Description
These easy candied kielbasa bites are a sweet-and-savory game day snack made with smoky beef or turkey sausage simmered in a sticky brown sugar honey glaze with ketchup, mustard, garlic, and optional smoked paprika. Ready in under 45 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, and family-friendly appetizer spreads.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) beef or turkey kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tbsp honey
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
1 tbsp soy sauce (Worcestershire-style swap)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds and add to a large skillet or saucepan.
2. Add brown sugar, honey, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to coat.
3. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
5. If the glaze gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons water and stir; if too thin, simmer a few minutes longer.
6. Remove from heat and let stand 2–3 minutes so the glaze sets.
7. Serve warm with toothpicks. Keep warm in a small slow cooker on LOW if serving for a party.
Notes
Sausage choice: Use beef or turkey kielbasa for a family-friendly, no-pork option.
Mustard swap: Yellow mustard works for a milder tang.
Soy sauce swap: If you have Worcestershire, you can use 1 tbsp Worcestershire instead of soy sauce.
Slow cooker method: Add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6–8 bites
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg