These Easy BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are perfect for a fun snack or party treat! The sausages are smoky, juicy, and coated in a sweet tangy BBQ sauce, yum!
Honestly, who can resist a bite-sized piece of smoky goodness? I love serving these at gatherings; they disappear faster than I can make them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: I love using kielbasa for its rich flavor, but andouille gives a nice kick! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too. Just keep in mind they might cook slightly faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce that fits your taste—sweet, tangy, or spicy! If you’re out, homemade BBQ sauce is easy to whip up with ketchup and a dash of vinegar. Just adjust to your preferred sweetness.
Garlic Powder: A must for adding depth! If you prefer fresh, you can use a clove of garlic, minced. Just keep it simple; it all blends in with the sauce.
Oil: Olive oil is my go-to for a touch of flavor, but any cooking oil will do. It helps in browning the sausage beautifully.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Grilled Sausage Bites?
The key to amazing sausage bites is all in the cooking method. You want them brown and crisp on the outside while juicy inside. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat. Too high can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold!
- Turn the sausages regularly to brown on all sides. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Brush the barbecue sauce towards the end of cooking to let it caramelize. This adds a sticky, delicious finish.
- Remove from heat right when they’re nicely browned to avoid them drying out!
By following these tips, you’ll have flavorful sausage bites that everyone will love!
Easy BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
- Toothpicks for serving
- Optional dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 10-15 minutes for cooking. So, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes in total to create these delicious bites. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your grill or a stovetop skillet over medium heat. If you’re grilling, set it for indirect medium heat to ensure the sausages cook through evenly without burning.
2. Prepare the Sausages:
In a large bowl, toss the sausage pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Make sure all the pieces are well coated so they’re flavorful all the way through!
3. Cook the Sausages:
Now it’s time to cook! Place the sausage pieces on the grill or in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them to be nicely browned and heated through. This keeps them juicy and delicious!
4. Add the BBQ Sauce:
It’s time for the best part! Brush the sausage pieces generously with your barbecue sauce. Make sure to turn them to coat all sides. This adds that sweet and smoky flavor we love!
5. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking the sausages for another 2-3 minutes, letting the BBQ sauce caramelize. Keep turning them frequently to avoid burning. This will give them a lovely sticky glaze!
6. Skewer and Serve:
Remove the sausage bites from heat and let them cool for a minute. Then, skewer 2-3 pieces on each toothpick. This makes for easy serving and snacking!
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley over the sausage bites for a pop of color and a fresh touch.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your smoky, tangy sausage bites warm with your choice of dipping sauce on the side. They make a fantastic appetizer or party snack!
Enjoy these delicious bites and watch them disappear!
FAQ About Easy BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa and andouille are great choices, you can use any smoked sausage you like, such as turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as leaner sausages might cook faster!
What Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own! If you’re making it from scratch, a simple mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices can work beautifully. Tailor the sweetness and spiciness to your taste!
How Can I Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat any leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered. Just be sure not to overheat them to avoid drying out the sausages!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage bites and brush them with BBQ sauce, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently before serving. However, they are best enjoyed fresh for that crispy texture!
