Looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to wow a crowd? These Candied Kielbasa Bites strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, all wrapped into one addictive bite. The kielbasa is sliced to soak up maximum flavor and then baked in a caramelized glaze that’s so good, you’ll be tempted to keep them all for yourself.
Candied Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kielbasa sausage | 2 lbs |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Prepared horseradish | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the kielbasa: Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces.
- Hasselback technique (optional but worth it): To get more flavor in every bite, place each kielbasa piece between two chopsticks or skewers on your cutting board. Slice carefully into 1/4-inch sections, stopping when your knife touches the sticks. This creates little ridges that catch all the sauce.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the cut kielbasa pieces into a baking dish.
- Mix the sauce: In the same dish, stir together the brown sugar, ketchup, and horseradish until the sausage is evenly coated with the sticky glaze.
- Bake and caramelize: Bake for 60–90 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure the sauce coats the kielbasa and caramelizes beautifully. Bake longer if you prefer extra-crisp edges.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving, though don’t expect them to last long—they’re seriously addictive.
These Candied Kielbasa Bites are the kind of appetizer that gets people hovering by the kitchen, sneaking bites before they even make it to the table. Perfect for game nights, parties, or holiday spreads, they’re an easy recipe with maximum payoff.
