Crockpot Brown Sugar Kielbasa Bites

This is a recipe that’s so simple, I hesitate to even call it a recipe. See, it’s just three ingredients (four if you want yours to have a little kick) that get heated up together into one glorious combination. So instead, think of it as a suggestion of what to serve at your next party… a suggestion you should definitely take.

There is little more to do here than slice up some kielbasa, but the end result is so delicious that you would have been willing to do so much more to achieve that flavor. Those little bites of kielbasa are simmered in a sticky-sweet sauce that’s the perfect contrast to their smokiness. They’re an ideal poppable snack or app, and they couldn’t be easier.

Sliced kielbasa goes into the slow cooker (we’ve got stovetop directions for you down below if you’d rather go that route!) along with some brown sugar and cola until every bit is coated with caramelized sweetness. You can add a bit of chili powder for the weensiest kick, but its main function is really to back up the smokiness of the kielbasa.

These take three hours on high in the slow cooker, which gives you plenty of time to get the rest of your affairs in order if you’re serving these to company. All you need to do is stop by and stir them every once in a while. They can hang out in the slow cooker for serving too; it keeps them warm and from getting too sticky as they cool.

You can think of these like an upgraded cocktail weenie. They have that same irresistible sweet and smoky thing going on, but they’re a little more snazzy and unexpected. If they were any easier to make, they’d go ahead make themselves… the only problem you’re likely to run into is tearing your guests away from the bowl.

Serves 10-12

5 minutes active, 3+ hours inactive

INGREDIENTS

1. 2 lbs Kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized pieces

2. 3/4 cup cola

3. 1 cup brown sugar

4. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Add ingredients to a 3-qt slow cooker and stir to combine.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Note: To prepare on the stovetop, combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15-30 minutes.