Oh man! I put this recipe together for a gathering, and people devoured it instantly.

 

Maple BBQ Hasselback Kielbasa Bites

These sweet and smoky kielbasa bites are sliced Hasselback-style to maximize their surface area, soaking up every bit of the irresistible sticky maple BBQ glaze. Roasted until caramelized and crisp on the edges, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser as an appetizer or a simple, flavorful main dish.

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes

• ⏰ Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• 🍽️ Servings: 4-6 (as an appetizer)

🧂 INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds kielbasa sausage

• ½ cup pure maple syrup

• ½ cup barbecue sauce

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Create the Hasselback Cuts:

• Slice the kielbasa into 2-3 inch long sections.

• Place each section flat on a cutting board, resting between two chopsticks or the handles of wooden spoons. The chopsticks will act as a guide, preventing you from cutting all the way through.

• Make thin, parallel slices along the top of each kielbasa piece, about ¼-inch apart.

3. Make the Maple BBQ Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.

4. Glaze and Arrange:

• Arrange the Hasselback kielbasa pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

• Using a pastry brush, generously coat each piece with the glaze, making sure to get the glaze in between the slices.

5. Bake to Perfection:

• Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, basting the bites with the remaining glaze halfway through the cooking time.

• They are done when the edges are crisp and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

6. Serve:

• Let the kielbasa bites cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

💡 Pro-Tips:

• Easy Slicing: Ensure your knife is sharp for clean, easy cuts through the sausage.

• Extra Flavor: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish over rice, creamy polenta, or with a side of roasted vegetables.