such as Andouille, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Apple Variations:
Try different types of apples to see which flavor you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith can balance the sweetness, while sweet apples like Gala or Honeycrisp enhance it.
Additional Spices:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Alcoholic Version:
Replace some or all of the apple cider with hard cider for an adult version of this appetizer with a bit of a kick.
Vegetarian Option:
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausages and ensure the Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites are a delectable, easy-to-make appetizer that combines savory sausage with sweet apples and a flavorful sauce. The simplicity of the preparation, coupled with the slow cooker doing most of the work, makes this recipe perfect for busy days and special occasions alike. The blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a dish that is both comforting and unique, sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at your gatherings.
This recipe’s versatility allows you to adjust it to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a highly adaptable and crowd-pleasing option. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just looking for a delicious appetizer to enjoy at home, these Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delightful flavors of this wonderful dish!
The flavor on this is insane! Can’t wait to make it again!
Ingredients
- 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 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Slice the Kielbasa: Cut 1 pound of kielbasa sausage into 1/2-inch thick slices and place them evenly in the slow cooker.
- Chop the Apples: Core and chop 2 apples into small pieces, then mix with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa in the slow cooker, ensuring the sausage is well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
- Stir and Check: Once cooked, stir the kielbasa bites to coat them in the sauce. Ensure the kielbasa is heated through and the apples are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot, either on a tray with toothpicks or over rice, mashed potatoes, or salad.
