“I triple this and I swear this was still the first thing gone at my party!”
These Candied Kielbasa Bites make an incredibly tempting appetizer, delivering just the right mix of sweetness, savory richness, and a touch of tang. Each slice of kielbasa is cut using a “hasselback” technique to maximize surface area, allowing a sticky, caramelized glaze—made from brown sugar, ketchup, and horseradish—to cling to every nook and cranny for maximum flavor.
Candied Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kielbasa sausage | 2 lbs |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Prepared horseradish | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Kielbasa: Cut the sausage into pieces about 1 inch thick.
- Hasselback the Kielbasa (Optional but Highly Recommended):
To achieve the “hasselback” style, place each 1-inch slice between two chopsticks or skewers on your cutting board. This prevents you from slicing all the way through. Make careful 1/4-inch cuts until your knife hits the chopsticks. You’ll create three shallow sections per slice—perfect for absorbing the glaze. - Arrange in a Baking Dish: Lay the prepared kielbasa pieces evenly in a baking dish.
- Mix and Add the Sauce: Add the brown sugar, ketchup, and horseradish right into the dish with the sausage. Stir thoroughly so every piece is well coated.
- Bake and Caramelize: Bake until the glaze thickens and the edges of the kielbasa begin to brown. Stir the pieces every 20 minutes to help them caramelize evenly. Total cooking time will be about 60–90 minutes, depending on how crisp you like them.
- Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then enjoy.
These Candied Kielbasa Bites are incredibly addictive—perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack!
