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

Description

BBQ Sausage Bites are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring slices of smoked sausage baked in a deliciously sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, these savory bites are perfect for parties, game day, or easy weeknight dinners. Serve them warm with toothpicks for a satisfying snack or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 packages (14 oz each) smoked sausage
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Slice Sausage: Cut the smoked sausage into 1-inch coin shapes to create perfectly bite-sized pieces for easy serving and even cooking.
Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced sausage pieces, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and dijon mustard directly into the prepared baking dish. Stir until all pieces are evenly coated in the sauce mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. About halfway through baking, stir the sausage bites to ensure they are well coated. Continue baking until the sauce is bubbly, thickened, and darker in color.
Serve: Remove from the oven. Serve immediately with toothpicks as an appetizer, as a side dish, or alongside mac & cheese for a kid-friendly meal.

Notes

Serving Size & Nutrition: The recipe serves 12 as an appetizer or side. Nutrition values may vary depending on the sausage and BBQ sauce used. Calculate your own if necessary for dietary needs.
Smoked Sausage Options: Any type of smoked sausage works including cheddar, jalapeno cheddar, beef, turkey, or classic. Both packed and U-shaped sausages are suitable.
Use Little Smokies: Substitute with lil’ smokies for extra convenience. No slicing required—just toss them in the pan.
BBQ Sauce Selection: Choose a BBQ sauce you love, as its flavor will stand out in the final dish. Try spicy for heat or sweet for a milder version.
Keep Warm for Parties: After baking, transfer to a slow cooker set on WARM for up to 2-3 hours to keep them hot during gatherings.
Make it Spicy: Add red cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 258 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 821 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 47 mg