When it comes to parties, gatherings, or just a simple get-together with friends and family, having delicious and easy-to-make appetizers can make all the difference. One popular ingredient that can elevate your snack game is kielbasa – a type of Polish sausage that’s packed with flavor. In this article, we’ll explore 20 savory kielbasa appetizer recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. From classic combinations like kielbasa and cheese to more unique pairings like kielbasa and pineapple, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their snack routine.
Kielbasa and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful twist on classic stuffed mushrooms. Smoky kielbasa and melted cheese combine for a rich, satisfying bite.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as cremini or portobello)
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook kielbasa over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with cooked kielbasa, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic.
4. Dot tops with butter and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Kielbasa Bites with Honey Mustard Glaze
A sweet and savory twist on classic kielbasa bites, these grilled skewers are perfect for parties or casual gatherings. The honey mustard glaze adds a tangy and sticky element that complements the smoky flavor of the grilled sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut kielbasa into 1-inch pieces and thread onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Brush the glaze over the sausage bites during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per side, or until kielbasa is lightly charred and heated through.
Kielbasa Pinwheels with Puff Pastry
Elevate your snack game with these savory Kielbasa Pinwheels, wrapped in flaky puff pastry and filled with spicy sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz Kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange sausage slices along the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
4. Sprinkle cheese and mustard over the sausage.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling, forming a pinwheel shape.
6. Brush edges with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cut a small slit at the top of each pinwheel.
7. Place pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch between each.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Kielbasa BBQ Little Smokies
Slow Cooker Kielbasa BBQ Little Smokies: A deliciously easy snack recipe that’s perfect for parties or gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of Little Smokies (mini smoked sausages)
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the Little Smokies in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the Little Smokies.
4. Add chopped onion (if using).
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Serve warm with toothpicks or skewers.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Kielbasa and Pineapple Skewers
Elevate your backyard gatherings with these unique kebab skewers, combining the smoky flavor of kielbasa sausage with the sweetness of pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into large pieces
– 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Alternate sausage, pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and garlic on each skewer.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Creamy Kielbasa Dip with Rye Bread Bowls
Elevate your party game with this savory and addictive dip, perfect for serving with crusty rye bread bowls. This creamy concoction combines the flavors of kielbasa sausage, cream cheese, and spices for a deliciously unique snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4-6 rye bread rolls
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the kielbasa sausage over medium-high heat until browned.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked kielbasa to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Spoon the dip into hollowed-out rye bread rolls and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kielbasa Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
These bite-sized appetizers combine the sweetness of jalapeños with the savory flavor of kielbasa, perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture, followed by a few slices of kielbasa.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each popper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kielbasa and Sauerkraut Bites
These bite-sized treats combine the flavors of kielbasa sausage and tangy sauerkraut, perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chopped sauerkraut, brown sugar, and caraway seeds.
3. Wrap each kielbasa slice with about 1 tablespoon of the sauerkraut mixture, leaving a small border around the sausage.
4. Place the wrapped sausage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze (if using cheese, sprinkle it on top).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the tops are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Kielbasa and Cheddar Pierogi Bites
These bite-sized pierogi are filled with savory kielbasa and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen pierogi dough (about 20-25 pieces)
– 1/2 cup kielbasa, sliced
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw pierogi dough according to package instructions.
3. In a small bowl, mix together kielbasa and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Roll out each piece of pierogi dough into a thin circle.
5. Place a tablespoon of the kielbasa-cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.
6. Fold dough over filling to form a triangle or square shape, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kielbasa Sliders with Caramelized Onions
Elevate your game-day gatherings or casual meals with these savory and sweet Kielbasa Sliders featuring caramelized onions. This easy recipe combines the flavors of Poland with a hint of American charm.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Polish-style kielbasa sausage
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw or chopped lettuce (optional)
– Mustard or other condiments (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook kielbasa sausage for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and slightly charred.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
4. Assemble sliders by slicing cooked kielbasa into thin strips and placing on hamburger buns. Top with caramelized onions and add coleslaw or lettuce if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Kielbasa and Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Elevate your snack game with this savory and addictive appetizer! This recipe combines the smoky flavor of kielbasa sausage with the crispy sweetness of bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 12-15 water chestnuts
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each water chestnut with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sliced kielbasa over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the olive oil and stir-fry the kielbasa for an additional minute.
5. Arrange the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Place the cooked kielbasa on top of the water chestnuts.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Kielbasa and Pepper Jack Cheese Quesadillas
Savor the flavors of Eastern Europe and the Southwest with this unique quesadilla recipe, combining spicy Kielbasa sausage and melted Pepper Jack cheese inside a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Kielbasa sausages, sliced
– 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with Pepper Jack cheese.
3. Add sliced Kielbasa on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
8. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Kielbasa and Spinach Stuffed Phyllo Cups
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, savory treats filled with the perfect blend of Polish sausage and fresh spinach. A unique twist on traditional finger foods, these bite-sized cups are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup Kielbasa sausage, sliced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced Kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves to the pan and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cut phyllo dough into squares, about 3 inches per side.
6. Place a spoonful of the sausage-spinach mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Fold the other half of the phyllo square over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
8. Brush tops with a little water and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Kielbasa and Sweet Chili Glazed Meatballs
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and savory twist! Kielbasa sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor to these tender meatballs, while the sweet chili glaze brings a tangy, sticky element.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 oz Kielbasa sausage, crumbled
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Kielbasa sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, mix sweet chili sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with the sweet chili glaze.
7. Return to oven and bake an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Kielbasa and Garlic Butter Pretzel Bites
A twist on traditional pretzels, these bite-sized treats combine the savory flavor of kielbasa with the richness of garlic butter. Perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pretzel dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup kielbasa, sliced into thin strips
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the pretzel dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and minced garlic.
4. Brush the garlic butter mixture onto each pretzel piece, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Place a few slices of kielbasa on top of each pretzel piece.
6. Season with salt to taste. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Kielbasa and Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
These buttery crescent rolls filled with spicy Kielbasa and tangy cream cheese make for a perfect snack or appetizer. With minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously savory treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of crescent roll dough (8-10 rolls)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 4 slices of Kielbasa sausage, diced
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the crescent dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread a small amount of cream cheese on one half of each dough triangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Top with diced Kielbasa and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch between each roll.
7. Brush tops with melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Kielbasa and Dill Pickle Roll-Ups
A delicious twist on traditional party appetizers, these Kielbasa and Dill Pickle Roll-Ups combine the flavors of savory sausage and tangy pickles in a convenient bite-sized package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound kielbasa sausage
– 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
– 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 6 large tortilla wraps
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the kielbasa into thin strips.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and chopped parsley.
4. Lay a tortilla wrap flat and spread a quarter of the cream cheese mixture along the center of the wrap.
5. Arrange 2-3 slices of kielbasa on top of the cream cheese.
6. Add 2-3 pickle slices on top of the sausage.
7. Roll up the wrap tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Kielbasa and Spicy Mustard Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled eggs with the savory flavor of Kielbasa sausage and spicy mustard. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
– 1/4 cup chopped Kielbasa sausage
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Paprika or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard, and chopped Kielbasa sausage until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle with paprika or chives for added color and flavor (optional).
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None, as eggs are already cooked. Assembly takes about 10-15 minutes.
Kielbasa and Smoked Gouda Flatbread
A flavorful flatbread perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering. This recipe combines the savory flavors of kielbasa sausage with the creamy richness of smoked gouda cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of flatbread (homemade or store-bought)
– 4-6 slices of kielbasa sausage
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of shredded smoked Gouda cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the kielbasa into thin strips and cook in a pan over medium-high heat until browned.
3. Roll out the flatbread on a floured surface to desired thickness.
4. Spread softened butter evenly over the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top the flatbread with cooked kielbasa, shredded smoked Gouda cheese, and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Fold the edges of the flatbread up to form a crust, then bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Kielbasa and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Bites
Elevate your snack game with this unique combination of spicy kielbasa, sweet brown sugar glaze, and crispy bacon. Perfect for game day gatherings or impromptu parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Kielbasa sausage
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the kielbasa into 1-inch pieces.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the bacon slices, leaving some space between each piece.
4. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the glaze.
5. Place the kielbasa pieces on top of the bacon, slightly overlapping them.
6. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the kielbasa and bacon.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your sweet and savory Kielbasa and Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Bites!
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these deliciously easy kielbasa appetizer recipes! From classic combinations like cheese-stuffed mushrooms and honey mustard glaze on grilled bites, to creative twists like pinwheels with puff pastry and stuffed jalapeño poppers, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at slow-cooked little smokies or sweet chili-glazed meatballs, or go savory with kielbasa and sauerkraut bites or garlic butter pretzel bits. With 20 mouth-watering recipes to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas for your next gathering.
