BBQ Sausage Bites
BBQ Sausage Bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, party, or game day! This quick and simple recipe uses just four ingredients: smoked sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. The result is a deliciously sticky and flavorful dish that your guests will love. Easy to serve with toothpicks, these bites stand out as a must-have finger food for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious bites ready in no time!
- Simple Ingredients: Four easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe accessible for everyone.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of barbecue sauce and brown sugar creates a sweet and tangy flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even paired with mac & cheese for a fun family dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These BBQ Sausage Bites are sure to impress your guests at any event.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on these BBQ Sausage Bites, make sure you have the right tools handy. Using the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for holding all the sausage bites while they bake evenly.
- Sharp knife: Ensures quick and safe slicing of the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps combine the ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Bites
- 2 packages (14 oz each) smoked sausage
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare it for baking.
Step 2: Slice the Smoked Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch coin shapes. This will help them cook evenly and make them easy to serve.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, add the sliced smoked sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard. Stir everything together until well combined so that each piece of sausage is coated with the sauce mixture.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You want to look for bubbly sauce that has darkened in color and thickened nicely. Stir everything together a couple of times during cooking to ensure even coating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your BBQ Sausage Bites warm with toothpicks as an appetizer or side dish. For added convenience during parties, consider transferring them to a slow cooker set on WARM after baking. This keeps them warm and delicious while allowing guests to help themselves easily.
Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Sausage Bites!
How to Serve BBQ Sausage Bites
BBQ Sausage Bites make for a fantastic appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a casual gathering, these bites are sure to impress your guests.
As Finger Food
- Serve with toothpicks for easy handling. Guests can grab them without needing extra utensils.
With Dipping Sauces
- Pair with extra barbecue sauce or ranch dressing. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps everyone coming back for more.
On a Charcuterie Board
- Include BBQ Sausage Bites on a platter with cheeses, crackers, and fruits. This creates a beautiful spread that appeals to all tastes.
Next to Classic Sides
- Serve alongside mac & cheese or coleslaw. These classic dishes complement the flavors of the sausage bites perfectly.
As Part of a Main Course
- Combine with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal option. This transforms the appetizer into something more substantial.
How to Perfect BBQ Sausage Bites
To ensure your BBQ Sausage Bites turn out delicious every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use quality sausage: Choose high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference and the sweetness of your barbecue sauce.
- Stir during cooking: Stir the mixture halfway through baking to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
- Add spice: If you enjoy heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Experiment with sauces: Try different barbecue sauces—smoky, sweet, or spicy—to find your favorite blend.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker: After baking, transfer to a slow cooker set on warm to keep them hot during your event.
Best Side Dishes for BBQ Sausage Bites
When serving BBQ Sausage Bites, consider pairing them with side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw – A crunchy and tangy side that balances the richness of the sausage bites.
- Mac & Cheese – Creamy and cheesy goodness that kids love; a perfect match for savory bites.
- Potato Salad – A classic dish that adds heartiness and complements the smoky flavors.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with BBQ flavors, creating a comforting combo.
- Baked Beans – The sweetness of baked beans enhances the taste of sausage, making it a classic pairing.
- Garden Salad – Fresh greens provide a light contrast to the rich BBQ sauce and sausage bites.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies add color and nutrition while their charred flavor complements the bites perfectly.
- Chips and Salsa – For an easy snack option, serve tortilla chips with salsa for dipping alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BBQ Sausage Bites, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping Preheating: Always preheat your oven. Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal texture.
- Overcrowding the Dish: If you add too many sausage pieces at once, they won’t cook evenly. Spread them out in the baking dish for consistent flavor.
- Ignoring Sauce Consistency: Make sure your barbecue sauce isn’t too thick or too thin. A good balance helps the sausages absorb flavor while baking.
- Not Stirring Enough: Failing to stir the mixture during cooking can leave some sausage pieces undercoated. Stir at least a couple of times for even coverage.
- Serving Without Toothpicks: Forgetting toothpicks can make it messy for guests. Always serve with toothpicks for easy eating and a fun presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store BBQ Sausage Bites in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BBQ Sausage Bites
- Place cooled BBQ Sausage Bites in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating BBQ Sausage Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are BBQ Sausage Bites?
BBQ Sausage Bites are bite-sized pieces of smoked sausage coated in barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and mustard, baked until bubbly and flavorful.
How can I customize my BBQ Sausage Bites?
You can customize by adding spices or using different types of sausages or sauces. Experimenting can create unique flavors that suit your taste!
Can I make BBQ Sausage Bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake just before serving for fresh flavors.
How do I serve BBQ Sausage Bites?
Serve BBQ Sausage Bites with toothpicks as an appetizer or alongside side dishes like mac & cheese for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Sausage Bites are an irresistible appetizer that fits any occasion. Their simple ingredients make them easy to whip up, while their bold flavors keep guests coming back for more. Feel free to customize them with your favorite sauces or spices to match your personal taste!
BBQ Sausage Bites
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
BBQ Sausage Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will elevate any gathering. With just four simple ingredients—smoked sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard—these flavorful bites come together in no time. Perfectly sticky, sweet, and tangy, they are easy to prepare and serve with toothpicks for hassle-free enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a family get-together, these savory sausage bites will have your guests coming back for more. Plus, they can effortlessly transition from an appetizer to part of a main dish when paired with sides like mac & cheese or coleslaw. Get ready to impress with this delightful and simple recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 packages (14 oz each) smoked sausage
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1-inch coin shapes.
- In the baking dish, combine sliced sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard; mix well until coated.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy handling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pieces (about 80g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
