Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites are my favorite appetizer recipe that combines the savory smoky flavor of kielbasa with the naturally sweet flavor of apples and a bit of brown sugar and mustard to balance them out. These apple, kielbasa bites are perfect for serving when you’re entertaining or simply craving an easy snack with all the work being done by the slow cooker. The end product will leave you with warm, tender appetizer bites that are perfect for serving up with a side of fall-appropriate apple cider flavor with pop from fresh parsley.

What Makes This Recipe So Great:

Easy to prepare: simply set it and then prepare the other items.

Entertain: accommodating flavors those warm are amazing for the fall to winter gathering.

Perfectly balanced flavor: kielbasa has a smoked flavor balanced out with quite brown sugar and sweet apple.

Serve more than one way: as a stand-alone appetizer or next to rice, potatoes, or a salad as a complete meal.

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Key Ingredients:

Kielbasa: A smoked sausage that has a savory flavor with a slight smokiness. It works great in this dish, but you could also use other smoked sausages, such as andouille or chorizo, for something different.

Apples: Pick apples according to your taste. Granny Smith is tart, and Honeycrisp or Fuji are sweet, to counter the savory sausage.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar intensifies the sweetness and adds a hint of caramel. Adjust the amount of Agave based on how sweet you like it.

Apple Cider: Apple cider adds a bit of tang, and apple-forward flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have cider, the apple juice will work the same.

Dijon Mustard — Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar. Add to taste for a stronger mustard flavor.

Full recipe ingredients with amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Also Be Sure to Grease the Slow Cooker The slow cooker suddenly gets its dose of cooking spray. If not, use a slow-cooker liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Kielbasa

Slice the Kielbasa: Cut 1 pound of kielbasa sausage into pieces roughly 1/2 inch thick. This is bite-sized, easy-to-eat size.”

Transfer To Slow Cooker: Add the sliced kielbasa in an even layer to the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Mixture of Apples

Cut Up the Apples: Core and chop 2 apples into small pieces. Pick apples based on your flavor preference: Granny Smith if you like tart, Honeycrisps or Fuji if you like sweet.

Mix Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the apples, brown sugar, apple cider, Dijon mustard and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour Apple Mixture Over Kielbasa: Pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa, making sure every piece gets good and coated with the sauce.

How to Cook: Add the slow cooker lid and cook low for 3-4 hours for a deeper flavor or high for 1-2 hours for a faster option.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Serve

Stir and Check: After the kielbasa bites have had a moment to cook, stir everything gently so it all gets coated, and make sure it’s heated through and the apples are softened.

Optional Garnish: For a burst of color and fresh finish, top the dish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Serve: Hot, either on toothpicks for a quick appetizer, or on rice, mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a generous meal.

Step 6: Keeping Warm

Keep Warm: If serving at an event, place the kielbasa bites on the “keep warm” setting in the slow cooker. This keeps the kielbasa slick and the apples tender for more eating.

Serving Suggestions:

Apple Kielbasa Bites in the Slow Cooker (best on their own, but great with a couple of simple-side items)

With Toothpicks: Using toothpicks, serve straight from the slow cooker for a convenient and mess-free appetizer.

Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, help the kielbasa bites over rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

With a Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette is a perfect balance to the sweetness in this dish.

With Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up that sweet and savory sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

These bites keep well, so they’re an excellent make-ahead appetizer or leftover-treat snack.

Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Kielbasa bites are freezer-friendly and will keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat: In the slow cooker on low until warmed through, or microwave individual portions 1-2 minutes. A splash of apple cider if the sauce needs refreshing.

Recipe Variations:

Spicy Apple Kielbasa Bites: Combine ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce with the apple mixture for a zing.

Maple Apple Kielbasa: The brown sugar can be replaced in part — my favorite is usually half the brown sugar replaced by maple syrup — adding a more complex and caramelized flavor.

Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa Bites: Wrap each kielbasa slice with a small piece of bacon, sabre with a toothpick and add to the slow cooker with the apple mixture.

Cranberry Apple Kielbasa: To the apple mixture add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, for a sweet-tart note.

Herbed Apple Kielbasa: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary with the apple mixture for an aromatic, earthy flavor.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites — A Perfect Finger Food Appetizer These simple-to-prepare recipes are adaptable, so they go pretty well with all manner of meal-from every casual get-together to holiday celebrations. Whether you make them on toothpicks as bite-size snacks, or set the platter over rice for a warm meal, you’ll be glad for this hit.

Try this recipe to have a new go-to appetizer that will impress in every bite!