Description
Succulent slow cooker apple kielbasa bites combine sweet and savory Polish sausage with caramelized apples. Simple ingredients meld into an irresistible appetizer that delights guests at gatherings and game days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) kielbasa sausage (cut into ½-inch slices)
- 2 apples (cored and chopped into small pieces)
- ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider (or apple juice)
- 2 tbsps Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat slow cooker with cooking spray or liner for effortless release and cleanup.
- Meat Preparation: Slice kielbasa into uniform bite-sized medallions that promise uniform cooking and elegant presentation.
- Flavor Fusion: Whisk diced apples, brown sugar, apple cider, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a harmonious sauce that will elevate the dish’s taste profile.
- Layering and Coating: Distribute kielbasa pieces evenly across slow cooker’s base, then pour the apple-infused mixture over the meat, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Cooking Process: Cover and simmer on low temperature for 3-4 hours or accelerate on high heat for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while transforming the ingredients into a succulent dish.
- Final Touches: Gently stir kielbasa bites within the sauce, guaranteeing each piece is thoroughly heated and lavishly glazed, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serving: Present immediately while steaming hot, or maintain warmth using slow cooker’s setting for continued enjoyment and convenience.
Notes
- Slice Smartly: Cut kielbasa into equal-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and consistent flavor absorption throughout the dish.
- Sauce Secrets: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced blend, preventing sugar clumping and ensuring even coating of the meat.
- Cooking Caution: Monitor cooking time carefully; overcooking can make kielbasa tough and dry, while undercooking may leave flavors underdeveloped.
- Serving Suggestion: Keep the dish warm in the slow cooker for up to 2 hours without compromising taste or texture, perfect for buffet-style gatherings and party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg