Okay, picture this: it’s game night, everyone’s hungry, and you need something quick, easy, and totally addictive. That’s where these BBQ Sausage Bites: What are swoop in to save the day! They’re like little flavor bombs, savory sausages all cozied up in a blanket of perfectly seasoned dough, then brushed with this sweet and smoky BBQ glaze that’ll have everyone licking their fingers. They’re even easier than making pigs in a blanket – seriously! I always make a double batch because they vanish in minutes, and I mean *minutes*.
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What are Sausage Bites?
Think of BBQ Sausage Bites as the sophisticated cousin of the classic mini corn dog or pigs in a blanket. It’s essentially bite-sized pieces of sausage, wrapped in a simple dough, baked until golden brown, and then slathered in a tangy BBQ glaze. The name pretty much says it all! It’s the perfect snack or appetizer because it’s handheld, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of satisfying. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can use different types of sausage, experiment with the seasonings in the dough, and even create your own signature BBQ glaze. This recipe is a fantastic starting point, and the possibilities are endless!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what *isn’t* to love? The flavor is just incredible – the savory sausage, the slightly sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, and the soft, chewy dough all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! And the simplicity? Forget spending hours in the kitchen; these BBQ Sausage Bites: How do come together in under an hour, start to finish. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute appetizer for a party. Speaking of parties, the cost-efficiency is amazing. Sausage and simple pantry ingredients mean this won’t break the bank. Perfect when you’re feeding a crowd! What I love most is its versatility. You can serve these as appetizers, snacks, or even as a fun addition to a potluck. They’re perfect alongside a salad, some coleslaw, or just on their own. They also reheat beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time. Honestly, I think these are even better than a lot of store-bought appetizers, and you know exactly what’s going into them!
How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites
Quick Overview
Making these BBQ Sausage Bites: What is is way easier than you might think! You’ll start by whipping up a simple dough, then cutting your favorite sausage into bite-sized pieces. Wrap each sausage piece in the dough, bake until golden, and then brush generously with a sweet and smoky BBQ glaze. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to assemble everything, and the oven does most of the work. Trust me, even if you’re not a confident baker, you can totally nail this!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour – I always use unbleached, but regular works just fine.
* 1 tablespoon baking powder – Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!
* 1 teaspoon salt – Sea salt or kosher salt, whatever you have on hand.
* 1/2 cup milk – I prefer whole milk for a richer flavor, but any kind will work. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch and they still turn out great!
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil – Canola or sunflower oil works too.
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten – This helps bind everything together.
For the Filling:
* 1 pound smoked sausage – I love using kielbasa or cheddarwurst for extra flavor, but any kind of cooked sausage will do. Just make sure it’s fully cooked!
* Optional: cheese cubes – add a small cheese cube on the dough before you seal in to have cheesy bites.
For the BBQ Glaze:
* 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand! I like a smoky, slightly sweet one, but feel free to experiment.
* 2 tablespoons honey – This adds a lovely sweetness and helps the glaze stick.
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – For a little tang to balance the sweetness.
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This enhances the smoky flavor.
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the BBQ Sausage Bites from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always do this, even with non-stick pans – it just guarantees they won’t stick. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, so you don’t end up with pockets of saltiness or a weirdly dense bite. I’ve made that mistake before, trust me!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, and egg. Whisk until everything is well combined and the egg is fully incorporated. You don’t want any streaks of egg white in your dough!
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients? If you overmix flour, you will get a hard dough. Be careful not to over mix!BBQ Sausage Bites. A few lumps are okay. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch long. If you’re using sausage with a casing, you can remove it if you prefer, but I usually leave it on. Is there a little extra texture?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small squares, large enough to wrap around each sausage piece. Place a sausage piece on each square of dough and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges. I find it easiest to pinch the seams together to make sure they’re secure.
Step 7: Bake
Where do you place the wrapped goods?BBQ Sausage Bites: What areOn the prepared baking sheet, leave a little space between each one. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary! You want them to be nicely browned, but not burnt.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
While the BBQ Sausage Bites – WhatWhen you are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Set aside.BBQ Sausage Bites: What areIf your potatoes are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. How do you brush a BBQ glaze on grilled chicken breasts? This helps the glaze adhere better.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Serve the BBQ Sausage Bites: How doWhat is a good BBQ sauce to serve on its own? I also like to sprinkle them with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
What should I serve it with?
These BBQ Sausage Bites: What areAre incredibly versatile and go well with so many things?
For Game Day: Serve them alongside your favorite dips (like a creamy spinach and artichoke dip or a spicy queso), chips, and wings. Don’t forget the cold drinks!
For a Potluck: These are always a hit at potlucks! They’re easy to transport and everyone loves them. Serve them with a simple salad or some coleslaw for a complete meal.
As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They pair well with other appetizers like cheese and crackers, vegetable sticks with hummus, and mini quiches.
For a Quick Lunch: These make a surprisingly satisfying lunch! I like to serve them with a side of fruit or a small salad.
My family loves these with a simple macaroni salad. It’s the perfect balance of savory and creamy, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. We’ve also been known to dip them in ranch dressing – don’t knock it ’til you try it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your BBQ Sausage Bites
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the best BBQ Sausage Bites:
Don’t Overmix the Dough: This is the most important tip! Overmixing the dough will result in tough BBQ Sausage Bites. Mix until just combined.
Use Fresh Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh. If it’s old, it won’t work as well and your BBQ Sausage Bites won’t rise properly.
Cut the Sausage Evenly: Cutting the sausage into uniform pieces will ensure that they cook evenly.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry BBQ Sausage Bites. Bake until golden brown, but not burnt.
Get Creative with the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with the BBQ glaze! Add a little sriracha for some heat, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Add Some Cheese: For a cheesy twist, add a small cube of cheddar or mozzarella cheese to each sausage piece before wrapping it in the dough. My kids love these!
I also like to brush the dough with a little melted butter before baking for extra flavor and a golden-brown crust. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can sprinkle them with some sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These BBQ Sausage Bites are best served warm, but they can be stored and reheated if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!).
Room Temperature: You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may get a little soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze them. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
I usually glaze them after baking, but if you’re planning to freeze them, I recommend waiting to glaze them until after you reheat them. This will prevent the glaze from getting sticky and messy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Sausage Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, attending a potluck, or just looking for a quick and easy snack, these little bites are sure to be a hit. The combination of savory sausage, soft dough, and sweet and smoky BBQ glaze is simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my mini corn dogs or my pigs in a blanket. Both are equally easy and delicious! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites with Just 4 Ingredients!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 packages smoked sausage such as kielbasa or andouille
- 2 cups barbecue sauce preferably a smoky and sweet flavor
- 0.5 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Slice the sausages into 1-inch pieces and place them in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. Pour over the sausage pieces and stir until coated.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve the sausage bites warm with toothpicks.
