These Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are packed with flavor and super easy to make! Just slice up kielbasa and bake it with your favorite seasonings and toppings. Yum!
They’re perfect for parties or game day snacks. I love serving them with a little mustard for dipping—so tasty! Plus, they’re fun to eat, and who doesn’t love finger food? 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: The star of this recipe! Use traditional kielbasa for authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, any smoked sausage will work well as a substitute.
Bacon: Regular-cut bacon gives great flavor and crunch. For a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, but it won’t crisp up quite the same way.
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using olive oil for a lighter touch, but melted butter adds rich flavor. Feel free to swap one for the other as your preference allows!
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These spices add depth to the dish. You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika if you don’t have it. Adding a bit of cayenne can also give a nice kick!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Hasselback Effect?
The key to the hasselback style is cutting the kielbasa correctly. Start by slicing the sausage into 1-1.5 inch pieces. Then, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the top without cutting all the way through. Aim for about 3-4 cuts, leaving about 1/4 inch at the bottom intact. This keeps the pieces connected while allowing for that amazing crispy bacon flavor to blend with the soft sausage!
- Work carefully—the goal is to create pockets that help the flavors mingle while baking.
- Don’t rush this step; the better the cuts, the more impressive the finished product will be!
Once baked, these bites are totally customizable with your favorite dips, making them fun for gatherings or movie nights!
Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 2 large kielbasa sausages (about 14-16 oz each)
- 12 slices of bacon (enough to wrap each kielbasa piece)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for finishing)
- Mustard or dipping sauce of choice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, which means you can have these delightful bites ready in less than an hour! Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that your kielbasa bites get nice and crispy. Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup later on!
2. Prepare the Kielbasa:
Next, cut each kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This size is perfect for snacks!
3. Create the Hasselback Effect:
With a sharp knife, gently make several shallow slices across each kielbasa piece. Aim for about 3-4 cuts per piece, but be careful not to slice all the way through. You want to create a fan-like opening without separating the pieces completely!
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Now it’s time to wrap! Take a slice of bacon and gently wrap it around each kielbasa piece, making sure to tuck the end underneath. This holds the bacon in place while it cooks.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place all the wrapped kielbasa bites cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. This positioning allows the heat to circulate better and crisp everything up nicely.
6. Season the Bites:
Brush the bites lightly with olive oil or melted butter for added flavor and crispness. Then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the top of each bite!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the bites for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown and the bacon crispy! If you like, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy finish, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re ready, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the bites cool slightly. Transfer them to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill and optional coarse sea salt if desired. Serve warm with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy this delightful treat!
These irresistible Hasselback Kielbasa Bites make a fantastic snack or appetizer that everyone will love! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional for this recipe, you can use any smoked sausage or even chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s fully cooked if you’re using a fresh sausage type.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kielbasa bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Oven reheating helps keep them crispy!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prep the bites a few hours in advance. Just wrap them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Bites?
Mustard is a classic choice, but you can also serve them with a tangy barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. Get creative with your favorite sauces!
