Can I use a different type of sausage besides smoked?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage links. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before starting, as the baking step is mostly about caramelizing and glazing, not cooking through raw meat.

What’s the best way to keep these warm for a party?

Once baked, transfer the sausage bites and plenty of sauce to a slow cooker set to 'WARM.' They’ll stay sticky and delicious for 2-3 hours—just give them a stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Most smoked sausages are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard. Many sauces contain hidden gluten, so choose a certified gf brand and you’re set.

Is there a way to make them less sweet?

Of course! Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a tangier barbecue sauce. You can even skip the sugar entirely if you prefer a more savory bite. Taste as you go—this recipe is designed to adapt to your preferences.

BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe - LittleSpoonBites

Name: BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 packages (14 oz each) smoked sausage; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

If you’re searching for a ridiculously easy appetizer—or a no-fuss family side—that never fails to impress, look no further than these BBQ Sausage Bites. Imagine smoky, juicy sausage pieces smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze, their edges caramelized and just a little bit sticky. Crave-worthy doesn’t begin to cover it! Ready in under an hour with barely any prep, these bites are ideal for those weeknights when time is short but you still want something big on flavor (and even bigger on smiles).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep, Minimal Mess: All it takes is slicing some sausage, mixing up a simple sauce right in your baking dish, and popping it all straight in the oven. Cleanup? Practically nonexistent.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this to game day, your next backyard barbecue, or even a potluck, and watch them disappear. The irresistible blend of barbecue sauce, a hint of brown sugar, and savory sausage just can’t be beat.
Versatile: Serve them as party appetizers with toothpicks or as a comforting side alongside mac & cheese or roasted potatoes—no complaints from the picky eaters!
Customizable Heat and Smoke: Got a favorite barbecue sauce? Love jalapeño sausages? This is the perfect dish for mixing it up to suit your cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Smoked Sausage: This is the star! Go classic, beef, turkey, cheddar, or even jalapeño. Any kind of smoked sausage works here—the U-shaped or hot dog-style.
*Tip: Pre-sliced Lil’ Smokies can save even more time if you’re in a rush!
Barbecue Sauce: Provides that tangy, smoky-sweet flavor base. Go sweet for the kids, spicy for the adults—just pick the brand you truly enjoy because the sauce flavor really comes through.
Light Brown Sugar: Lends a subtle sweetness that caramelizes as it bakes, balancing out the sauce with a delightful sticky finish.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a layer of savory depth and a slight tang, keeping the bites lively rather than too sweet.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these BBQ Sausage Bites. Try any of these tweaks:

Spicy Sausage Bites: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce right into the barbecue sauce mixture.
Cheesy Twist: Use cheddar or cheese-filled sausages for extra creamy bites.
Make it Smokier: Mix in a spoonful of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an added layer of earthy heat.
Sweet & Tangy: Swap brown sugar with a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Swap the Sausage: Go with turkey or veggie sausage for a lighter (or meatless) version.
Kiddie Classic: Use Lil’ Smokies cocktail sausages to skip the slicing and make perfectly kid-sized bites.

How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of nonstick cooking spray so your sausages won’t stick.

Step 2: Slice the Sausage

Take your smoked sausage and cut it into 1-inch thick coins. Don’t stress about perfect slices—rustic, chunky pieces just add to the charm.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Add all your sausage slices directly to the prepared baking dish. Pour in the barbecue sauce, sprinkle in the packed brown sugar, and add your Dijon mustard. Give everything a thorough stir until the sausage coins are evenly coated in the sticky, sweet-tangy sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking. This helps every single piece get coated in that glossy glaze. You’ll know they’re done when the sauce is bubbly, thickened, and ever-so-slightly darker.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let them cool slightly (the sauce will thicken even more), then serve warm. Toothpicks make these perfect grab-and-go bites for parties, but honestly, nothing’s stopping you from enjoying them with a fork straight from the pan.

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Sausage Bites

Bake, Then Keep Warm: For parties, bake first for the perfect caramelization, then transfer to a slow cooker and keep on ‘WARM’ for up to 3 hours. No more cold appetizers!
Sauce Matters: Use a barbecue sauce you really love, as its flavor dominates the dish. Don’t be shy about trying a spicy or smoky version.
Get Ahead: Slice sausages and combine the sauce ahead of time, then pop in the oven when guests arrive.
Better Coating: Stir a couple of times as they bake to ensure every bite is perfectly glazed and caramelized.
Easy Cleanup: Line your baking dish with parchment for even easier cleanup after the fun.

How to Serve

These BBQ Sausage Bites are incredibly flexible when it comes to serving:

Appetizer

Pile them onto a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing finger food at any gathering.

Side Dish

Serve alongside creamy mac & cheese, coleslaw, or full-flavored baked beans for a comforting, southern-inspired meal.

Main Dish

Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread, or tuck inside a toasted bun with some pickles for a quick, satisfying sandwich.

Party Spread

Set them on the buffet table next to sliders, potato wedges, and corn on the cob—they’ll fit right in with any casual celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will just get deeper overnight!

Freezing

Place cooled sausage bites and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or pop back into a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage besides smoked?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage links. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before starting, as the baking step is mostly about caramelizing and glazing, not cooking through raw meat.
What’s the best way to keep these warm for a party?

Once baked, transfer the sausage bites and plenty of sauce to a slow cooker set to ‘WARM.’ They’ll stay sticky and delicious for 2-3 hours—just give them a stir occasionally so nothing sticks.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Most smoked sausages are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard. Many sauces contain hidden gluten, so choose a certified gf brand and you’re set.
Is there a way to make them less sweet?

Of course! Simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a tangier barbecue sauce. You can even skip the sugar entirely if you prefer a more savory bite. Taste as you go—this recipe is designed to adapt to your preferences.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Sausage Bites are the kind of recipe everyone needs in their back pocket: fast, customizable, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your appetizer game or need a hassle-free side for a family dinner, these bites deliver bold, mouthwatering flavor with hardly any effort. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear even before you get a chance for seconds!