These BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer, perfect for any party or get-together. With only two simple ingredients—smoked sausage and barbecue sauce—this dish is quick to prepare yet full of delicious smoky flavors. Grilled to perfection on a BBQ, the sausage bites are tender, coated in a flavorful BBQ glaze, and ready in under 30 minutes. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking or between Hawaiian rolls for a full meal!\
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 (14-ounce) packages Hillshire Farm
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2 cups Sweet Baby Ray’s® barbecue sauce
Directions
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Prep the Sausages:
Slice each sausage link into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large bowl. Pour the barbecue sauce over the sausage pieces and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill. -
Grill the Sausages:
Preheat the BBQ to low. Spray a flat grilling pan with non-stick cooking spray and place it on the grill. Add the sausage bites to the pan and grill, turning frequently, until they are fully cooked (about 20 minutes). -
Serve:
Once done, remove from the grill and serve immediately. You can add a toothpick to each bite for easy serving or place them on a platter to enjoy!
Nutrients
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Calories: 337 kcal per serving
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 21g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
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Cholesterol: 56mg
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Sodium: 1261mg
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Potassium: 283mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 19g
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Vitamin A: 128 IU
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Vitamin C: 1mg
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Calcium: 24mg
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Iron: 1mg
The Flavor Profile of BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
The flavor profile of BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites is delightfully balanced, offering the perfect combination of savory, smoky, and sweet elements. The smoked sausage provides a rich, meaty flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying. As the sausage bites grill, they pick up additional smoky notes, which are intensified by the heat of the BBQ.
The barbecue sauce is where the magic happens. Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, with its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice, coats the sausage pieces, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes as the sausage grills. The sauce enhances the savory sausage, creating a dynamic contrast between the smoky meat and the sweet, tangy glaze. This combination ensures that each bite is flavorful, juicy, and addictive.
As the sausage bites cook, the glaze thickens and coats each piece, creating a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining the tenderness inside. The result is a bite-sized treat that bursts with flavor in every bite.
How to Prepare BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
Despite the bold flavors and satisfying textures, BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this simple yet delicious appetizer:
1. Prep the Sausages:
Start by slicing each sausage link into bite-sized pieces. The size of the pieces can vary depending on your preference, but typically, 1 to 2-inch slices work best for bite-sized snacks. Once the sausages are sliced, place them in a large bowl.
Next, pour the Sweet Baby Ray’s® barbecue sauce over the sausage pieces, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Toss the sausage in the sauce to ensure a thorough coating. After the sausages are coated, cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. This allows the flavors to meld and the sausage to absorb the barbecue sauce, creating a deeper flavor.
2. Grill the Sausages:
Preheat your BBQ to low heat. While the grill is heating up, spray a flat grilling pan with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent the sausage pieces from sticking to the pan while cooking. Once the pan is prepared, place it on the grill.
Add the sauced sausage bites to the grilling pan, making sure they are spread out evenly. Grill the sausage bites over low heat, turning frequently, for about 20 minutes. This ensures that they are cooked through and that the barbecue sauce caramelizes, creating a delicious glaze on the sausages. The low heat ensures that the sausages cook evenly without burning the sauce.
3. Serve:
Once the BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are done, remove them from the grill and serve immediately. For easy serving, you can add a toothpick to each bite, which is perfect for snacking at parties or gatherings. Alternatively, you can arrange the sausage bites on a platter for guests to help themselves.
These bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other appetizers. If you’re looking to make the dish a bit heartier, you can place the sausage bites between Hawaiian rolls to create mini sandwiches or sliders that are both savory and satisfying.
Nutritional Information for BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
Each serving of BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites (approximately 1 serving size) contains about 337 calories. The dish is rich in protein, providing 10g per serving, which makes it a filling snack or appetizer. The fat content is relatively high at 21g, with 7g of saturated fat, which comes from the sausage and the butter used in the barbecue sauce. While this makes the dish indulgent, it also contributes to the tenderness and juiciness of the sausage bites.
The carbohydrates in BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites amount to 25g per serving, with 19g of sugar, largely coming from the barbecue sauce. The sugar adds sweetness to the dish, balancing the smoky and savory flavors of the sausage. There’s also 1g of fiber, which helps balance the overall nutritional profile.
With a significant amount of sodium (1261mg per serving), these sausage bites are best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring their salt intake. However, the flavor-packed nature of this dish makes it a perfect occasional indulgence, especially when paired with lighter sides like salads or grilled vegetables.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites
BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas for how to serve these flavorful bites:
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Appetizer for Parties: Serve the sausage bites with toothpicks for easy snacking. Pair them with a refreshing dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or extra barbecue sauce on the side for guests to dip the sausages in.
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Mini Sliders: For a more filling meal, serve the sausage bites in between soft Hawaiian rolls or slider buns. Add a slice of cheese or a little bit of coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.
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Side Dish for BBQ Meals: These sausage bites can serve as an excellent side dish at your next BBQ, complementing smoked ribs, grilled vegetables, or even a hearty potato salad.
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On a Charcuterie Board: Add these sausage bites to a charcuterie board alongside cheese, crackers, and pickles for a savory snack spread. The smoky flavors of the sausage pair beautifully with the other charcuterie items.
Why BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites Are Perfect for Any Occasion
BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a party, or a backyard barbecue. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to prepare, while the rich, smoky flavors make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or making a meal out of them, these sausage bites offer a deliciously satisfying experience without the need for complicated cooking techniques.
With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a quick yet flavorful dish that everyone will love. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and bold taste make them a go-to option for any gathering or special occasion.
Conclusion: A Quick and Flavorful Delight
BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer that brings big taste with minimal effort. The combination of tender smoked sausage and a tangy barbecue glaze creates a mouthwatering bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties, casual meals, or any gathering where delicious food is a must. Whether served with toothpicks for easy snacking or turned into mini sandwiches, these sausage bites are sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion.