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 provides a tart counterpoint, while Honeycrisp or Fuji offer sweetness to balance the savory sausage.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar deepens the sweetness and creates a slight caramel flavor. The amount of Agave is flexible depending on how sweet you want 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: Get the Slow Cooker Ready

Make Sure to Grease the Slow Cooker Suddenly, the slow cooker is sprayed with cooking spray. Otherwise, use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Kielbasa

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

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

Step 3: Prepare the Mixture of Apples

Chop the Apples: Core and chop 2 apples into small pieces. Select apples according to your choice of flavor: Granny Smith for tart, Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweet.

Mix Ingredients: In a medium 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. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until everything is evenly 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 Final Touches and Serve

Stir and Inspect: Once the kielbasa bites have had a chance to cook, gently stir them to coat, making sure they’re heated through and the apples have softened.

Optional Garnish: For some vibrant color and a 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: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the apple mixture for a kick.

Maple Apple Kielbasa: Use maple syrup in place of half the brown sugar for a more complex, caramelized flavor.

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

Cranberry Apple Kielbasa: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a sweet-tart touch.

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!