Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked BBQ Sausage Bites are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer—savory, smoky, and coated in a sticky-sweet barbecue glaze. They’re easy to prepare, great for game days, parties, or quick snacks, and can be made with minimal ingredients for maximum flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
smoked sausage or kielbasabbq sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)honey or brown sugar (for extra sweetness)garlic powderonion powderblack pepperolive oil (for baking sheet or pan)sliced green onions or parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease.
Slice the sausage into bite-sized rounds, about ½-inch thick.
In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey or brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add sausage pieces to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the sauce mixture.
Arrange sausage bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sauce is caramelized and bubbly.
Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra caramelization.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions or parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 as an appetizer.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper for heat.
Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
Skewer the bites with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Not ideal for freezing, as the sauce may separate upon reheating.
FAQs
What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage or kielbasa holds up well and has great flavor.
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Yes, any variety works as long as it’s thick and flavorful.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add spice to suit your taste.
Do I need to flip the sausage?
Yes, flipping helps caramelize both sides evenly.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
How can I make them crispier?
Broil for a few extra minutes at the end of baking.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Are these gluten-free?
Check your BBQ sauce and sausage labels to confirm.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger baking sheet or two.
What dips go well with this?
Ranch, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce are all great options.
Conclusion
Baked BBQ Sausage Bites are a simple yet irresistible appetizer that combines the smoky richness of sausage with the bold flavor of barbecue. Quick to make and easy to serve, they’re a go-to snack for any occasion and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table.
Baked BBQ Sausage Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Savory sausage bites glazed in tangy BBQ sauce and baked to perfection, making them an ideal appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add the sausage pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Arrange the coated sausage bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sauce is caramelized and the sausage is heated through.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- Great for meal prep or reheating as leftovers.
- Can also be cooked in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low for an even easier version.