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Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites

Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites
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Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites is a simple, hands-off appetizer combining smoky kielbasa sausage with sweet-tart apples and a blend of spices, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This savory and sweet bite-sized dish is perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or as a kid-friendly snack, delivering balanced flavors with effortless prep and make-ahead convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 medium firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), cored and chopped into chunks

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Kielbasa and Apples: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and core the apples. Chop the apples into chunks similar in size to the kielbasa to ensure even cooking and harmonious taste and texture in every bite.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced kielbasa and chopped apples into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, garlic powder, and onion powder over the top. Add the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, then gently stir to coat everything while keeping the apple chunks intact.
  3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle cooking allows flavors to meld while keeping the apples tender but not mushy.
  4. Final Stir and Serve: Once cooking is complete, give the mixture a final gentle stir to combine flavors well. Transfer the bites to a serving dish or keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp to maintain texture during cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; allow enough space for even heat and steam circulation.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity to make the dish sweeter or more savory according to preference.
  • Stir gently before serving to avoid breaking the apple pieces.
  • Slicing kielbasa before cooking helps it absorb flavors more effectively and reduces cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker appetizer, kielbasa bites, apple and sausage recipe, game day snack, easy party appetizer, gluten free appetizer

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/slow-cooker-apple-kielbasa-bites/