Pin it
My crowd-pleasing tangy-sweet BBQ Sausage Bites have become the quickest-disappearing app at all my gatherings. Guests can't resist the smoky chunks of sausage wrapped in that sticky, caramel-like barbecue glaze - they're perfect finger foods for everything from tailgating to casual family get-togethers.
I whipped these sausage bites up when I needed something fast for an unexpected Super Bowl party. They were such a smash hit that my sister's husband now asks for them whenever our family gets together.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: Creates the smoky foundation; try kielbasa or andouille for richer flavor
- Barbecue sauce: Pick whatever brand you like; thicker, sweeter ones work better
- Light brown sugar: Gives that must-have sticky coating and cuts the tanginess
- Dijon mustard: Brings a zingy kick that balances the sweet elements
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Turn your oven to 350°F and coat your 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to stop sticking and make cleanup way easier.
- Prepare the Sausage:
- Cut your smoked sausage into even 1-inch coins so they'll all cook at the same rate throughout baking.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Put the cut sausage into your prepared dish, then dump in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, mixing everything until all sausage pieces are fully coated.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Stick the dish in your hot oven and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring a few times during baking to get even glazing, until you see the sauce bubbling, getting darker and noticeably thicker.
Pin it
Brown sugar is my hidden trick in this dish. My grandma taught me it doesn't just add sweetness but creates that amazing sticky coating that hugs each sausage piece perfectly. Something awesome happens when it melts with the barbecue sauce while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Sausage Bites go with practically anything. Stick fancy toothpicks in them as party appetizers with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. They're also great as a main dish next to creamy mac and cheese for a dinner kids go crazy for. For something less heavy, pair them with a fresh green salad or oven-roasted veggies to balance out the rich sausage flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Though they taste best right after baking, you can easily make these sausage bites ahead for parties or busy nights. After cooking, dump them in a slow cooker on WARM setting where they'll stay yummy for 2-3 hours, perfect for snacking during sports events or holiday parties. You can keep leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container up to 3 days and warm them up in the microwave or oven. Just know the sauce gets really thick when cold, so you might want to add a splash of water when reheating.
Flavor Variations
The standard recipe tastes amazing as is, but you can switch it up lots of ways to match what you like. Want more kick? Throw in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes before baking. If you love sweet and savory together, mix in some drained pineapple chunks that'll caramelize nicely with the brown sugar. Try different BBQ sauce styles too – smoky, sweet, or mustard-based all turn out great. Some folks even toss in a can of drained black beans for the last 15 minutes to add protein and texture.
Pin it
This simple dish always wins at parties, giving you big bold flavors without much work but tons of wow factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausage should I use?
Smoked sausages are ideal since they work well with the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce. You could swap them with kielbasa or andouille for different flavors.
- → Can I prepare this dish early?
Yep, bake the sausage bites ahead and refrigerate them. Just warm them up in the oven or a slow cooker before serving.
- → How do I serve these bites?
You can serve them with toothpicks for snacking, as a side dish, or next to creamy mac and cheese for a hearty meal.
- → What if I run out of Dijon mustard?
No worries! Swap it with spicy brown or plain yellow mustard. The taste will change slightly, but it'll still be delicious.
- → Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
For sure! Using your own BBQ sauce offers a personalized touch and unique flavors.
- → How should I keep them warm for a party?
Transfer the cooked bites to a slow cooker set to warm. They'll stay ready to eat for up to 3 hours.
- → Can I make these spicier?
Absolutely! Add some heat with hot sauce or red chili flakes mixed into the BBQ sauce.