Description
Delicious Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites combine tender smoked kielbasa sausage with crisp, fresh apples and onions, simmered slowly to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for snacks, appetizers, or quick meals, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
Produce
- 2–3 fresh apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped into pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Seasonings & Condiments
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Kielbasa and Apples: Slice the kielbasa sausage into bite-sized rounds. Core and chop the apples into pieces similar in size to the sausage for even cooking, ensuring each bite has a balanced combination of flavors.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Layer the sliced kielbasa, chopped apples, and onion in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the top. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard to add tangy brightness and subtle creaminess.
- Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the mixture for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the kielbasa tender and the apples softened but not mushy.
- Stir and Serve Warm: Before serving, gently stir the contents to combine the juices with the sausage and apples, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape during slow cooking.
- Use smoked kielbasa for the best flavor balance with the sweetness of apples.
- Do not overcook to prevent apples from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Optional: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme just before serving for aromatic enhancement.
- Layer apples on top of kielbasa and onions to prevent overcooking from direct heat at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Variations: Add red pepper flakes for heat, substitute plant-based sausage and maple syrup for a vegan option, or mix in diced bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, apple kielbasa bites, appetizer, snack, party food, gluten free, easy recipe, savory and sweet