These Candied Kielbasa Bites are an irresistibly delicious appetizer, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang. Sliced kielbasa is “hasselbacked” to create extra surface area for a sticky, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar, ketchup, and horseradish, ensuring every bite is packed with 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice Kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa sausage into 1-inch pieces.
Hasselback Kielbasa (Optional but Recommended): For the “hasselback” effect, place each 1-inch kielbasa piece between two chopsticks or skewers laid flat on your cutting board. This technique prevents you from cutting all the way through. Carefully slice into 1/4-inch slices, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks. This creates three hasselback sections in each piece, allowing the sauce to penetrate more deeply.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the prepared kielbasa pieces in a baking dish.
Prepare & Add Sauce: In the baking dish with the kielbasa, add the brown sugar, ketchup, and prepared horseradish. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the kielbasa pieces are thoroughly coated in the sauce.
Bake & Caramelize: Bake until the sauce has caramelized and the edges of the kielbasa have browned. Stir the kielbasa every 20 minutes during baking to ensure even coating and caramelization. The total cooking time should take between 60-90 minutes, depending on how crisp you prefer your sausage.
Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these addictive Candied Kielbasa Bites!
