When you’re planning a gathering, party, or a gameday feast, appetizers that are easy to make and packed with flavor are a must. One such crowd-pleasing option is BBQ Sausage Bites. These delicious bites are not only simple to prepare, but they also require just four ingredients: smoked sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or bringing a dish to a potluck, these BBQ Sausage Bites are sure to disappear fast. Stick a toothpick in them, and you have the perfect finger food for any occasion!
This recipe is designed to be fuss-free and quick to whip up, making it a great go-to option when you’re short on time but still want to impress. Plus, the combination of the smokiness from the sausage and the sweetness from the barbecue sauce creates a taste that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Let’s dive into how you can create this simple yet irresistible appetizer.
- Why You’ll Love BBQ Sausage Bites
- Ingredients Needed for BBQ Sausage Bites
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites
- Tips to Keep BBQ Sausage Bites Warm
- Serving Suggestions
- Substitutions and Variations
- BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe at a Glance
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More BBQ Recipe Ideas
- Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Flavorful Appetizer
Why You’ll Love BBQ Sausage Bites
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to prep, low on ingredients, but high on flavor, this is it. Here’s why BBQ Sausage Bites stand out:
- Minimal Ingredients: With just four ingredients, you can throw this dish together with minimal effort.
- Quick Prep: After slicing the sausage, everything gets mixed in one baking dish and tossed into the oven.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of smoky sausage, sweet barbecue sauce, and the tang of dijon mustard creates a delicious flavor explosion.
- Versatile: Serve these bites as an appetizer, a snack, or even a side dish at your next dinner party.
Ingredients Needed for BBQ Sausage Bites
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make these BBQ Sausage Bites:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked Sausage | 2 packages (14 oz each) | Pre-cooked sausage, typically found near hot dogs and lunch meats. |
| Barbecue Sauce | 1 cup | Choose your favorite brand or flavor; sweet or spicy works well. |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup (packed) | Adds a sweet caramelized flavor to the barbecue sauce. |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon | Gives a slight tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the sauce. |
With only these four ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious batch of BBQ Sausage Bites that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Slice the Smoked Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. These coin-shaped pieces will make for the perfect mouthful once they’re baked.
3. Combine Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, add the sliced sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard. Stir everything together to ensure the sausage is fully coated with the sauce mixture.
4. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Stir the sausage a few times during cooking to make sure everything cooks evenly and the sausages get that delicious caramelized exterior.
5. Serve
Once baked, the sauce will have thickened and darkened, coating the sausage beautifully. Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or serve it as a side dish for your main course.
Tips to Keep BBQ Sausage Bites Warm
If you’re preparing these for a party or gathering, you might want to keep them warm throughout the event. After baking the sausage bites, transfer them, along with all the sauce, into a slow cooker set to “WARM.” This way, they’ll stay hot for several hours without drying out. Add a splash of water or a little more barbecue sauce if needed to prevent the sausages from becoming dry over time.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Sausage Bites are versatile enough to be served in a variety of ways:
- Appetizer: Stick a toothpick in each sausage bite and serve them as appetizers at your next party. They’re great for finger food, and guests can easily grab them from the serving tray.
- Main Dish: For a heartier meal, serve these sausage bites alongside macaroni and cheese or a salad. They’re especially delicious paired with creamy sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw.
- Potluck: These sausage bites make a great contribution to any potluck. Just bring the slow cooker with you, and you’ve got a dish that’s ready to impress.
Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up depending on your personal taste or dietary needs:
- Smoked Sausage: Feel free to use any variety of smoked sausage, including cheddar-stuffed, jalapeño cheddar, turkey, or classic beef. If you’re in the mood for something spicier, go for a sausage with jalapeños or other spices.
- Little Smokies: If slicing sausage isn’t your thing, you can use Little Smokies instead. They’re pre-sliced, and you can just dump them straight into the baking dish with the sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: The flavor of the BBQ sauce is key to this dish, so pick one you love. For a sweeter taste, opt for honey or brown sugar barbecue sauce. If you prefer something spicier, go for a hot and spicy version.
- Make it Spicy: Add some heat by mixing in red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce along with the BBQ sauce. This will give the bites an extra kick for those who love a little spice in their appetizers.
BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe at a Glance
| Step | Instructions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat | Preheat oven to 350°F | |
| Slice Sausage | Cut smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces | Can substitute with Little Smokies |
| Mix | Combine sausage, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard | Stir well to coat sausages evenly |
| Bake | Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally | Sauce should thicken and coat sausage bites |
| Serve | Serve with toothpicks or as a side dish | Keep warm in a slow cooker if necessary |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can I Keep BBQ Sausage Bites Warm for an Extended Period?
After baking, transfer the sausage bites to a slow cooker set on “WARM.” You can keep them in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours without worrying about them drying out. Add a bit more BBQ sauce or a splash of water if needed.
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of smoked sausage, including cheddar-stuffed, turkey, or spicy varieties. This flexibility lets you adjust the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
What BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
The BBQ sauce is a major player in the flavor of this dish, so pick one you enjoy. For a sweeter taste, use a honey BBQ sauce or a brown sugar variety. If you like more heat, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce, or mix in some hot sauce or chili flakes.
More BBQ Recipe Ideas
If you love these BBQ Sausage Bites, you’ll also want to try some of these other BBQ favorites:
- BBQ Meatloaf: A hearty classic that’s perfect for family dinners.
- BBQ Beef Tacos: A quick, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- BBQ Baked Beans: Using canned beans, this dish is easy and delicious for any BBQ spread.
- Root Beer BBQ Chicken: Sweet and tangy BBQ chicken slow-cooked to perfection.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Flavorful Appetizer
BBQ Sausage Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. With just four ingredients, this recipe proves that simple can still be incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun dish to add to your dinner table, these sausage bites will deliver bold flavors that everyone will love. Plus, with the option to keep them warm in a slow cooker, they’re the ideal make-ahead dish for any event.
Make sure to give these a try at your next gathering, and don’t be surprised if they’re the first thing to disappear from the table!
