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Sweet and smoky BBQ sausage bites are a perfect quick snack that brings a crowd-pleasing flavor to any casual gathering or evening at home. These bites combine the smoky richness of sausage with the tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce to create a simple yet irresistible treat.
I remember making these for a last-minute game night, and they disappeared in no time. Now they are my go-to whenever friends drop by unexpectedly.
Ingredients
- Skinless smoked sausage: sliced into pieces about two and a half centimeters thick – using a quality smoked sausage will add the perfect smoky depth and texture
- Barbecue sauce: choose your favorite variety for a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully, if you like a bit of heat, look for sauces with a spicy kick or add your own spices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a baking dish measuring about twenty three by thirty three centimeters with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup
- Mix the Sausage and Sauce:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced sausage with the barbecue sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until each piece is coated evenly with sauce for consistent flavor in every bite
- Arrange the Sausage:
- Spread the coated sausage slices in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. This helps them cook evenly and allows the sauce to thicken properly
- Bake and Stir:
- Bake uncovered for forty five minutes, stirring every fifteen minutes to help the sauce thicken and become bubbly as the sausage absorbs the smoky-sweet flavors
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My favorite part about this recipe is how the sauce thickens and sticks to the sausage creating these irresistible sticky bites. A family memory that stands out is my kids sneaking these from the oven while still warm and begging for just one more bite.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain that delicious thick sauce texture. You can also freeze the bites in a sealed container for up to a month and thaw before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If smoked sausage is unavailable try kielbasa or any other flavorful sausage you enjoy. For a vegetarian twist, firm smoked tempeh or seitan could work well with your preferred barbecue sauce. Swap the barbecue sauce for homemade versions using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices if you want a more personalized flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or team them with crisp celery sticks and ranch dip for a fun finger food platter. Pair these bites with coleslaw or baked beans for a complete casual meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best?
Skinless smoked sausages are preferred as they absorb the barbecue sauce well and cook evenly during baking.
- → Can I add extra spices or herbs?
Yes, adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or fresh herbs enhances the dish’s depth and aroma.
- → What’s the best baking temperature?
Maintaining 175°C (around 350°F) allows the sausage to cook thoroughly while thickening the barbecue sauce nicely.
- → How do I serve these sausage bites?
They’re great served warm with toothpicks for easy snacking, perfect for parties or casual meals.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can coat the sausage slices in sauce several hours in advance; keep refrigerated until baking to deepen flavors.