Description
Succulent slow cooker apple kielbasa bites blend sweet and savory flavors in a crowd-pleasing appetizer that promises irresistible taste. Polish sausage mingles with caramelized apples, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for game day or casual gatherings you’ll want to devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 2 apples, cored and chopped into small pieces
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) apple cider (or apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by applying a light coating of cooking spray or inserting a protective liner to simplify post-cooking cleanup.
- Cut the kielbasa into uniform half-inch medallions, arranging them in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together chopped apples, brown sugar, apple cider, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Cascade the apple-based mixture over the kielbasa pieces, carefully ensuring each slice is completely enveloped in the flavorful sauce.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to meld together, cooking on low temperature for 3-4 hours or on high heat for 1-2 hours until the flavors intensify and the kielbasa becomes tender.
- After cooking, gently agitate the contents to redistribute the sauce, guaranteeing each bite is generously coated with the sweet and tangy glaze.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and added freshness. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while the kielbasa bites are still warmly inviting.
Notes
- Prevent sticking by using a non-stick slow cooker liner or generously spraying with cooking spray.
- Choose sweet-tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced flavor complexity.
- Reduce sugar content by substituting brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener for low-carb dieters.
- Enhance protein intake by selecting high-quality, nitrate-free kielbasa from local butchers or specialty meat shops.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg