Only requiring one pan and 4 simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens, these candied BBQ kielbasa are excellent to enjoy as a quick and easy dinner idea or as a tasty game day appetizer. This easy kielbasa recipe is sure to impress your guests because I am going to teach you how to get the perfect caramelized, candied texture using only your oven. It will quickly become one of your favorite kielbasa recipes.
This original recipe using fresh kielbasa is great for nights where you need a simple meal for weeknight dinners that the whole family will love. It is also a great appetizer option to serve on football Sunday game day or any party or special occasion.
This was inspired by prosciutto wrapped mozzarella bites recipe on this site, and pairs well with this steak crostini with horseradish sauce recipe.
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Ingredients
The main ingredient in this recipe is beef kielbasa sausage. The kielbasa is mixed with barbecue sauce for flavor and brown sugar to sweeten the sauce and also help caramelize the bbq and sugar sauce mixture. Butter is added on top prior to baking and will melt in with the sauce.
Optional ingredients are a little bit of salt and black pepper or garlic powder. Add these seasonings if you prefer to cut the sweetness in the dish a little and add a little salty, savory element.
- beef kielbasa sausage
- barbecue sauce
- brown sugar
- butter
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven 350 degrees. Slice kielbasa. Place sliced kielbasa in a medium casserole dish.
- Step 2: Add in barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Toss kielbasa in barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Add slices of butter on top of kielbasa.
- Step 3: Place casserole dish in the hot oven. Bake 50 minutes. Increase oven heat to 400 degrees. Bake another 10 minutes. Barbecue sauce mixture should be thick and bubbly.
- Step 4: Remove from oven. Allow to cool about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately or save for later.
Hint: make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the kielbasa in the oven and bake uncovered to help the sugars crisp. Additionally turning the sausage halfway ensures even browning on all sides. If the barbecue sauce mixture still seems watery towards the end of baking, add a little more brown sugar and extend the baking time.
Why I love Baked Kielbasa
As someone who loves something sweet and salty, this appetizer is the most delicious combination of flavor for me. The sweet comes from the sauce ingredients while the savory comes from the polish sausage. It has not only become one of my favorite, go-to delicious meals, but it has also has become a family favorite.
Substitutions
- Brown Sugar - either dark brown sugar or light brown sugar can be used
- Barbecue Sauce - any barbecue of choice can be used. I used a bourbon barbecue sauce but you can also choose to use a spicy bbq or just a plain bbq
Variations
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce to make this recipe spicy
- Caramelized Kielbasa - cook kielbasa on the stove in ginger ale to make a caramelized kielbasa
See this caramelized kielbasa version of this recipe on my website!
Equipment
To make this great recipe, you will need a medium casserole dish or baking dish, a sharp knife and cutting board, and a rubber spatula. Measuring cups are also needed to measure out the ingredients.
How to Store Baked Kielbasa
Store the baked kielbasa in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or the oven prior to serving for a quick weeknight meal.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing once baked.
Top Tip
If you find your bbq sauce mixture is caramelizing too fast and burning, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent direct heat. This is an easy way to continue cooking kielbasa while also allowing the barbecue sauce to thicken.
FAQ
Yes, you can assemble the glazed kielbasa and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the sausage is chilled.
Absolutely, this recipe can be placed in an aluminum pan and either grilled with the cover of the grill closed or smoked in the smoker. This may slightly change the baking time so keep a close eye on it.
Using a plant-based smoked sausage and vegan butter with your barbecue sauce will create a similar glaze and flavor profile for a vegan-friendly option.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with baked kielbasa:
📖 Recipe
One-pan Candied BBQ Baked Kielbasa Recipe in the Oven
Equipment
- 1 baking dish medium
- 1 Rubber Spatula
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 kielbasa sausage beef
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 degrees. Slice kielbasa. Place sliced kielbasa in a medium casserole dish.
- Add in barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Toss kielbasa in barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Add slices of butter on top of kielbasa.
- Place casserole dish in the hot oven. Bake 50 minutes. Increase oven heat to 400 degrees. Bake another 10 minutes. Barbecue sauce mixture should be thick and bubbly.
- Remove from oven. Allow to cool about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately or save for later.
Notes
- save leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- these ingredients do not stand up well to freezing.
- reheat leftovers in the microwave for oven prior to serving.
Nutrition
If you have any questions about how to make this baked kielbasa or need other appetizer suggestions, leave a comment below!
Badminton says
This recipe is incredibly easy and delicious! The combination of sweet and savory flavors is perfect for game day. The instructions are clear, and the tips for variations and storage are super helpful. Definitely trying this again!
Alicia Moyer says
I am so happy you enjoyed! Thanks so much for trying it out!