Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, bringing a comforting meal straight from your slow cooker. This recipe promises not only to satisfy your taste buds but also make your time in the kitchen minimal, allowing you to enjoy your meal without spending hours preparing it.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Sweet Sausage Recipe
This Crock Pot Sweet Sausage recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The effortless cooking process allows you to prepare a flavorful dish with minimal effort. The blend of brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, and grape jelly creates a mouthwatering glaze that complements the sliced kielbasa perfectly. With its sweet and savory taste, this dish easily appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a hit at dinner tables. Plus, you can serve it in various ways, whether as an appetizer for parties or paired with rice for a hearty meal. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients about Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 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 mouthwatering dish that is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. You can easily find them at your local grocery store, ensuring that you can make this recipe whenever the craving hits.
How to Make Crock Pot Sweet Sausage Directions
Creating your Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is an uncomplicated process, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Here’s how to bring this dish to life:
- Prepare the Glaze: Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. The glaze should have a smooth, sticky consistency that will coat the kielbasa beautifully.
- Layer the Kielbasa: Take your sliced kielbasa and place it evenly in the bottom of your Crock Pot. Make sure the slices are spread out to allow for even cooking.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze mixture over the sliced kielbasa. Make sure all pieces are coated in the delicious mixture. You can use a spatula or spoon to stir gently and ensure every piece of sausage is covered.
- Cover and Cook: Secure the lid on your Crock Pot. You have the option to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Both methods will yield tender, flavorful sausage, but choose based on your time constraints.
- Serve it Up: Once your cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and give the contents a stir. The glaze should be bubbly and the kielbasa should be tender. Serve warm as an appetizer, or pour over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the tasty combination of flavors that make this dish so popular!
How to Serve Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
When it comes to serving your Crock Pot Sweet Sausage, you have numerous options to delight your guests or family. For a fun and casual appetizer, serve the warm kielbasa directly from the Crock Pot with toothpicks or small skewers, allowing everyone to enjoy as a finger food at parties or gatherings.
If you prefer a more substantial meal, consider ladling the sweet sausage over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will soak up the delightful glaze, creating a comforting and fulfilling meal that’s perfect for delighting your family on a weeknight.
You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, adding a nutritious touch to balance out the richness of the dish. Whichever option you choose, your Crock Pot Sweet Sausage will surely be the highlight of the meal!
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
To make your cooking experience even smoother and enhance the flavors of your Crock Pot Sweet Sausage, consider these expert tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: While this recipe uses simple ingredients, opting for high-quality kielbasa can significantly enhance the final dish’s flavor. Look for brands that use quality meats and natural spices.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or grape jelly slightly. You can also try using other sweeteners or flavored sauces to suit your taste.
- Thicken the Glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some moisture to evaporate and thickens the sauce, giving it a more concentrated flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to include some sliced bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple chunks into the Crock Pot. This can add some additional texture and flavor, making the dish even more satisfying.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces. While teriyaki sauce gives this dish its characteristic taste, you could try barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a blend of your favorites for a different twist.
How to Store Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
Storing your leftover Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy it again later. Here are some simple steps:
- Cool Down: Before you store the sausage, let it cool to room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for longer than two hours to ensure food safety.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the remaining sausage along with the glaze into airtight containers. Make sure to seal them tightly to prevent any air from entering.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can store the sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the sausage. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with Care: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If frozen, make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator first for best results.
Variation of Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
While the classic Crock Pot Sweet Sausage recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize it with various flavorful variations. Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture. This will elevate the dish with a spicy punch that complements the sweetness.
- Fruity Twist: For a unique flavor, try adding chunks of fresh pineapple or mandarin oranges. The fruit adds freshness and a tangy sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the glaze.
- Different Sausages: While kielbasa is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of sausages like chicken or turkey sausage. This can provide a lighter alternative while keeping the flavor profile intact.
- Herbs and Spices: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top just before serving can also boost the dish visually and texturally.
- Sauce Swaps: Have fun mixing different sauces! You could blend in some honey mustard or barbecue sauce for distinct flavor profiles based on your mood and preferences.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook Crock Pot Sweet Sausage?
The best way to cook Crock Pot Sweet Sausage is to layer the sliced kielbasa in the Crock Pot, cover it with the glaze mixture, and let it cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. This slow cooking method allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Can you make this Crock Pot Sweet Sausage recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead by mixing the glaze and placing it with the kielbasa in the Crock Pot. Store it in the refrigerator overnight, and then cook it the next day.
How do you reheat leftover Crock Pot Sweet Sausage?
To reheat, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or skillet, adding a little water if needed, and heat until warm. For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Sweet Sausage?
Crock Pot Sweet Sausage pairs wonderfully with rice, is delicious on its own as an appetizer, or could be served with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Sweet Sausage leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftovers for up to three months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Crock Pot Sweet Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced High-quality kielbasa recommended.
- 1 cup brown sugar Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce Can be substituted with other sauces for varied flavors.
- 1/2 cup grape jelly Can be adjusted based on desired sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds depth to the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, teriyaki sauce, grape jelly, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until smooth.
- Layer the sliced kielbasa evenly in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Pour the glaze mixture over the kielbasa, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Cooking
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- When cooking time is up, stir the contents. The glaze should be bubbly and the kielbasa tender.
Serving
- Serve warm as an appetizer, or over rice for a complete meal.
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