Candied kielbasa bites

Here’s a  recipe for Candied Kielbasa Bites — a sweet and savory appetizer that’s super easy to make and perfect for parties or snacking.

Candied Kielbasa Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage (smoked sausage), cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (for extra stickiness and sweetness)

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds tanginess)

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)

• Toothpicks (for serving)

Equipment:

• Large skillet or saucepan

• Mixing bowl

• Spoon or spatula

• Baking sheet or serving platter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kielbasa
   Slice the kielbasa into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. You want pieces that are easy to spear with toothpicks.

2. Make the Candied Sauce
   In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until smooth and combined. If you want some heat, stir in red pepper flakes.

3. Cook the Kielbasa
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa pieces in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches if your pan is small). Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until the pieces are lightly browned on all sides.

4. Add the Sauce
   Pour the candied sauce over the browned kielbasa pieces in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly.

5. Simmer and Candy the Kielbasa
   Reduce the heat to low and let the kielbasa simmer in the sauce for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the sauce thickens and sticks to the kielbasa, becoming glossy and caramelized.

6. Serve
   Transfer the candied kielbasa bites to a serving platter. Use toothpicks to serve as finger food.

Tips:

• You can make these ahead of time and reheat gently before serving. The sauce will thicken more as it cools, so you might need to add a splash of water or extra honey when reheating.

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce.

• Try different mustards to adjust the tanginess or sweetness of the glaze.