Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Kielbasa Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the presentation, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives, which adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the maple glaze.

This small addition makes the meal look like it came from a professional kitchen while keeping the preparation process simple.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water during the last thirty minutes of cooking.

This will help bind the maple mustard glaze, giving it a more luxurious, velvety texture that clings beautifully to the sausage and the egg noodles when served, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Mustard: Add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the glaze mixture before pouring it over the sausage for a spicy kick.
• Apple and Kielbasa: Add one thinly sliced Granny Smith apple along with the onions for a tart, autumnal twist that pairs exceptionally well with the maple mustard flavor profile.

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 in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, which should take no more than two hours. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

The flavors often meld and improve overnight, making this an excellent dish to prepare for lunches or dinners the following day, provided it is handled and stored correctly.

You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking process. This is a convenient method for ensuring you have a hot, home-cooked meal waiting for you at the end of a long, busy workday.

Serving ideas

Serve this kielbasa over a bed of buttery egg noodles to soak up the excess maple mustard glaze. The starch of the noodles provides a neutral canvas that perfectly complements the bold, savory, and sweet flavors of the sausage. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad adds a fresh, crunchy contrast that balances the meal.

For a more casual presentation, serve the kielbasa and onions directly from the slow cooker, allowing guests to portion it themselves.

Keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting if hosting a gathering, as this ensures the dish remains at the perfect temperature throughout the meal, keeping the glaze glossy and the sausage tender for every helping.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Maple Mustard Kielbasa

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup maple mustard glaze

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa chunks into the base of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced sweet onions evenly over the top of the sausage to ensure they cook down into the sauce.
2. Dust the garlic powder over the onions and sausage. Whisk the maple mustard glaze in a measuring cup until smooth, then pour it evenly over the contents of the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for four hours. Once the time is up, ensure the sausage has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving over prepared egg noodles.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

950 mg

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