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Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites with Cranberry and Pineapple Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Description

Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for gatherings and parties. Sliced kielbasa is slow-cooked with a tangy and sweet sauce made from barbecue sauce, cranberry sauce, pineapple preserves, and fresh fruits, creating a flavorful, warm dish that can be served straight from the slow cooker with toothpicks for convenience.

Ingredients

Kielbasa

  • 3 packages kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Sauce and Fruit Mix

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite type: smoky, honey, or spicy BBQ)
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred, jellied is fine)
  • 1 cup pineapple preserves
  • 1 cup pineapple tidbits (preferably packed in juice, not syrup)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional if out of season)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray if desired to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Slice the Kielbasa: Cut the kielbasa into thin rounds, about 1/2-inch thick, then add them to the slow cooker and set aside.
  3. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, cranberry sauce, and pineapple preserves. Whisk or stir until thoroughly combined.
  4. Combine Kielbasa and Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the sliced kielbasa in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all the kielbasa slices evenly.
  5. Add Fruit Toppings: Sprinkle pineapple tidbits and cranberries over the top. Stir again to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Slow Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours. The goal is to warm the ingredients and allow the sauce to thicken, not to cook raw ingredients. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to keep the heat consistent. If the sauce appears thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to help it thicken.
  7. Serve Warm: Serve the kielbasa bites directly from the slow cooker with toothpicks, which keeps them warm for guests. Alternatively, transfer to a serving bowl but note that they will cool faster if not kept warm.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked kielbasa since this recipe only warms and combines flavors without raw cooking.
  • Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by selecting different types of BBQ sauce or cranberry sauce depending on your taste preferences.
  • Fruit like cranberries can be omitted if unavailable without greatly affecting the recipe.
  • Resist lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat and reduce cooking time variance.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/slow-cooker-kielbasa-bites-with-cranberry-and-pineapple-sauce-recipe/