Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortless this recipe is—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The apples break down into a rich, spiced glaze that clings to the smoky kielbasa, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, and it always disappears fast, no matter how much I make.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup onion, finely chopped
Directions
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I start by placing the sliced kielbasa into the bottom of my slow cooker.
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In a mixing bowl, I stir together the chopped apples, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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I pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa in the slow cooker.
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Then I add the finely chopped onion on top of everything.
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I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring once or twice if I’m around. The apples soften and turn into a delicious glaze, coating the sausage perfectly.
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When it’s ready, I serve it warm—sometimes garnished with fresh parsley if I want to dress it up a bit.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low
Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
For extra heat, I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the mix. If I’m cooking for kids or anyone sensitive to stronger flavors, I reduce the mustard and vinegar slightly to mellow the tang. For a festive twist, I sometimes stir in a handful of dried cranberries during the last hour—they plump up and add little bursts of sweetness that pair beautifully with the sausage.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave until heated through. These bites also freeze well—perfect for making ahead. I let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, I sometimes swap kielbasa for smoked sausage or even chicken sausage. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
What kind of apples work best?
I usually go with a firm, slightly tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up well during cooking and balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, I’ve done this in a pinch. Cooking on high for about 2–3 hours works, but the flavors meld better with the slower method.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully, and I often make a batch to enjoy throughout the week—served over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in a sandwich.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, I’ve doubled this for larger gatherings. I just use a larger slow cooker and extend the cook time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
These slow cooker apple kielbasa bites are my secret weapon when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re sweet, savory, and full of cozy flavor—perfect for gatherings or weeknight comfort food. Whether I serve them as an appetizer or main dish, one thing’s for sure: there won’t be any leftovers.
Print
Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites
- Total Time: ~4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet apples and smoky kielbasa come together in these slow cooker apple kielbasa bites. A cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup onion, finely chopped
Instructions
Add Kielbasa: Place the sliced kielbasa into the slow cooker.
Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Layer: Pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa, then top with chopped onion.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and kielbasa is glazed.
Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bold kick.
Kid-Friendly: Reduce mustard and vinegar for a milder flavor.
Fruity Twist: Stir in ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins during the last hour of cooking.
Serve with toothpicks as appetizers, or pair with potato salad, crusty bread, or steamed green beans for a full meal.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Midwestern
