These Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites are the best appetizer ever! Kielbasa is tossed and slow cooked in a mouthwatering sauce for incredible flavor that takes just minutes of work. These little bites are so easy to make and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next party. You can serve them as an app, or alongside rice for an easy weeknight dinner.Â
If you’re interested in more kielbasa recipes, try our Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet, Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Barbecue Beans, and Kielbasa Peppers and Potato Hash Skillet.
Crockpot Kielbasa Bites
I’m sure you know by now that I’m obsessed with my slow cookers. I love how much easier they make my life and my family loves the meals I can create in them. Not only are they great for set-it-and-forget-it dinners, but they’re fantastic for entertaining as well.
One of the most popular recipes I’ve shared is my Grandma’s cocktail meatballs. It’s a super simple recipe consisting of just three ingredients, and today’s recipe for Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites is very similar. I’ve made the kielbasa bites using many of the ingredients I used in the cocktail meatballs but I love the depth of flavor that is added by the additional ingredients I’ve included in today’s recipe. A little bit of Worcestshire sauce, BBQ sauce and garlic and onion powder add a lot of flavor!
Not only is this recipe a fantastic appetizer that is just ideal for game days and celebrations, but it also makes a superb dinner when served over rice. Add a nice, fresh garden salad and you’re good to go!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Kielbasa Recipe
- The flavor combination is delicious! The mixture of grape jelly and chili sauce can be surprising – maybe even alarming – but I assure you, it’s fantastic. For the kielbasa bites, I added barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder. I think you’re going to like this upgrade!
- The ease of the slow cooker! I used my new casserole slow cooker which also happens to be ideal for dips and appetizers as well. It’s super cute and I’m seriously in love. I can cook a variety of recipes so much easier with this thing.
- Snack, app, or meal! This recipe can be enjoyed in a variety of ways which makes it so incredibly versatile! Make it as a meal prep dish so you can have kielbasa to snack on throughout the week, enjoy it with a side for dinner, or serve it up on toothpicks for an easy appetizer!
How to Make Slow Cooker Kielbasa
The beauty of a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it! The cooker does most of the work for you, but here are the step-by-step instructions anyway. Keep in mind, the whole recipe is in the complete printable recipe card below.
- Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Cut the kielbasa into bite-size pieces and place them in the prepared slow cooker.
- Combine chili sauce, barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Pour the mixture over the kielbasa pieces.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours, or until kielbasa bites are heated through.
- Serve and enjoy!
I used my new casserole slow cooker which also happens to be ideal for dips and appetizers as well. It’s super cute, as you see in the video below, and I’m seriously in love.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Let kielbasa cool and then place in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let kielbasa bites cool before transferring to a freezer safe, airtight container. Kielbasa can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop to enjoy.
- Make Ahead: The kielbasa can be cut in advance and the sauce assembled up to 2 days in advance. When you’re ready, just dump in your slow cooker and cook as instructed.
Variations To Try
My favorite way to enjoy this recipe is by popping it right into my mouth, but there are a variety of ways to take your kielbasa to the next level!
- Add a dash of hot sauce to spice this recipe up a bit.
- Try different styles of kielbasa or other smoked sausage for a unique flavor twist. Turkey and beef kielbasa are my favorite.
- Use these bites as a topping for Baked Potatoes.
Trish’s Tips
- This recipe is one of those full proof recipes that everyone loves. Don’t overthink it!
- Quick and easy, this slow cooker kielbasa is great for game day, chilly weekends and busy weeknights, slow cooker kielbasa can be enjoyed any time.
- Don’t worry about the grape jelly breaking down when you’re initially mixing it in with the sauce. As the sauce heats up, the jelly will slowly dissolve, creating a smooth mixture.
- Feel free to omit the onion powder and garlic powder if you’re trying to simplify the recipe.
More Appetizers You’ll Love
- Charcuterie Board
- Veggie Pizza
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites
- Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites
- Cocktail Meatballs
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds kielbasa up to 3 pounds
- 12 ounces chili sauce 1 jar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce use your favorite!
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Cut kielbasa into bite size pieces and place in the prepared slow cooker.2 pounds kielbasa
- Combine chili sauce, barbecue sauce, grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl and whisk to combine.12 ounces chili sauce, 1 cup barbecue sauce, 1 cup grape jelly, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pour over kielbasa.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours or until kielbasa bites are heated through.
- Served as an appetizer or with rice for dinner.
Kimberly A Zolnierczyk says
So easy to make and so delicious. My family loved it I don’t like dishes like this but I love this dish I’m a fan of this recipe. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes. Thank you
Jennie says
I got all ingredients together and put in crockpot! Looks good we’ll see…
Jenn says
Turkey kielbasa good with this ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Definitely! Use your favorite kind!
Barbara says
Can u use low sugar jelly?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sure can! Any flavor you like.
Mary Anne Meadows says
Big hit and so easy.