These Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are fun and packed with flavor! Each piece of sausage is sliced to perfection, then cooked until crispy and smoky. They’re perfect for sharing!
The best part? You can dip them in your favorite sauces for an added kick! I could munch on these little bites all day—who can resist a good sausage treat? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This dish shines with kielbasa, a flavorful Polish sausage. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey kielbasa works great too. It retains the same smoky flavor but with less fat!
Bacon: Bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you’re avoiding pork, try turkey bacon or a plant-based option. Both can provide a satisfying texture but may vary slightly in flavor.
Red Onion: The red onion adds sweetness and color. If red onion isn’t available, yellow onions or shallots can be substituted. Just remember, they’ll have a slightly stronger taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers a punch of flavor. For a milder taste, garlic powder is a good substitute. Use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Dipping Sauce: I love pairing these bites with honey mustard! You can switch it up though; ranch or BBQ sauce also works wonderfully and adds extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Gets Crispy?
A key challenge here is getting the bacon to crisp up nicely without overcooking the sausage. Here’s how to achieve that perfect result:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking. A hot oven (400°F) helps the bacon render its fat quickly.
- Wrap the bacon tightly around the kielbasa, leaving lots of surface area exposed for the heat to reach.
- Keep an eye on your bites in the last few minutes of cooking. If they look like they need more crisping, use the broiler setting for a minute or two. Just stay close to avoid burning!
These tips will help you achieve that delicious, crispy bacon while keeping your kielbasa juicy and flavorful.
How to Make Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large kielbasa sausages, cut into approximately 1.5-inch pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 small red onion, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., honey mustard or ranch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes, which is perfect for getting ready for a tasty appetizer or snack for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you put the kielbasa bites in. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Kielbasa:
Take each piece of kielbasa and carefully make deep slices lengthwise about halfway through. You want to create that Hasselback effect that looks cool and helps the flavors soak in. Feel free to pop a thin slice of red onion into a few of those cuts for extra flavor!
3. Wrap with Bacon:
Next, take a half slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around each kielbasa piece. Make sure to cover as much of the sausage as possible. This will keep everything juicy and add amazing crispiness!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place your wrapped kielbasa bites on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out a bit so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
5. Flavor it Up:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, olive oil, and minced garlic. Brush or drizzle this tasty mixture over each kielbasa bite—this will give you that caramelized sweetness when you bake them!
6. Bake Away:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let them bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for the bacon to be crispy and the sausage cooked through. If you like your bacon super crispy, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes but keep an eye on them!
7. Final Touches:
Once done, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped chives for a nice pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Hasselback Kielbasa Bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Perfect for sharing—or not!
Enjoy these smoky, sweet, savory bites as a perfect appetizer or party snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is the star here, feel free to use other types of sausage such as brats or turkey sausage. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the type of sausage you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes between the cuts of kielbasa. You could also use spicy bacon or a hot sauce in the glaze for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kielbasa bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep the bacon crispy!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep and assemble the kielbasa bites ahead of time. Just cover them and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They may need an extra few minutes in the oven if they’re cold from the fridge!
