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Savory Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Kielbasa Bites

bourbon brown sugar glazed kielbasa bites - featured image

These savory bourbon brown sugar glazed kielbasa bites are a quick and easy party appetizer featuring smoky kielbasa coated in a sweet and tangy bourbon glaze. Perfect for gatherings, they deliver a crowd-pleasing sweet-and-savory flavor with a sticky caramelized finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds, keeping slices uniform for even cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add kielbasa slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crispy on edges.
  4. While kielbasa cooks, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl.
  5. Pour the glaze over the browned kielbasa in the skillet and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer the glaze, stirring occasionally, until thick and sticky, about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
  8. Serve warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Notes

Do not rush browning the kielbasa; crispy edges add essential flavor. Stir glaze gently to avoid breaking pieces. For gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Substitute bourbon with apple juice or extra soy sauce for non-alcoholic version. Can bake kielbasa at 400°F for 15 minutes, then glaze and bake 5-7 more minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa, bourbon glaze, brown sugar, party appetizer, smoky sausage, easy appetizer, sweet and savory, finger food