Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Kielbasa  

These delicious Slow Cooker Cranberry Pineapple Kielbasa appetizer bites feature slices of tender and juicy sausage cooked low and slow in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for your next gathering. It’s also a perfect dish to serve with rice for an easy dinner.  

 

Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites

This recipe for cranberry pineapple kielbasa bites is a delicious twist and a nice change from traditional crock pot sausage recipes. While the ingredients are unique, the real secret to this recipe is the slow cooking process. As the sauce cooks, the sugars in the preserves, cranberry sauce, and BBQ sauce begin to thicken, beautifully glazing each piece of sausage. The wonderful blend of sweet, tangy and smokey flavors truly make them irresistible.

Though this recipe makes the perfect appetizer, you can also add sauteed bell peppers and onions and serve them over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. They’re awesome for meal prep or a make-ahead dish too because the flavors are even better the next day. If you’re looking for similar appetizer recipes to try for your next party or gathering, you should also check out this Crockpot Meatballs or this Little Smokies recipe for more scrumptious options.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Easy recipe: They’re an easy appetizer, a great snack or a main dish that only takes minutes of prep.  
• Simple ingredients: You can find these ingredients at any grocery store. You can easily customize them as well.
• Crowd pleaser: These sausage bites are always a big hit and the first thing to disappear at holiday parties or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

• Smoked kielbasa sausage – You can use regular kielbasa or any smoked sausage you prefer. 
• Honey barbecue sauce – You can use a spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer a sweet and spicy contrast.
• Cranberry sauce – You can use whole berry cranberry sauce or jellied cranberry sauce.
• Pineapple preserves – If you can’t find pineapple preserves, you can use any of your other favorites. 
• Cranberries – You can use fresh or frozen cranberries.
• Pineapple tidbits – You’ll want to drain it well before adding to the other ingredients.

How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Pineapple Kielbasa  

Step One: Add the Kielbasa to the Slow Cooker

• Slice up your sausage links and place them into your crock pot.

Step Two: Mix Together the Sauce Ingredients

• In a medium bowl combine the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, and pineapple preserves.  Stir to combine. 
• Pour the sauce into the slow cooker and stir.

Step Three: Add the Fruits

• Add in the cranberries. Drain the pineapple juice from the can of pineapple tidbits and add them next. Stir to combine.

Step Four: Cook and Serve

• Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on a low setting for 6 hours, stirring frequently to prevent the sugars from burning. 
• Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Sausage options – Swap out the kielbasa with little smoked sausages, Italian sausage, chicken, or turkey sausage. 
• Sauce add-ins – For a sweeter sauce add a little bit of brown sugar, maple syrup, or add more preserves. For more of a savory sauce add a little chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce. A couple tablespoons of Dijon mustard add a nice little kick.
• Preserves – Peach, fig even jalapeno preserves are other great choices. Orange preserves are another wonderful option. You can also use classic grape jelly if you’d like. 
• Pineapple – If you want a chunkier sauce, you can use pineapple chunks. You can also use fresh pineapple cut into small pieces. 

​How Do I Store Leftovers?

To store the leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container or in freezer bags. They’ll freeze well for up to a couple of months.

To reheat, just add them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium heat until warm.  You can also reheat on the stove, stirring constantly so the sugars do not burn.

Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?

This recipe is written to be cooked in a crock pot. But you can tweak it to make it work for the Instant Pot. Just cook the sausages and sauce on the “sauté” mode for a few minutes, then add the lid and switch to “Pressure Cook” for about 10-15 minutes, followed by a natural release. 

What is Kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that’s made from pork or beef with various savory spices. We are using smoked kielbasa, which has a rich smoky slightly garlicky flavor. 

​Can I Use Frozen Sausage?

if you forgot the thaw the sausage, no worries. You can add them to the slow cooker directly from the freezer. Once they are thawed enough to slice, place them on a cutting board and cut them into pieces. Add them back to the crock pot and continue cooking.

More Great Slow Cooker Recipes

• Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
• Crockpot Smokies
• Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
• Crockpot Beef Stew
• Simple Slow Cooker Chili
• Slow Cooker Frito Casserole
• Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken