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These slow cooker apple kielbasa bites bring together sweet spicy and savory in the most delicious way. I love how the applesauce and brown sugar create a sticky glaze while the garlic and red pepper flakes add just the right kick. It's amazing how five simple ingredients can make something so irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
Your slow cooker does all the work just toss everything in and walk away. These bites work perfectly as party appetizers or turn them into dinner over rice. You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now and they freeze beautifully for later.
What You Need
Get some good quality polska kielbasa or your favorite smoked sausage. Brown sugar helps create that amazing glaze while unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness and fruit flavor. Fresh minced garlic brings depth and red pepper flakes give it that perfect hint of heat.
Let's Make It
Simply put your sliced kielbasa in the slow cooker and add applesauce brown sugar garlic and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir then let it cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The sausage gets tender and soaks up all those amazing flavors. Serve it straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks or over your favorite sides.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about 3 days just warm them up on the stove or back in the slow cooker. These freeze really well too just thaw overnight when you're ready to eat. Want to get ahead? Set everything up in your slow cooker the night before then start cooking in the morning.
Ways to Serve
These kielbasa bites are perfect party food just set out some toothpicks and let everyone help themselves. For dinner serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice with some roasted vegetables on the side. They're especially great for game day parties since they stay warm right in the slow cooker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of sausage?
- Yes, while the recipe calls for polska kielbasa, you can use any fully cooked smoked sausage of your choice.
- → How spicy is this dish?
- With just 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, it has a mild heat that's balanced by the sweetness. Adjust the amount to taste.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat when needed. The flavors often improve after sitting.
- → Do I need to brown the kielbasa first?
- No, since the kielbasa is fully cooked, you can add it directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
- → How should I serve this?
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish over rice or potatoes.