Candied Kielbasa Bites

These make-ahead Candied Kielbasa Bites are proof that you can deliver on flavour, convenience, and flair, with only 4 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time. The smoky, garlic taste with the caramelized sauce never disappoints, whether you’re snacking on these at a potluck or pairing them with some greens and rice for a family-friendly meal.

Although the ingredients can sound odd, the sweet, sticky sauce comes with a slight kick (thank you, horseradish!) that complements the savoury sausage so perfectly. These Candied Kielbasa Bites have come in handy time and time again. Spontaneous hosting, family holidays, or even regular weeknight dinners are always made better by a mouthful of these flavours.

But no matter your tastes, we have something just for you. With 500+ recipes in our ever-growing library and powerful search filters that can help you find exactly what you’re looking for, the Freezer Meals 101 Club means you get to choose what works you. Dietary restrictions? A certain vegetable or protein that needs to be used up? A great sale on a grocery item? Whatever drives your preferences, join the Freezer Meals 101 Club to quickly search our recipe library by diet, protein, cooking method, ingredient, or keyword. Goodbye meal planning stress!

Candied Kielbasa Bites

Ingredients:

• 28 oz. garlic sausage ring, cut into 1-inch slices
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup horseradish
• 1 cup brown sugar

Assembly instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a large freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal and freeze.

Cooking instructions:

1. Thaw. Cook in slow cooker 4-5 hours on low and 2-3 hours on high. Stir occasionally.

Candied Kielbasa Bites Ideas:

Is it better to cook on low or high heat?

Ah, the age old question. Our answer to this varies from one crock pot recipe to another. But, for recipes where caramelization is the goal, low and slow is the way to go. This allows the brown sugar to get that candy-coating that sets this appetizer apart.

What if I don’t have those exact ingredients on hand?

If you don’t have garlic sausage, ketchup, or brown sugar on hand, never fear. While those are our favourite ingredients, this recipe can flex with your preferences or pantry items. Other smoked or garlic-forward sausage will work, along with BBQ sauce in place of the ketchup and maple syrup in place of the brown sugar. Horseradish, however, is a must!

What should I serve with Candied Kielbasa bites?

Pulling these out for a neighbourhood potluck, family holiday party, or pre-dinner appetizer? Simply pop a container of toothpicks next to your serving dish and you’ll be set.

But, if these Candied Kielbasa Bites are serving as your protein for a quick dinner, pairing with white rice, a cheesy mac and cheese (we have a great Make-Ahead Mac & Cheese recipe!), and your go-to salad kit means convenience and a full family.

Other Similar Recipes

We’ve saved all of our favourite make-ahead appetizer recipes in one place for you. Check out these Make Ahead Appetizers for the Freezer. Spoiler alert: you’ll find our tried and true Goat Cheese Pistachio Stuffed Dates (my mouth is watering), Chicken Bacon Ranch Dip (always the first to go on game days), Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos (yes, you can make them ahead), and so much more!