BBQ Sausage Bites with Sticky Glaze
These BBQ Sausage Bites are a quick and addictive appetizer featuring crispy pan-seared smoked sausage coated in a sweet, smoky, and sticky glaze. Made in one skillet in under 20 minutes, they are perfect for game day, parties, or a speedy dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving platter
- Toothpicks (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fully cooked smoked sausage like kielbasa or andouille
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: 1 tablespoon hot sauce or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch thick rounds. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Arrange the sausage bites in a single layer in the skillet (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden and crispy. Transfer the seared sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If using hot sauce or red pepper flakes, add them now. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the seared sausage bites to the skillet. Toss them gently in the glaze until every piece is evenly coated. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky and glossy.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while the glaze is warm and gooey. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Notes
For a leaner option, use chicken or turkey sausage, but watch the cooking time to prevent drying out. To make a bourbon glaze, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze while it simmers. For a sweet heat version, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder. Leftover bites can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for up to 2 hours. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat.