There’s nothing easier—or more delicious—than a slow cooker appetizer that’s sweet, smoky, and a little tangy.
These Crock Pot Kielbasa Bites are coated in a sticky barbecue-honey glaze with just the right touch of spice.
They’re perfect for parties, game-day spreads, or a simple family snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a true dump-and-go slow cooker recipe with minimal prep.
The sauce is sweet, smoky, tangy, and customizable for heat.
Perfect for feeding a crowd with very little effort.
Keeps warm in the crock pot for hours during a party.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Kielbasa sausage provides a smoky, savory base.
Barbecue sauce adds sweetness and depth.
Honey gives a rich, sticky glaze.
Soy sauce balances flavors with a touch of saltiness.
Dijon mustard adds tang and complexity.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut kielbasa into even pieces for consistent heating.
If you like more heat, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
Cook uncovered at the end for a thicker glaze.
Serve directly from the crock pot to keep bites warm.
How to Make Crock Pot Kielbasa Bites
Step 1 – Prep the sausage
Slice kielbasa into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Step 2 – Make the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Step 3 – Add seasonings
Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4 – Load the slow cooker
Place kielbasa pieces in the crock pot and pour the sauce over them. Stir to coat evenly.
Step 5 – Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until heated through.
Step 6 – Thicken the sauce (optional)
For a thicker glaze, cook uncovered on high for 30–60 minutes.
Step 7 – Serve
Garnish with parsley and serve warm with toothpicks.
What to Serve Them With
Coleslaw for freshness and crunch.
Potato salad for a hearty side.
Crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap kielbasa for smoked sausage or andouille.
Use honey mustard instead of Dijon for a sweeter tang.
Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker on low until warmed through.
Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce texture may change.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything in the crock pot insert, refrigerate, then cook when ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger crock pot.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly, unless you increase the red pepper flakes.
Can I use turkey kielbasa?
Yes, it’s a leaner option that still works well.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer covered over low heat for 20–25 minutes.
How do I keep it warm for a party?
Keep the crock pot on the “warm” setting during serving.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Kielbasa Bites are the ultimate fuss-free appetizer—sweet, smoky, and perfect for sharing.
Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to for gatherings year-round.
Crock Pot Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Cut kielbasa into 1-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
- Place kielbasa in the crock pot, pour sauce over, and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- For thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for 30–60 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with toothpicks.
- Cut kielbasa into 1-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
- Place kielbasa in the crock pot, pour sauce over, and stir to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with toothpicks.https://theboatshedcafe.com/crock-pot-kielbasa-bites/
Notes
- Smoked kielbasa will give the dish a deeper, richer flavor.
- For less heat, skip the red pepper flakes.
- These bites reheat well in the crock pot for parties.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.