Welcome to an irresistible culinary journey with our incredibly easy and delicious CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa recipe! This slow cooker gem is the ultimate appetizer, perfect for any gathering, from casual game days to elegant holiday parties. Forget last-minute stress; with just a few simple steps and four core ingredients, you can effortlessly create a dish that will have everyone reaching for more. Get ready to impress your guests and savor the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of this unforgettable slow cooker sensation!
Crockpot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer
There’s a reason why this Crockpot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa recipe has remained a firm favorite since its original publication in November 2013. It’s not just “crazy easy” to make; it consistently delivers fantastic flavor that appeals to nearly everyone. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or simply looking for a delightful snack on a regular Tuesday, these sweet and savory kielbasa bites are an absolute winner.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It liberates you from the kitchen, allowing you to relax and enjoy the event you’re hosting or attending. Imagine the delightful aroma filling your home as this savory appetizer simmers to perfection, requiring minimal effort on your part. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the serving platter, leaving guests asking for the recipe.
Explore More Kielbasa & Bourbon Delights
If you’re a fan of kielbasa, you’re in for a treat! We love experimenting with this versatile sausage. Beyond this bourbon-glazed version, be sure to check out our Crock Pot Spicy BBQ Kielbasa, which offers a delightful kick of spice for those who prefer a bit of heat. You could even set up two slow cookers side-by-side at your next party, offering both the sweet bourbon glaze and the spicy BBQ option for a fun taste test!
We’ve dedicated an entire Kielbasa Recipes page to help you discover a wide array of options, from delectable appetizers to hearty main courses. There’s truly something for every palate.
Our affection for bourbon-infused appetizers doesn’t stop with kielbasa. We also highly recommend our Crock Pot Bourbon Lit’l Smokies, another fantastic option for any Crock Pot Appetizer Collection. And for a truly indulgent treat, don’t miss our Bacon Bourbon Meatballs, which add an extra layer of savory deliciousness to the bourbon glaze.
Ingredients for CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
Crafting this incredible Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa requires only four simple ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to come with a complicated ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make this appetizer so addictive.
- Polska Kielbasa: We typically use Hillshire Farms Polska Kielbasa for its consistent quality and delicious flavor. Look for a pre-cooked variety to make this recipe even faster. You’ll want to slice it into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
- Sweet Apricot Preserves: These preserves are the secret to the glaze’s fruity sweetness and sticky texture. They melt down beautifully in the slow cooker, coating each piece of kielbasa in a luscious layer.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a rich, distinctive sweetness and a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the bourbon. Avoid imitation syrups for the best results.
- Bourbon Whiskey or Apple Juice: The bourbon lends a unique warmth and complex flavor profile to the glaze. For an alcohol-free version, apple juice is an excellent substitute, providing a similar sweetness and tartness that still works wonderfully with the other ingredients.
Essential Equipment
The beauty of slow cooking is its minimal equipment requirement, and this recipe is no exception. You only need a couple of basic kitchen tools to bring this delicious appetizer to life:
- CrockPot (Slow Cooker): A reliable slow cooker is key. We highly recommend models with a digital timer and an automatic “keep warm” function. This feature is invaluable for party appetizers, as it ensures your Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa stays perfectly warm and ready to serve without overcooking, giving you complete peace of mind during your event.
- Kitchen Spoon or Stirring Utensil: For combining the ingredients and giving them an occasional stir to ensure everything is evenly coated in that delicious glaze.
- Toothpicks or Small Serving Forks: Ideal for guests to easily pick up individual kielbasa bites without making a mess.
How to Make CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
You won’t believe how straightforward it is to prepare these delectable slow cooker bourbon kielbasa bites. The process is so simple, it almost feels like cheating! Here’s the quick overview, with more detailed steps available in the recipe card below.
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by slicing your Polska Kielbasa into approximately ½-inch thick rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and are perfect for serving as bite-sized appetizers.
- Combine: Place the sliced kielbasa into your CrockPot. Add the apricot preserves, maple syrup, and bourbon (or apple juice) directly over the kielbasa.
- Stir Well: Give everything a good stir to ensure the kielbasa pieces are thoroughly coated in the glaze mixture. This helps distribute the flavors evenly as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours. The goal is for the kielbasa to be heated through and the glaze to be bubbly and slightly thickened. Stir occasionally during the last hour of cooking to prevent sticking and ensure all pieces are bathed in the delicious sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the bourbon-glazed kielbasa to a serving dish. Provide toothpicks or small forks for easy serving. Enjoy!
That’s truly all there is to it! This “dump and go” style recipe is the perfect solution for busy hosts. Simply toss everything into the CrockPot, and let your slow cooker work its magic while you attend to other preparations, mingle with guests, or simply relax. It’s an effortless way to bring big flavor to any football party, holiday event, or casual get-together.
Preparation and Storage Tips
Making this CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa even more convenient are its excellent make-ahead and storage properties:
- Make Ahead: This slow cooker appetizer requires approximately four hours of cooking time on low, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. You can start it in the morning or early afternoon, giving you ample time to prepare other game day menu items, set up your party space, or simply unwind before your guests arrive.
- Storage: Any leftover Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa should be refrigerated promptly in an airtight container. It will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for up to three days.
- Freezing/How to Freeze: To extend the life of your leftovers, place the cooled Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziploc bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without compromising quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How to Reheat: Reheating is a breeze! For smaller portions, your microwave works perfectly. For larger quantities or to keep them warm for longer, you can reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat, or simply return them to a CrockPot set to the “warm” setting until heated through.
Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste
One of the best things about this CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa recipe is how easily it can be adapted to fit different dietary preferences or flavor cravings. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Bourbon Substitutions: While we often use Jim Beam Bourbon for its balanced profile, the “best” bourbon for this recipe is truly whatever you have on hand and enjoy drinking. Any mid-range bourbon will impart wonderful flavor.
- Maple Syrup Choices: We’ve found that using Trader Joe’s bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup can intensify the bourbon flavor in the glaze, adding an extra layer of complexity. However, any good quality pure maple syrup will work beautifully to provide that essential sweetness and depth.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply replace the traditional kielbasa with a plant-based sausage alternative. Many excellent meatless kielbasa or smoked sausage options are available in most grocery stores.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, follow the guidance for vegetarians by using a plant-based sausage. Additionally, ensure your apricot preserves are free from any animal-derived sweeteners, such as honey. Most commercial apricot preserves are vegan, but it’s always good to double-check the label.
- Gluten-Free: The core ingredients in this recipe—kielbasa, apricot preserves, maple syrup, and bourbon—are typically gluten-free. However, if you have a severe gluten sensitivity or allergy, always check the labels of each product to ensure they are certified gluten-free and to avoid cross-contamination.
- Alcohol-Free Option: We adore the subtle, smoky flavor notes that bourbon adds to the kielbasa and the glaze. However, if you prefer an alcohol-free dish, you can easily replace the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice. Alternatively, there are now excellent non-alcoholic (NA) bourbon alternatives that can mimic the flavor profile without the alcohol content.
- Adjusting Serving Size: Our standard recipe uses 1.5 pounds of sliced kielbasa, which yields approximately 24 pieces—enough to fill a small to medium-sized serving dish. This is perfect for a smaller gathering or as part of a larger appetizer spread. If you’re hosting a big party or want plenty of leftovers, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. If scaling up significantly, you might consider using two slow cookers or working in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Make It Spicy: Craving a bit of heat? Enhance this savory appetizer by adding a dash or two of your favorite chili sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of your preferred hot sauce to the glaze mixture. Adjust to your taste for a delightful sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Sugar-Free: For a sugar-free alternative, replace both the apricot preserves and maple syrup with sugar-free varieties. If opting for apple juice instead of bourbon, select a sugar-free apple juice to maintain the sugar-free profile.
Tips for the Best CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
While this recipe is incredibly easy, a few additional tips can elevate your CrockPot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa from simply good to absolutely unforgettable:
- Even Slicing: Aim for uniform ½-inch thick slices of kielbasa. This ensures that every piece cooks evenly and absorbs the glaze consistently, leading to a perfectly tender bite every time.
- Stirring During Cooking: While slow cookers are mostly hands-off, giving the kielbasa a gentle stir every hour or so, especially during the last hour, will help prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated in the rich, syrupy glaze.
- Serving Solutions for Parties: If you’re preparing this for a larger party, consider using a triple slow cooker. This allows you to serve multiple appetizers simultaneously, taking up less counter space and keeping each dish at its ideal temperature. For serving, arrange the Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa bites neatly on a platter, inserting a toothpick into each piece beforehand for effortless self-service by guests.
- Garnish for Presentation: A simple garnish can make a big difference! Consider sprinkling some freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a nice texture.
- Don’t Skimp on Quality: With only four ingredients, the quality of each really shines through. Use a good quality kielbasa, pure maple syrup, and preserves that you enjoy the taste of.
- Nutrition Information Disclaimer: Please remember that any nutrition information provided, including calorie counts, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and other values, is always an estimate. Actual nutritional content can vary significantly based on the specific brands and products you use. If you have dietary restrictions or specific nutritional goals, it’s always best to calculate values based on your exact ingredients.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
These savory and sweet kielbasa bites are a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread, particularly for game day parties or festive gatherings. Here are some of our favorite easy Game Day Appetizers that pair perfectly, ensuring you can enjoy the game (or the commercials, depending on your preference!).
- CrockPot Grape Jelly Meatballs: Another 3-ingredient wonder that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- CrockPot Jamaican Jerk Wings: Flavorful and juicy, these wings are a definite hit.
- Copycat CrockPot Chili’s Queso: Dangerously delicious, you might want to keep this entire dish to yourself!
- CrockPot Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs: A delightful and festive twist on classic cocktail meatballs.
- Buffalo Chicken Wontons: They look intricate but are surprisingly simple to make, packed with flavor.
- Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Dipping Sauce: An unexpectedly amazing combination that offers sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
When to Serve This Delightful Appetizer
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites are incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of occasions. Their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a go-to choice when you need a reliable and delicious snack or appetizer. This amazing easy appetizer recipe is perfect for making ahead of your next big event, taking the stress out of entertaining.
- Game Day Snack
- Casual Parties
- Cocktail Nights
- Football Game Day Gatherings
- Christmas Parties and Holiday Celebrations
- Potlucks (it travels well!)
- Any Crock Pot Game Day Recipe spread
More Great Recipe Collections
If you love discovering new and easy recipes, be sure to explore our extensive collections for more inspiration:
Slow Cooker Soups: Warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare, these Crock Pot soup recipes are perfect for any season.
Quick and Easy Finger Food Appetizers: Discover a variety of simple appetizers that guests can easily pick up and enjoy, perfect for mingling.
Casserole Recipes: Our collection of best casseroles, designed to be easy to assemble and bursting with amazing flavor for hearty family meals.
What to Make with Cream Cheese: Have a block of cream cheese in your fridge? Find creative and delicious ways to use it in these fantastic recipes.
Cherry Pie Filling Recipes: Indulge your sweet tooth with a wide array of desserts featuring the delightful taste of cherries.
Banana Recipes: Make the most of ripe and dried bananas with our favorite recipes, from breakfast treats to desserts.
Beyond these, don’t miss our general categories: Copycat Recipes for recreating your restaurant favorites, delicious Dessert Recipes, and of course, more convenient CrockPot Recipes for every meal!
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Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
These Crockpot bourbon glazed kielbasas are a super simple, four-ingredient appetizer that will amaze you with their fantastic flavor! Perfect for parties and easy entertaining.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 24 Pieces
Calories: 115 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound Kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup Apricot Preserves
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoon Bourbon or apple juice
Instructions
- Combine the sliced kielbasa, apricot preserves, maple syrup, and bourbon (or apple juice) in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally during the last hour, until the kielbasa is heated through and coated in the bubbly glaze.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly easy to double or triple if you’re feeding a larger crowd.
- The 1.5 pounds of Kielbasa will typically fill a small to medium-sized serving dish. For larger groups, consider making a double batch.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific products and brands used.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 115 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 3g 19%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 249mg 11%
Potassium 82mg 2%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Sugar 4g 4%
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Recipe Originally shared – November 2013, Updated in 2018, January 2020, and October 2023.