Welcome to your new favorite party appetizer! These irresistible Crock Pot Glazed Sausages are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Designed for effortless preparation, this slow cooker recipe ensures your appetizers stay wonderfully warm throughout any gathering, allowing you to relax and enjoy the occasion. The unique and utterly delicious glaze is what truly sets this dish apart, making it an unforgettable addition to your entertaining repertoire.
Effortless Entertaining: The Ultimate Glazed Sausage Appetizer
There’s nothing quite like a dish that brings everyone together, and these Crock Pot Glazed Sausages consistently steal the show. I distinctly remember the first time I made them; my son, who usually shies away from anything with cranberry, couldn’t get enough! He kept reaching for “just one more” bite, completely unaware of the secret ingredient that gave the glaze its delightful tang. This recipe truly has a way of converting even the pickiest eaters with its incredible flavor profile.
Beyond being a family favorite, these glazed sausages are a fantastic solution for hosts and hostesses looking for a stress-free yet impressive appetizer. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the sausages perfectly heated. This means you won’t be tied to the kitchen, constantly reheating food, but instead, free to mingle with your guests and enjoy the festivities. It’s truly a win-win for both you and your party-goers!
“We love these so much! I used to always bring the crock pot meatballs made with grape jelly but those get old after a while and are nothing new. These were a huge hit at a recent baby shower!! I came home with an empty crock pot LOL – Jessica”
Why This Glazed Sausage Recipe Stands Out
While classic slow cooker appetizers like grape jelly meatballs are always a hit, sometimes you crave something a little different, a twist on a familiar favorite. This Crock Pot Glazed Sausages recipe delivers exactly that. Instead of the traditional grape jelly and chili sauce or BBQ sauce combination, this recipe features a delightful mix of cranberry sauce and ketchup, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that’s truly addictive. It’s a refreshing change that adds a sophisticated yet approachable flavor to your appetizer spread.
This particular recipe draws inspiration from Gooseberry Patch’s fantastic cookbook, ‘101 Super-Easy Slow-Cooker Recipes’. As soon as I saw “Super Easy” and “Slow Cooker” in the title, I knew I had to try it! Gooseberry Patch consistently delivers on recipes that are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy home cooks who still want to serve up impressive dishes.
I’ve had a wonderful time exploring the diverse offerings within this cookbook. It truly offers something for every palate and every meal occasion, from hearty main courses and comforting soups to delightful desserts and, of course, fantastic appetizers like these glazed sausages. Earlier this month, I even shared another gem from its pages: the incredibly tasty Crock Pot Taco Joes. If you enjoyed those, you’re going to fall head over heels for these glazed sausages!
The beauty of slow cooker recipes is their inherent simplicity and consistent results. They allow ingredients to simmer together for hours, developing deep, complex flavors that are hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. For appetizers, this is a game-changer. Imagine guests arriving and being greeted by the enticing aroma of sweet and savory sausages, all without you having to lift a finger in the final hour. That’s the magic of this recipe!
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor
One of the hallmarks of a truly great recipe is its simplicity in ingredients without compromising on taste. This recipe uses readily available items that, when combined in the slow cooker, transform into a spectacular glaze. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight (for exact measurements, refer to the full recipe card below):
- Kielbasa (or your favorite smoked sausage): The foundation of our appetizer, providing a savory, smoky base.
- Mini smoked sausages (like Lit’l Smokies): These bite-sized morsels are perfect for appetizers, soaking up all the delicious glaze.
- Ketchup: Adds a foundational tangy and slightly sweet element to the sauce.
- Whole-berry cranberry sauce: The secret ingredient that brings a wonderful fruity tartness and festive color. The whole berries also add a pleasant texture.
- Grape jelly: Contributes sweetness and body to the glaze, creating that irresistible sticky consistency.
Note: This recipe is designed to generously serve a crowd, approximately 10-12 people, and potentially more depending on appetite. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering or simply want fewer leftovers, feel free to halve the recipe without affecting the incredible flavor.
Preparing Your Glazed Crock Pot Sausages: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready for one of the easiest appetizer preparations you’ve ever experienced! The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
Begin by placing all of your measured ingredients directly into your 3-5 quart slow cooker. This includes the sliced kielbasa, mini smoked sausages, ketchup, whole-berry cranberry sauce, and grape jelly. There’s no need for pre-cooking or sautéing; simply toss everything in!
Step 2: Stir and Cook
Once all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, give them a good stir to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed and the sausages are coated in the luscious sauce. Cover your slow cooker and set it to the low setting. Allow the sausages to cook for 4-6 hours. During this time, the ingredients will meld together, creating a thick, glossy, and incredibly flavorful glaze. Remember, the sausages are already pre-cooked, so the goal here isn’t to cook them through, but rather to warm them up completely and allow them to bathe in this delightful sauce, absorbing all its sweet and savory goodness.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking time is complete, your Crock Pot Glazed Sausages are ready to be served! You can present them straight from the slow cooker, allowing guests to scoop them directly, or arrange them on a platter with small toothpicks for easy grabbing. The slow cooker will keep them perfectly warm for hours, making them ideal for parties and buffets. This recipe yields a generous portion, serving 10-12 people, or even more if served alongside other appetizers.
The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. While perfect as an appetizer, these glazed sausages can also be served as a delightful snack or even a light meal. Imagine them piled high on small slider buns for a mini sandwich, or served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a more substantial offering. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for the Best Glazed Sausages
- Even Coating: Make sure to stir the ingredients well at the beginning to ensure every sausage piece gets covered in that wonderful glaze.
- Don’t Overcook: Since the sausages are pre-cooked, cooking on low for 4-6 hours is sufficient. Longer cooking won’t necessarily improve the flavor and might dry out the sausages.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the sauce a taste. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, add a tablespoon more grape jelly. For more tang, a dash of apple cider vinegar can work wonders.
- Serving Ideas: Beyond toothpicks, consider small forks or serving spoons. Keep a bowl for discarded toothpicks nearby.
- Make Ahead: This dish is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate, then reheat gently in the slow cooker on low until warm.
Variations and Customizations
While the original recipe is divine, feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste preferences:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a fiery kick.
- Herbaceous Twist: A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme added during the last hour of cooking can infuse an aromatic depth.
- Different Sausages: Experiment with chicken or turkey smoked sausages for a leaner option. For a vegetarian alternative, use plant-based sausages.
- Alternative Jellies: While grape jelly is classic, apricot jam or fig preserves could offer an interesting flavor profile.
- Onion & Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some diced onion and minced garlic before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
If you loved these Crock Pot Glazed Sausages, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our delicious and easy-to-make appetizer and slow cooker recipes:
- Easy Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Bacon Wrapped Bratwurst Bites
- Texas Sausage Kolaches
- Glazed Kielbasa Bites
- Crock Pot Mississippi Kielbasa
- BLT Bites
- Ham Salad Pinwheels
- Warm Taco Bean Dip
- Air Fryer Glazed Kielbasa
- Bacon Wrapped Beer Brats
- Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
- Slow Cooker Brats
- Crock Pot Round Steak
- Beef Wellington Bites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! While kielbasa and Lit’l Smokies are recommended, you can use other types of smoked sausage. Ensure they are pre-cooked and slice them into bite-sized pieces if they’re not mini sausages.
Q: What if I don’t like cranberry sauce?
A: The cranberry sauce adds a unique tartness that balances the sweetness. However, if you’re not a fan, you could try using a sweet chili sauce, apricot jam, or even a different berry preserve for a similar sweet and tangy effect, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this recipe is excellent for making ahead. Prepare and cook the sausages as directed. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on a low setting until thoroughly warmed through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover glazed sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat well in the microwave or a small saucepan over low heat.
Q: Can I freeze these glazed sausages?
A: Yes, these freeze well. Place cooled sausages and glaze in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Q: What size slow cooker do I need?
A: A 3-5 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, ensuring there’s enough space for all the ingredients and for the glaze to evenly coat the sausages.
Crock Pot Glazed Sausages
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5 minutes
8 hours
8 hours 5 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 2 (16 ounce) packages kielbasa, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 (14 ounces) packages mini smoked sausages (Lit’l Smokies)
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 14 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ½ cup grape jelly
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a 3-5 quart round slow cooker.
- Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours. Then serve!
Notes
- The sausages are already pre-cooked. You’re really just warming them up here and making a yummy sauce for them to bathe in.
- Serve from the crock pot or set them out with toothpicks.
Appetizer
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Originally published: April 2014
Updated and republished: August 2022