Candied Kielbasa Bites Recipe

If you’ve ever been to a family gathering, game day party, or potluck, you’ve probably seen a crockpot tucked in the corner, bubbling away with something warm, sticky, and impossible to resist. For me, that dish was often candied kielbasa bites—smoky sausage simmered in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings to every bite. They’re more than appetizers; they’re the kind of snack that keeps people lingering by the food table long after they’ve said, “Okay, just one more.”

I first discovered this recipe years ago while scrambling for a last-minute holiday appetizer. With kielbasa in the fridge and a few pantry staples—brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard—I improvised. The result was so good I had to write it down, and ever since, it’s been one of the most requested dishes at gatherings. The beauty of it? Just a handful of ingredients, minimal effort, and a flavor payoff that feels downright indulgent.

Candied kielbasa bites are tailor-made for entertaining. You can prep them ahead, keep them warm in a slow cooker, and serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re endlessly adaptable too—dial up the sweetness, add a little heat, or sneak in a smoky twist to suit your crowd. And if you’re after an appetizer that feeds plenty without stretching your budget, this one delivers every time.

Whether it’s a holiday spread, a Super Bowl party, or a cozy family movie night, these bites deserve a permanent spot in your lineup.

Candied Kielbasa Bites

Ingredients:

How to Make Candied Kielbasa Bites:

Step 1: Preheat and Slice: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the 2 lbs of kielbasa into 1-inch thick pieces.

Step 2: Hasselback Technique: Place each 1-inch kielbasa piece between two chopsticks or wooden skewers. Slice the piece into 1/4-inch sections, allowing the chopsticks to stop your knife so you don’t cut all the way through. Each bite should have about three sections that are still connected at the bottom.

Step 3: Season: Place the sliced kielbasa into a baking dish. Add the 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup ketchup, and 1/4 cup prepared horseradish. Stir everything together until the sausage is well coated.

Step 4: Bake and Caramelize: Bake the bites for 60–90 minutes. Stir the mixture every 20 minutes to ensure the sauce caramelizes evenly and the edges of the sausage brown. The longer they cook, the crispier and stickier they will become.

Step 5: Serve: Serve warm, perhaps with toothpicks for easy grabbing!