Barbecue Sausage Bites
Sweet and smoky barbecue sausage bites feature a blend of flavors from smoked sausage, bratwurst, kielbasa, and a tangy pineapple glaze, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. miniature smoked sausage links ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fully cooked bratwurst links, cut into 1/2 inch slices ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fully cooked kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch slices ⓘ
- 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine the miniature smoked sausage links, bratwurst slices, and kielbasa slices.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, ground mustard, and ground allspice.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until heated through.
- Stir in the drained pineapple chunks.
- Serve with toothpicks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture. If you prefer a sweeter note, substitute the orange marmalade with apricot preserves. When selecting sausages, opt for your favorite types to customize the flavor profile. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally while cooking for even heating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these barbecue sausage bites as a fun appetizer at parties or game day gatherings. Pair them with fresh vegetables and dip, or alongside a refreshing salad. They also pair beautifully with String Beans And Tomatoes for a complete meal. Provide toothpicks for easy serving and enjoy with your favorite beverages.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecue sausage bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. They can also be reheated on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Sausage Bites contains roughly 208 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw sausages instead of fully cooked ones?
While the recipe calls for fully cooked sausages for convenience, you can use raw sausages. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving, which may require extending the cooking time in the slow cooker.
Can I make these sausage bites in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them in the slow cooker on the day of serving. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully while cooking.
What can I serve as a side dish with these sausage bites?
These barbecue sausage bites pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with a light coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. For something heartier, try them with Kielbasa-N-Sauce for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).