BBQ Sausage Bites (3 Ways!) – Easy Crockpot, Oven, or Stovetop Recipe

Get ready to discover your new go-to appetizer! These BBQ Sausage Bites are the perfect storm of flavor and simplicity. We’re talking savory smoked sausage enveloped in a sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible BBQ glaze. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a last-minute appetizer for a get-together, or just crave a delicious snack, this recipe delivers big results with minimal effort. In just a few minutes, you can have these amazing bites ready for the crockpot, oven, or stovetop.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of smoky sausage and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce is a classic for a reason. It’s a flavor profile that everyone loves.
• Super Versatile: I’ll show you how to make these sausage bites in the slow cooker, in the oven, or on the stovetop, so you can choose the method that best suits your schedule.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday parties to summer cookouts, these BBQ sausage bites are always a hit. They are the definition of a perfect party food.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create an unforgettable appetizer.

• Smoked Sausage: The star of the show! I prefer using a good quality Polish Kielbasa for its texture and robust flavor, but any pre-cooked smoked sausage will work beautifully. Andouille, beef sausage, or even chicken sausage are great options.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand to keep things simple. A sweet and smoky variety works exceptionally well here.
• Brown Sugar: This is the secret to creating that delicious, caramelized glaze. It balances the tanginess of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a fantastic depth of savory, umami flavor that elevates the sauce from good to great.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder rounds out the sauce with a savory note that complements the sausage.

How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites (3 Easy Methods)

Choose your favorite method! The crockpot is great for a hands-off approach, the oven gives them a wonderful caramelized crust, and the stovetop is perfect when you’re short on time.

Method 1: Crockpot BBQ Sausage Bites (Set it and Forget it!)

This is my favorite method for parties. Just dump everything in, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

1. Prep: Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds.
2. Combine: In the basin of your slow cooker, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Add the sliced sausage and stir until every piece is coated.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-1.5 hours, until the sauce is bubbly and thickened. Give it a stir occasionally. Keep on the WARM setting for serving.

Method 2: Oven-Baked Sausage Bites (Crispy & Caramelized)

This method is fantastic for achieving a slightly crispy, caramelized exterior on the sausage bites.

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Combine: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Coat & Bake: Add the sliced sausage to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Spread the sausage in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.

Method 3: Stovetop Sausage Bites (Ready in Minutes)

Need an appetizer in a hurry? The stovetop method will have these ready in about 15 minutes.

1. Brown the Sausage: Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Simmer: Pour the sauce over the sausage in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the sausage beautifully.

Tips for the Best Sausage Bites

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re using the oven or stovetop method, make sure the sausage pieces are in a single layer. This helps them caramelize properly instead of steaming.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you’re using a very sweet BBQ sauce, you might want to use a little less.
• Add a kick: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.

Fun Variations to Try

While this simple recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great base for experimentation!

• Bacon-Wrapped: For an extra layer of indulgence, wrap each sausage slice in a half-strip of bacon before cooking. You may want to check out these Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts for inspiration.
• Pineapple-Sausage Bites: Add a can of drained pineapple chunks to the mix for a sweet and tropical twist.
• Spicy & Savory: Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. These remind me of my favorite Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls.

What to Serve with Sausage Bites

These BBQ Sausage Bites are a fantastic standalone appetizer, perfect for serving with toothpicks. They pair wonderfully with other party foods. For a delicious spread, consider serving them alongside a creamy dip like this Cranberry Jalapeno Dip (coming soon) or some crispy crackers.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, they’re easy to store and enjoy later.

• To Store: Let the sausage bites cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: You can gently reheat them in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

These BBQ Sausage Bites are more than just a recipe; they’re a solution for easy entertaining. With their irresistible flavor and incredible simplicity, they are destined to become a staple in your appetizer rotation. Give them a try, and watch them disappear!

If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest! Your support means the world.

BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe

BBQ Sausage Bites (3 Ways!) - Easy Crockpot, Oven, or Stovetop Recipe

These BBQ Sausage Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer! Made with smoked sausage and a sweet, tangy 3-ingredient BBQ glaze. Learn how to make them in the crockpot, oven, or on the stovetop for the perfect party food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage (like Kielbasa) cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker, Baking Sheet, or Skillet Depending on chosen cooking method
• 1 Mixing Bowl

Method

 

Oven-Baked Method (Primary)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Add the sliced sausage to the bowl with the sauce and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated.
4. Spread the coated sausage in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. The bites are done when the glaze is bubbling and nicely caramelized.
5. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1-1.5 hours.
Stovetop Method: Lightly brown sausage slices in a skillet. Add sauce ingredients and simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.