Description
Delectable slow cooker apple kielbasa bites merge sweet and savory flavors in a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or holiday gatherings. Polish sausage meets tangy apples, creating an irresistible combo that will have guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
Fruits and Sweeteners:
- 2 apples, cored and chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a slow cooker by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or using a liner to prevent sauce from sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Cut kielbasa into uniform half-inch pieces, distributing them evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Create a flavorful apple sauce by combining chopped apples, brown sugar, apple cider, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth. Alternatively, use high heat for 1-2 hours if time is limited.
- After cooking, gently stir the kielbasa to redistribute the sauce and ensure even coating.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
- Serve as an appetizer using toothpicks for easy consumption at parties or gatherings.
- Transform the dish into a main course by pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Enhance the meal’s nutritional value and texture by adding optional vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots during the cooking process.
Notes
- Customize Meat Options: Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
- Perfect Slicing Technique: Cut kielbasa at a consistent angle to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation for guests.
- Sauce Enhancement: Adjust sweetness by balancing brown sugar with a splash of apple cider vinegar for deeper, more complex flavor notes.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the apple mixture and slice kielbasa in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline party preparation and reduce day-of stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg