Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a delicious and flavorful appetizer made with bite-sized sections of smoked sausage cut in a Hasselback style, and coated in a sweet and tangy maple barbecue sauce. Then, they are cooked in an air fryer for a slight char, infusing the maple barbecue sauce into each bite. Seriously, we could not get enough of these! And, oven instructions are also included! As soon as I made and tasted how delicious my Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites were, I knew I had to try them with other flavors! I also have Pinepple Hasselback Kielbasa Bites you will want to try.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: Kielbasa, sometimes referred to as ring sausage, is a savory and lightly smoked sausage that comes pre-cooked, making it a convenient choice for various dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore different sausage options such as Andouille sausage, Mexican Chorizo, or other sausage varieties.
Barbecue Sauce: You could use your favorite BBQ sauce, but I love the sauce with my homemade Kansas City-style barbecue sauce.
Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a touch of spiciness and a distinct tang to the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you could substitute yellow mustard instead. However, that may change the overall flavor profile of the sauce (but it will still be delicious)!
Maple Syrup: Look for pure maple syrup. It provides a natural sweetness to the sauce as well as brings a touch of caramelization when cooked in the air fryer.
How To Serve Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are not only delicious but an amazing presentation as well! Here are a few suggested ways to serve them:
- Toothpick Presentation: One of the easiest and most practical ways to serve these kielbasa bites is to skewer them with toothpicks. This makes them easy to pick up and eat, especially for finger food gatherings.
- Platter or Tray: Arrange the skewered kielbasa bites on a platter or serving tray. Make sure to leave enough space between them for easy access.
- Garnish: Add a garnish for color and freshness. Freshly chopped parsley can provide a nice contrast to the savory and sweet flavors.
- Accompaniments: Serve these bites with complementary sides like coleslaw, pickles, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the kielbasa.
Storing & Reheating Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
If you have any leftover Kielbasa bites, and that is a big IF, first, let them cool to room temperature. Then, store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3-4 days. Reheat the bites in the air fryer, in a microwave, or in the oven. The remaining maple barbecue sauce (for dipping) can also be stored in the refrigerator, and covered. Give it a stir when serving it with the bites.
More Kielbasa Recipes
Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients
- 2 rings (13.9 ounces each) kielbasa
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup (79 g) maple syrup
- parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the kielbasa into ¼-inch slices (about ⅔ of the way down), but not all the way through. If needed, place the kielbasa between two chopsticks and skewers. (These will prevent you from cutting through the kielbasa completely.) Using a sharp knife, in a downward motion, stopping at the chopsticks.
- Slice the sausage crosswise into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 rings per piece) for a total of about 20 bites per ring, or 40 for both rings. Place into a large bowl.
- To a small bowl, add the barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Pour ½ cup of the sauce mixture over the kielbasa and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce for after cooking.
- Arrange the kielbasa bites in a single layer of the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.
- Air fry* at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, or until browned, shaking the basket of the air fryer halfway through cooking.
- Remove the bites from the air fryer and place them onto a large platter or baking sheet. Pour or brush about ¼ cup of the reserved maple barbeque sauce over top, tossing to coat.
- Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve warm with the remaining maple barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the kielbasa as instructed and place them onto the lined baking sheet.
- Pour 1/2 cup of the maple barbecue sauce over the tops of the kielbasa bites.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until browned.
- Remove from the oven. Toss the bites with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, reserving the rest for dipping.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is a great way to dress up a fun and easy appetizer! The char on the kielbasa bites was perfection!
Elizabeth
Oh my gosh, I love these! I didn't think I could like these more than the mustard kielbasa bites, but it is close! They are a 'wow' in both flavor and presentation!
Rachael
I love these! The kielbasa gets a nice caramelization on it when cooked in the air fryer and they are SO GOOD!
Annabelle
These are incredible! They have so much flavor packed into them and they'd make a great starter or meal!
Bella
Amazing! Savory and sweet. These are so simple but packed with flavor.
Selena
These are stupid delicious. The caramelization that the kielbasa gets makes you want to keep going back for more!
Made these today.
Very good!
I used the oven method.
Also added mayonnaise to the left over sauce. It made a tasty dipping sauce.
Has anyone put these in a crockpot after air frying? I am looking for something to take to a football party.
Yes, that should work fine.
This is a stunning recipe. Easy to make. Visually appealing, It’s cheap. Everybody loved it. Next time I’ll preprint many copies of the recipe to give to all those that will be asking for the recipe.
How could you convert this recipe for a crowd?
It’s a simple recipe to double, triple, quadruple.
Made these and we loved them! So delicious!
Incredibly delicious! And so easy to make!