Sausage Bites

Table of Contents

1. Sausage Bites Appetizer Ingredients
2. Ingredient Substitutions for These Sausage Bites
3. How To Make This Sausage Bites Recipe
4. How to Serve These Smoked Sausage Bites
5. Storing this Sausage Appetizer Recipe
6. More Recipes You’ll Love
7. JUMP TO RECIPE
8. More Easy Recipes

These sausage bites only need two simple ingredients and ten minutes of prep time to make a simple, easy appetizer. Smoked sausage is smothered in your favorite barbecue sauce and grilled to sizzling for this delicious recipe.

Sausage Bites Appetizer Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions for These Sausage Bites

BBQ SAUCE: If you’re looking to switch up the flavor profile, consider using a different type of barbecue sauce. A honey barbecue sauce will add a sweet twist, while a spicy barbecue sauce will give the bites a kick. 

You could even mix and match different barbecue sauces to create a unique flavor profile. For example, a combination of a smoky barbecue sauce and a sweet honey mustard could result in a deliciously complex flavor.

Just remember, the type of barbecue sauce you use will significantly influence the overall flavor of the dish.

SAUSAGES: While this recipe calls for smoked sausage, you could also use other types of sausage based on your preference. Italian sausage would add a bit of spice and fennel flavor, while a chicken or turkey sausage could be a leaner option. 

Keep in mind that the flavor and fat content of the sausage you choose will affect the final taste and texture of the bites.

SPICES: Feel free to play around with the spices used in this recipe. For instance, adding a bit of smoked paprika could enhance the smoky flavor of the bites, while a dash of cayenne pepper could add some heat. 

Remember, spices are a great way to customize the flavor to your liking, but they can also intensify quickly, so add them gradually and taste as you go.

How To Make This Sausage Bites Recipe

STEP ONE: Cut each sausage link into bite-sized pieces. If you’re short on time, you can slice the sausages ahead and store them in the fridge.

STEP TWO: Put into a large bowl, pour the barbecue sauce over the pieces of sausage, and stir until well-coated.

When applying the barbecue sauce, ensure that each sausage bite is evenly coated. This will give each bite maximum flavor and ensure a consistent taste.

STEP THREE: Turn the grill to low heat. Spray a flat grilling pan with nonstick spray. 

STEP FOUR: Place sausage bites onto the grill pan and grill until done, turning frequently. Remove hot sausage from the grill.

Once off the grill, let the sausage bites rest for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit and makes them easier to handle (and eat!).

How to Serve These Smoked Sausage Bites

Having savored the smoky, tangy flavors of our sausage bites, you might be wondering about the best ways to serve this recipe. Well, you’re in luck! There’s more than one way to enjoy this versatile appetizer.

As a Party Appetizer: These BBQ sausage bites make for an excellent addition to any party appetizer platter. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to pick up and enjoy, and their robust flavor pairs well with a variety of dips.

Serving these little sausages with toothpicks makes them easy for your guests to grab and enjoy, and it adds a fun, casual vibe to your gathering.

Try serving them alongside our creamy ranch dressing, Alabama white sauce or Carolina mustard BBQ sauce.

In a Slider: If you’re looking for a creative way to serve these sausage bites, why not try incorporating them into a slider? Place a couple of sausage bites in a mini bun, add some coleslaw for a crunchy texture, and drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top.

The soft bun, crunchy coleslaw, and smoky sausage create a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

As a Main Course: While these sausage bites are typically served as an appetizer, they can also be transformed into a hearty main course.

Serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

The hearty potatoes or fresh vegetables will complement the rich, smoky flavor of the sausage bites, creating a satisfying and well-rounded dish.

Personal Recommendation: My personal favorite way to enjoy these BBQ sausage bites is with a side of sweet cornbread and a glass of iced tea.

The sweetness of the cornbread and the refreshing iced tea perfectly balance the smoky, tangy flavors of the sausage bites.

Remember, the beauty of these sausage appetizers lies in their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different accompaniments and serving styles to find your own perfect pairing.

P.S. You’ll also love this easy hanky panky recipe that I stole from my grandma. These stuffed mushrooms are easy appetizers, too, and a great option for a party! 

Storing this Sausage Appetizer Recipe

Whether you’re planning to make them ahead of time, or you’ve been lucky enough to have leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining the delicious flavor and texture of these sausage bites.

Make Ahead: One of the great things about this recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up until the point of baking.

Once the sausage bites are coated in the barbecue sauce, you can cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to bake.

This can be a real time-saver when preparing for parties or family gatherings.

In the Fridge: If you find yourself with leftovers, these sausage bites can be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. When stored properly, they should last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

In the Freezer: For longer-term storage, you can freeze this recipe for sausage appetizers. Once they have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to squeeze out any excess air.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sausage bites on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Place the sausage bites on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel to prevent splattering, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to check them halfway through to ensure they’re heating evenly.

By following these storage and reheating guidelines, you can enjoy these delicious barbecue sausage bites whenever you like, without compromising on their flavor or texture.

I love how easy this hearty appetizer is to make. I can prep these barbecue sausage bites ahead of time and then they’re ready to serve in only minutes.

They are the perfect party appetizer for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, New Year’s Eve, and Super Bowl parties. Serve them alongside our easy pepperoni rolls or taco ring.

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