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.
Pamela G Lawrie says
Made these for Christmas brunch with a breakfast casserole, veggie crescent roll pizza, and fresh fruit. The kielbasa bites were a hit, especially with the kids! Will definitely make them again! Thanks
Beth says
I made this for a party last night, and it was wonderful!
Gwen says
Made these for a BBQ today. Super easy. Set it up when I made coffee this morning, and gave a taste test the the littles in my house. Two thumbs up.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Wonderful! They are one of my favorite easy appetizers Gwen 🙂 Have a great week!
Bev says
Made this today, it was a hit!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Awesome Bev! Hope you’re having an amazing weekend!
Suhana Morgan says
These sound so good. I like your slow cooker bites. Seriously, it’s so much delicious. My mom maximum time cook this recipe. I love it. Keep it up.
Maria Pullman says
Hello Trish,
amazing recipes!! Just searching for recipes like this one and finally got it here. Thank You so much. You really made my day!! Basically, I always like to read health tips and food recipe. amazing. I will definitely be adding this bites to my collection.
Dave says
Is this recipe spicy?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I don’t find it very spicy at all Dave. If you want it spicier, use a spicy BBQ sauce. The grape jelly adds a lot of sweetness and counteracts most of the heat from the chili sauce which is mostly for flavor anyways. Hope that helps!
Lorie says
How many people would you say this would serve? I have 6 adults and 2 children.
Aria says
This cooked kielbasa bites looks Yum!!Can’t wait to try these! thanks for sharing.Merry Christmas!!!!
Boyan Minchev says
This bites are looking very delicious, I will cook them with my girl tomorrow. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe.
Paula says
What kind of BBQ sauce did u use? My favorite is Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ sauce but I’m afraid that would make this yummy looking bites too sickly sweet…
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That might be too sweet. I actually prefer a spicier BBQ sauce in this recipe but use one that you already know you like because it definitely influences the flavor.
Judy M. says
Yum! Those would most definitely be a party win at my place.
Crafty Chick @CreativeIsCool.com says
I am so making these tomorrow for Super Bowl! They look simple & yummy. Thanks!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Enjoy! We’ll be making them too!
Ivory says
Wow, I cannot wait to make these for my family.
Cecile Roy says
One of my sons was looking for something he could make in a slow cooker for a Super Bowl party & I gave him the recipe for meatballs like your grandmother made. I love the addition of Worcestershire sauce etc.!! PINNING THIS – as always. (I follow you as well on Pinterest but I don’t always go there… and I don’t want to miss any of your recipes!) ++ Commentluv didn’t work last time… bummer. Could be because of my ancient computer!!
; o )
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much! I hope you guys have an awesome Super Bowl party!
Chavi says
I accidentally bought fully cooked kielbasa. Can I use that with this recipe?
RedRobin says
The kielbasa is the fully cooked type. I think all that time in crocker is so the flavors meld.