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Irresistible Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites

brown sugar bourbon glazed kielbasa bites - featured image

These brown sugar bourbon glazed kielbasa bites are a quick and easy appetizer that combines smoky sausage with a sweet and boozy glaze, perfect for parties or casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 pound (450 g) of kielbasa into ½-inch thick rounds and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add kielbasa slices in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and drain excess fat on paper towels.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon whiskey, unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Pour glaze mixture into the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until butter melts and mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Return browned kielbasa slices to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the glaze. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until glaze thickens and clings to the kielbasa.
  6. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving platter, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

If the glaze becomes too thick or sticky, add a splash of water or more bourbon to loosen it. Avoid burning the sugar by keeping heat medium-low and stirring frequently. Use unsalted butter to control saltiness. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa, brown sugar, bourbon, glazed sausage, party appetizer, easy appetizer, smoky sausage, sweet glaze