This quick and easy kielbasa appetizer recipe is just 3 ingredients - kielbasa, brown sugar, and coca-cola. Learn how to make these brown sugar kielbasa bites in 2 ways - on the stove or in the slow cooker. I promise this become your go-to appetizer for holidays, dinner parties, or snack time. They are quite addictive!
In a nonstick skillet, add sausage and brown over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes. Pour coca-cola and brown sugar into the skillet. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low.
Stir and simmer anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes. (All stoves are different. On my stove, it takes about 30 minutes for these to caramelize. I've made these at friends' houses and it has taken 10 minutes. You have to eyeball it. You know your stove better than I do. What you're looking for is a thick, caramelized consistency so keep stirring until it becomes a thick glaze.)
Once the cola and brown sugar mixture becomes a thick glaze over the sliced sausages, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer sausages to a plate and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. The sausages will be VERY HOT, please be careful. Enjoy!
In The Slow Cooker
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or LOW for 5-6 hours.
Notes
Variations
Replace the brown sugar + cola with 1 1/2 cups bbq sauce + 1/3 cup dijon mustard OR 1 1/2 cups bbq sauce + 1 cup mango jam. It'll be just as delicious!
Add 1/4 teaspoon (or more!) of chili powder or cayenne for some heat.
Thread these glazed kielbasa bites with small pineapple chunks on a toothpick and watch them disappear right before your eyes.