Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer for any occasion. These BBQ Sausage Bites are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory, all packed into one irresistible, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a holiday gathering, or just need a quick and delicious snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just three simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these addictive bites that will have everyone coming back for more. This is the simple, no-fuss recipe you’ve been looking for.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Sausage Bites
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic combination of savory sausage and tangy BBQ sauce is a universal favorite.
- Super Versatile: You can easily make these on the stovetop for a quick appetizer or let them simmer in the Crockpot for a hands-off approach.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to festive holiday parties, these sausage bites are always a hit.
The 3 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need three core ingredients to create these delicious BBQ Sausage Bites.
1. Smoked Sausage: The star of the show! I recommend using a good quality pre-cooked smoked sausage or kielbasa. They hold their shape well and have a fantastic smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sauce. Little smokies or cocktail wieners also work great, especially for parties.
2. Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand to keep things extra simple. A sweet and smoky variety works best, but a spicier sauce can add a nice kick.
3. Brown Sugar: This is the secret to balancing the flavors. Just a little brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and helps create a perfectly thick, glaze-like consistency that clings to every sausage bite.
How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites (Stovetop Method)
This is the quickest way to get your BBQ Sausage Bites ready. It’s perfect for when you need a last-minute appetizer.
- Prep the Sausage: Slice your smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the sausage slices, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened into a beautiful glaze and the sausage is heated through.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the bites to a serving dish and serve immediately with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Crockpot BBQ Sausage Bites: A Hands-Off Approach
Making these BBQ Sausage Bites in the slow cooker is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it method. It’s perfect for parties because it keeps the bites warm for hours.
- Slice the Sausage: Cut the sausage into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Load the Crockpot: Add the sausage, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar to your slow cooker. Stir everything together until the sausage is evenly coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours, until the sauce is bubbly and the sausage is heated through.
- Keep Warm and Serve: You can keep the slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting throughout your party for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Tips for the Perfect Party Appetizer
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe on the stovetop, use a larger pot or work in batches to ensure the sauce can thicken properly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If your BBQ sauce is already very sweet, you might want to use a little less.
- Slice Evenly: Try to cut your sausage into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Fun Variations to Try
While this 3-ingredient recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily customize it. Try adding a can of pineapple chunks for a tropical twist, or wrap each sausage slice in bacon before cooking for an extra layer of savory goodness. For a different flavor profile, you could even make these delicious Honey Garlic Sheet Pan Sausage instead.
What to Serve with Your Sausage Bites
These BBQ Sausage Bites are a fantastic standalone appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with other party favorites. For a truly impressive spread, consider serving them alongside a creamy Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball (coming soon) or some festive Cranberry Brie Bites. A fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad can also provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, savory bites.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can easily reheat them in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. They are perfect for a quick lunch or snack!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Sausage Bites
Yes, absolutely! Just combine the sliced sausage, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar in your Crockpot and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-2 hours. It’s a perfect hands-off method for parties.
Of course! Homemade BBQ sauce works beautifully in this recipe. You may need to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on the sweetness of your sauce.
Store any leftover sausage bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
A pre-cooked smoked sausage or kielbasa is highly recommended because it holds its shape well and has a great smoky flavor. You can also use ‘little smokies’ or cocktail wieners for a classic party appetizer.
They are a great standalone appetizer but also pair well with other party foods like cheese and crackers, a fresh vegetable tray, or other appetizers like jalapeño popper dip and cranberry brie bites.
The Perfect Appetizer Awaits
This BBQ Sausage Bites recipe is a true game-changer for easy entertaining. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve it. Give this recipe a try for your next get-together, and watch how quickly they disappear! If you loved this recipe, please consider sharing it on Pinterest!
BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe
BBQ Sausage Bites: The Easiest 3-Ingredient Party Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the sliced sausage, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat the sausage.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened into a glaze and the sausage is heated through.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm with toothpicks.
- Add the sliced sausage, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours, until heated through and bubbly.
- Set to 'Keep Warm' for serving during a party.
Notes
Make Ahead: You can prepare these ahead of time and simply reheat them on the stove or in the slow cooker before serving.
