Description
Savor hearty slow cooker apple kielbasa bites, a delightful Polish-inspired appetizer blending sweet and smoky flavors. Tender kielbasa sausage mingles with caramelized apples, creating an irresistible snack you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage (cut into ½-inch slices)
Fruits and Sweeteners:
- 2 apples (cored and chopped into small pieces)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by applying a light coating of cooking spray or inserting a protective liner to ensure easy food release and cleanup.
- Transform the kielbasa into bite-sized medallions, carefully slicing each piece to create uniform, appetizing segments that will nestle perfectly in the cooking vessel.
- Create a vibrant flavor base by whisking together diced apples, rich brown sugar, tangy apple cider, zesty Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic powder, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl until the ingredients meld into a harmonious sauce.
- Arrange the kielbasa pieces in a single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker, then generously cascade the apple-infused mixture over the meat, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic, gently simmering the ingredients on low temperature for 3-4 hours or accelerating the process on high heat for 1-2 hours until the flavors intensify and merge.
- Delicately fold the kielbasa bites within the sauce, guaranteeing each morsel is thoroughly heated and luxuriously coated with the sweet and savory glaze.
- For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while piping hot, or maintain a welcoming temperature using the slow cooker’s warm setting for continued enjoyment.
Notes
- Prep ahead by slicing kielbasa and chopping apples in advance to streamline cooking process.
- Choose sweet-tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced flavor complexity.
- Adjust cooking time based on slow cooker size and performance, checking meat tenderness periodically.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions for vibrant color contrast.
- Perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that requires minimal effort.
- Store leftovers in airtight container and reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency and meat texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg