Crockpot Apple Butter Glazed Kielbasa Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the presentation, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving. The vibrant green color provides a beautiful contrast to the dark, glossy glaze, while the fresh, herbaceous flavor adds a bright note that balances the sweetness of the apple butter. This simple step makes the dish look like it was prepared by a professional chef.

If you are planning to serve this for a large group, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for up to two hours during your event.

This allows guests to serve themselves over an extended period while keeping the kielbasa at the perfect temperature. Be sure to provide plenty of wooden toothpicks or small cocktail forks to make it easy for guests to enjoy the bites without making a mess.

Variations

• Spicy Apple Kielbasa: Add two tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot red pepper flakes to the slow cooker to introduce a spicy kick that balances the sweet apple butter.
• Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa: Stir in two tablespoons of bourbon during the last hour of cooking to add a deep, oaky complexity that pairs beautifully with the spiced apple butter.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a slow cooker on low until warm, or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, but do not leave them out for longer than two hours. Once cooled, transfer the kielbasa and the remaining glaze into an airtight container. This will help maintain the moisture of the sausage and prevent it from absorbing any other odors from the refrigerator. Proper storage is essential to keep the flavors fresh for your next meal.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the kielbasa in the slow cooker on the low setting until it is heated through, or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the glaze has become too thick.

Serving ideas

Serve the kielbasa warm, directly from the slow cooker for a casual feel, or transfer it to a decorative serving platter for a more polished presentation.

Providing a variety of dippers, such as extra mustard or even a side of crusty bread, can turn this appetizer into a more substantial snack. The sweet and savory profile pairs particularly well with crisp apple slices or sharp cheddar cheese on the side.

Consider serving this dish alongside other appetizers that offer different textures and flavor profiles, such as crunchy vegetables or salty crackers. The versatility of the apple butter glaze means it complements a wide range of accompaniments.

Whether as the star of the show or part of a larger buffet, ensuring the kielbasa stays warm is the key to maintaining its best texture and flavor for your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Apple Butter Glazed Kielbasa

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs kielbasa, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 packet seasoning packet
• 1 cup apple butter

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa into the bowl of your slow cooker, ensuring the pieces are distributed evenly across the bottom to allow for consistent heat exposure during the cooking process.
2. Add the Dijon mustard, the seasoning packet, and the apple butter over the sausage. Stir gently to coat the meat thoroughly, ensuring the glaze reaches every piece of kielbasa.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Ensure the internal temperature of the kielbasa reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is heated through and the glaze has thickened properly.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.