There’s nothing quite like a recipe that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, especially when it can feed a hungry crowd or simplify a weeknight dinner. That’s precisely what you’ll find with our Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa – a truly amazing dish that has become a staple in many households for its ease and irresistible taste. Imagine walking through the door to the inviting aroma of sweet and spicy barbecue filling your home; it’s an experience that guarantees everyone will be eager to dive in.
Whether you’re hosting a lively football party, planning a casual gathering with friends, or simply seeking a stress-free family meal, this easy slow cooker kielbasa recipe is an absolute game-changer. It requires just minutes of prep time, allowing your slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, succulent, and incredibly satisfying dish. Forget complicated cooking techniques and long hours in the kitchen; this recipe epitomizes convenience without compromising on taste.
Discover the Magic of Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa
Kielbasa, a delicious smoked sausage, is a fantastic ingredient for slow cooking. Its pre-cooked nature means you don’t have to worry about raw meat, and its inherent smoky flavor deepens beautifully as it simmers in a rich sauce. When combined with a homemade spicy barbecue sauce and cooked low and slow in a crock pot, kielbasa transforms into tender, flavorful bites that are perfect for any occasion. This recipe takes that natural goodness and elevates it with a kick of spice and a touch of bourbon for an unforgettable taste.
We absolutely love exploring the versatility of kielbasa, both on the grill and in the slow cooker. If you’re a fan too, be sure to check out our comprehensive list of Kielbasa Recipes. From quick appetizers to hearty main courses, there’s a kielbasa recipe for every craving and every skill level. But for now, let’s focus on this delightful spicy barbecue rendition that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Crafting the Perfect Spicy Barbecue Sauce for Kielbasa
The secret to truly outstanding slow cooker kielbasa lies in its sauce. Our spicy barbecue blend is a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy notes, designed to coat each piece of kielbasa with layers of irresistible flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that come together to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Ketchup: This forms the sweet and tangy base of our barbecue sauce, providing that classic, comforting flavor profile. Choose a good quality ketchup for the best results.
- Light Brown Sugar: Essential for balancing the acidity of the ketchup and adding a rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking. It helps create that desirable sticky glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A powerhouse of umami, Worcestershire sauce adds incredible depth and complexity, enhancing all the other flavors in the sauce without being overpowering.
- Creole Mustard: This unique mustard brings a zesty, slightly spicy, and robust flavor that sets our barbecue sauce apart. If you can’t find Creole mustard, a good quality coarse-ground or Dijon mustard can be a suitable substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Hot Sauce: Here’s where the “spicy” in Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa truly comes alive! You can customize the heat level to your preference. Start with a teaspoon for a mild kick and add more if you dare. Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or even sriracha are great options.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds an aromatic, savory foundation to the sauce. As it slow cooks, the onion softens and melts into the sauce, contributing a sweet and savory depth.
- Bourbon: The bourbon is an optional but highly recommended ingredient. It adds a wonderful layer of sophisticated flavor, a subtle smokiness, and a slight warmth that complements the kielbasa perfectly. The alcohol cooks off, leaving only the rich essence behind. If you prefer to omit it, the recipe will still be delicious.
- Kielbasa: The star of the show! We recommend using a good quality smoked kielbasa, cut into ½-inch rounds. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces for serving.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in building a complex, irresistible sauce that clings to the kielbasa, making every bite a burst of flavor. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking before slow cooking – a little more hot sauce here, a touch more brown sugar there, can make all the difference!
Essential Equipment for Effortless Slow Cooking
One of the many joys of slow cooking is the minimal equipment required. For this Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa, your trusty slow cooker is the primary tool. Here are a few tips on equipment:
Crockpot: We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring your kielbasa cooks perfectly without overdoing it, giving you peace of mind throughout your day. A 6-quart slow cooker is generally ideal for feeding a crowd with this recipe. Consider using slow cooker liners for even easier cleanup – they’re a lifesaver!
Serving Your Delicious Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa
The beauty of this slow cooker kielbasa recipe extends to its versatility in serving. For parties or gatherings, it makes an excellent appetizer. Serve the kielbasa in a large bowl, accompanied by a generous supply of toothpicks for easy grabbing. The sauce is wonderfully sticky and abundant, so be sure to have plenty of extra napkins readily available! I speak from experience – John once lost control of a piece, and it rolled right down the front of his shirt, necessitating a quick change and a stain treatment. Such is the passionate pursuit of deliciousness!
As a main course, these spicy barbecue kielbasa bites are fantastic served alongside steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even tucked into soft rolls as sliders. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Whatever your serving preference, these flavorful morsels are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
We truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa. It’s a recipe designed to bring joy and ease to your kitchen. Please let us know if you try this recipe by leaving a comment below. We love hearing about your culinary adventures and any twists you put on our dishes! What are some of your other favorite crockpot recipes? Share your go-to slow cooker dishes with us!
More Mouthwatering Crockpot Appetizers You’ll Love
If you’re as big a fan of Crockpot Appetizers as we are, then you’re in for a treat! The slow cooker is perfect for creating appetizers that are bursting with flavor and require minimal fuss. Here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that are sure to impress your guests and simplify your party planning:
- Crockpot Garlic Mushrooms: Tender mushrooms swimming in a savory garlic butter sauce – truly irresistible.
- Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip: A classic creamy dip, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for dipping chips, crackers, or crusty bread.
- Crockpot Bourbon Bacon Meatballs: Sweet, savory, and smoky meatballs that are always a hit.
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip: All the flavors of buffalo wings in a creamy, dippable form.
- Crockpot Barbecue Beer Kielbasa: A variation of this recipe, featuring the rich flavor of beer.
This recipe is also proudly featured in our collection of Game Day Appetizers, where you’ll find even more crowd-pleasing dishes to make your next big event a culinary success!
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive categories, including copycat recipes for your restaurant favorites, delicious dessert recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth, and our comprehensive collection of Crock Pot Recipes for every meal of the day.
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Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa Recipe
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20 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 20 minutes
8
532kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ketchup
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Creole mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 Onion medium , finely chopped
- ½ cup Bourbon
- 2 lbs kielbasa cut into ½ inch rounds
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until sausage is hot and flavors are well-melded.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl (for sauce ingredients)
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 297
Recipe originally shared on September 26, 2013. Updated on May 6, 2020.