Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Kielbasa Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more sophisticated presentation, serve the kielbasa with decorative toothpicks. This makes it an ideal finger food for parties where guests are mingling. If you want to add a touch of color, you can garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives, though this is purely aesthetic and does not affect the flavor. The contrast of the bright green herbs against the golden sauce makes for a beautiful serving platter.

If you are serving this for a larger crowd, you can easily double this recipe, provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume. When scaling up, ensure that the sausage is still distributed relatively evenly.

You may find that doubling the recipe requires an additional 30 to 45 minutes of cooking time to reach the same temperature and consistency. Always use a digital meat thermometer to verify the temperature of the sausages in the center of the pile.

Variations

• Spicy Apricot Kielbasa: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the apricot and Dijon mixture before cooking for a pleasant kick that complements the sweetness.
• Garlic Herb Version: Incorporate two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried thyme into the sauce to add an aromatic, earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the smoked sausage.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain the quality of the glaze. It is important to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. When stored properly, the kielbasa will retain its flavor and texture for up to three days. Avoid leaving the dish out at room temperature for extended periods, as the sugar in the sauce can encourage bacterial growth if not kept at the appropriate temperature.

You can prepare the sausage coins and measure the sauce ingredients ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply assemble the dish in the slow cooker and start the cycle.

This saves valuable prep time on the day of your event. If you decide to cook the dish entirely ahead of time, you can reheat it in the slow cooker on the low setting until it is heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot directly from the slow cooker, or transfer it to a warm serving platter. Because the sauce is quite sticky, it is helpful to provide small napkins or appetizer plates for guests.

If you are serving this as part of a larger buffet, consider keeping the slow cooker on the warm setting to ensure the appetizer remains at an ideal temperature throughout the duration of your party, which also helps keep the sauce at the perfect consistency for dipping.

Pair this appetizer with a variety of accompaniments to round out your spread. A simple crusty bread or baguette is perfect for mopping up the excess apricot Dijon sauce.

You might also consider offering a side of pickled vegetables or fresh crudités to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast to the rich, sweet, and savory sausage. These additions help balance the palate and make the appetizer feel like a more substantial part of your meal or gathering.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apricot Dijon Kielbasa

Prep 5 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 lbs smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked kielbasa coins into the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom to create a base for the sauce.
2. Spoon the apricot preserves over the top of the sausage slices. Follow this by dolloping the Dijon mustard directly over the preserves.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Once finished, stir the mixture gently to coat the sausages thoroughly in the sauce. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) to serve safely.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

12.5 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

850 mg

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