Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that embodies comfort and ease. With its unique combination of sweet and savory, this dish is the perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy night in. The beauty of cooking with a Crock Pot is that you can set it and forget it, letting the magic happen while you go about your day. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Sweet Sausage Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Crock Pot Sweet Sausage recipe. First and foremost, it is incredibly simple to prepare. The use of minimal ingredients means less time spent on grocery shopping and meal prep. The cooking method is also a winner; using a Crock Pot allows for deep flavor infusion without constant monitoring. You can pop everything in, set it to cook, and focus on other tasks while it slowly simmers to perfection. Additionally, the sweet and savory profile is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, it never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
To whip up your own Crock Pot Sweet Sausage, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup grape jelly
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
These ingredients come together to create a delicious glaze that coats the kielbasa, infusing it with a sticky, sweet, and savory flavor you won’t forget.
How to Make Crock Pot Sweet Sausage Directions
Making Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned kitchen veterans alike. Here’s how to pull it all together:
- Prepare the Glaze: Start by taking a medium mixing bowl. Add your cup of brown sugar, followed by one cup of teriyaki sauce, half a cup of grape jelly, and the tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Using a whisk or a spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and form a smooth glaze.
- Layer the Kielbasa: Next, take your sliced kielbasa and place it evenly in the bottom of your Crock Pot. Make sure to spread the slices out in a way that allows the glaze to coat each piece evenly.
- Add the Glaze: With the kielbasa in place, pour the glaze mixture over the top. Use a spatula to ensure that each piece of sausage is well-coated with the sweet, sticky glaze. This step is crucial for that mouthwatering flavor.
- Cover and Cook: Once the kielbasa is coated, cover your Crock Pot with the lid. Now, choose your cooking time: you can either set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for approximately 3 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, and the kielbasa will absorb the sweet glaze.
- Serve it Up: Once your cooking time is up, give the pot a good stir to distribute the glaze again before serving. You can either enjoy the sweet sausage warm as an appetizer, or serve it over rice to create a complete meal.
This cooking method ensures that every bite is full of flavor, making it an instant favorite at any table.
How to Serve Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
Serving Crock Pot Sweet Sausage can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, this dish makes for an eye-catching centerpiece. When serving as an appetizer, you can use toothpicks for easy snacking. Placing the kielbasa pieces in a decorative bowl surrounded by napkins will make it inviting and easy for guests to grab.
If you’re looking for a main course, serve the sweet sausage over a bed of rice. The sweetness of the glaze pairs perfectly with the neutral flavor of the rice, balancing the meal beautifully. You can also decorate the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or scallions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Either way you decide to serve, it’s bound to be a hit!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
To ensure that your Crock Pot Sweet Sausage turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
- Choose Quality Kielbasa: Look for high-quality kielbasa from a reputable brand to ensure the best flavor. If you have a local butcher, this can often be an excellent place to find fresh sausage.
- Mix the Glaze Ahead: Prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is layer your ingredients.
- Avoid Overcooking: If you choose to cook on the high setting, make sure to keep an eye on the time. Cooking too long can lead to a dry texture, while the low setting allows for more flavorful melding without dry ingredients.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to play around with the glaze ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness with more or less brown sugar or add a kick of spice with some chili flakes.
- Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best when served right out of the Crock Pot, while it’s still warm and gooey. The glaze thickens as it cools, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
How to Store Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
If you find yourself with leftovers—though that’s rare with this crowd-pleasing dish—you can store them easily. Allow the sweet sausage to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it should be good for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If you notice the glaze has thickened too much, just add a splash of water or teriyaki sauce while reheating to loosen it up.
Variation of Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily tailor it to fit your tastes or dietary requirements. Here are a few variations:
- Using Different Meats: Instead of kielbasa, you could try using turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Both will still absorb the sweet and savory glaze.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating some chopped bell peppers or onions into the Crock Pot can add extra nutrition and flavor. Just throw them in when you layer the kielbasa.
- Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. This adds an exciting flavor and a little kick to your dish.
- Sweet and Smoky Flavor: For a smoky profile, consider adding a spoonful of smoked paprika to the glaze. This will bring another dimension to the overall flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, make sure to choose a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. There are many brands available that don’t contain any gluten ingredients.
These variations allow you to customize the dish to make it uniquely yours while preserving the essence of the original recipe.
FAQ Section
What is Crock Pot Sweet Sausage?
Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is a simple but flavorful dish made primarily with kielbasa sausage, brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard, slow-cooked to perfection in a Crock Pot.
How long do I need to cook Crock Pot Sweet Sausage?
You can cook this dish on low for around 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, depending on your schedule.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes! While this recipe calls for kielbasa, you can substitute it with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
How should I serve Crock Pot Sweet Sausage?
You can serve it as a warm appetizer with toothpicks or over rice as a main meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
With this straightforward and delicious homemade Crock Pot Sweet Sausage recipe, you’ll have a dish that is sure to bring joy to your dinner table or upcoming gatherings. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and delight in the sweet, savory flavors that await you!
Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced Use quality kielbasa for best flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar This adds sweetness to the dish.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce Use a gluten-free option if necessary.
- 1/2 cup grape jelly Provides a sticky glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a hint of tanginess.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until a smooth glaze is formed.
- Layer the sliced kielbasa evenly in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Pour the glaze mixture over the kielbasa, using a spatula to ensure that each piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for approximately 3 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, stir the pot to distribute the glaze evenly before serving.
Serving
- Serve the sweet sausage warm as an appetizer or over rice as a main dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!