You know, I’ll never forget the first time I made Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites for my family. It was a weekend afternoon, and I was craving something savory and a little bit fancy. I had this package of kielbasa sausage in the fridge, and I thought, “Why not try something new?”
So I started slicing the kielbasa into little rounds, making sure to cut almost all the way through, but leaving the bottom intact. Then I whipped up a quick mustard glaze – just a few simple ingredients that came together in a sweet and tangy sauce. I brushed that all over the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites, sprinkled on some breadcrumbs, and popped them in the oven.
When they came out, golden and crispy, the house smelled incredible. I couldn’t wait for my family to try them. We gathered around the table, and as soon as they took their first bite, their faces lit up. “Mmm, these Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are amazing!” they exclaimed. From that moment on, this dish became a instant favorite in our house. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit fancy – and it’s so easy to make!
Why This Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
The key to these Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites is in the technique. By slicing the kielbasa almost all the way through, you create these adorable little “hasselback” rounds that soak up all the delicious mustard glaze. And the breadcrumb topping gives it a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple recipe, but the end result is truly impressive. Your guests are going to love these Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites – they’re the perfect combination of flavor and flair.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Kielbasa sausage – Look for a high-quality, all-beef or pork kielbasa. The flavor really shines in this dish.
- Dijon mustard – This provides the tangy, pungent base for the glaze.
- Brown sugar – Just a bit of sweetness to balance out the mustard.
- Breadcrumbs – For that irresistible crispy topping.
- Olive oil – To help the breadcrumbs get nice and golden.
- Salt and pepper – To season the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites.
Step-by-Step Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites Instructions
Preparing Your Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
This Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites recipe is so simple to make, but the end result looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. It takes just a few minutes of hands-on prep, and then the oven does the rest of the work. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible little appetizers ready to serve.
1- Start by slicing the kielbasa into 1-inch thick rounds, cutting almost all the way through, but leaving the bottom intact so the rounds can fan out.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Brush this mustard glaze all over the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites.
3- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the glazed kielbasa rounds.
4- Bake the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the sausage is heated through.
5- Let the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites cool for 5 minutes before serving.
6- Arrange the crispy, glazed Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites on a platter and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites is slicing the kielbasa evenly and not cutting all the way through. This allows the rounds to fan out nicely and soak up all that delicious mustard glaze.
Be sure to use a high-quality kielbasa sausage – the flavor really shines in this dish. And don’t be afraid to get a little heavy-handed with the breadcrumbs. The more you use, the crunchier the topping will be.
If you want to save time, you can make the mustard glaze ahead of time and just brush it on right before baking. And the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites also reheat really well, so you can make them in advance and just warm them up before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Perfect Pairings for Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
These Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites make the perfect appetizer for game days, holiday parties, or any gathering. They pair beautifully with a crisp, cold beer or a glass of white wine. And they’d also be delicious alongside a simple salad or some roasted veggies for a more complete meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites is that they reheat incredibly well. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
You can also make the mustard glaze in advance and have it ready to go. Then it’s just a matter of slicing the kielbasa, brushing it on, and adding the breadcrumbs before baking. This makes party prep a breeze!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
Creative Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites Variations
The great thing about this Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can switch up the flavor profile by using a different type of mustard, like honey mustard or spicy brown mustard. Or add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze.
For a little extra indulgence, you could sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top before baking. And if you want to make them more of a meal, serve the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites over a bed of sauerkraut or mashed potatoes.
Making Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites Diet-Friendly
To make these Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites a bit more diet-friendly, you can use a reduced-fat or turkey kielbasa sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey sausage tends to cook a bit faster.
For a gluten-free version, swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or panko. And for a dairy-free or vegan option, simply omit the cheese and use a plant-based butter or oil in the mustard glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage besides kielbasa?
A: Absolutely! While kielbasa is the traditional choice, you can really use any type of sausage that you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different sausages may have different thicknesses.
Q: How do I get the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites to fan out nicely?
A: The key is to slice the kielbasa almost all the way through, but leave the bottom intact. This allows the rounds to fan out and soak up all that delicious mustard glaze.
Q: Can I make the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these in advance! Just store the baked Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to reheat and re-crisp the breadcrumbs.
Q: How many Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will make about 20-24 Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites, depending on how thickly you slice the sausage. It’s a great easy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Q: What should I do if the breadcrumbs aren’t getting crispy?
A: If the breadcrumbs aren’t getting as crispy as you’d like, try turning up the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 5 minutes of baking. You can also try adding a bit more olive oil to the breadcrumb mixture before topping the Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites.
Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 16
Description
Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are a quick and easy appetizer that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Sliced kielbasa sausage is drizzled with a flavorful mustard sauce and baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
– 1 lb kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
– 1/4 cup dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. – Make shallow cuts across the top of each kielbasa slice, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. – In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, melted butter, and brown sugar.
4. – Brush the mustard mixture generously over the top of each kielbasa slice.
5. – Arrange the prepared kielbasa bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. – Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
7. – Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
8. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. They also make a great game day or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites are truly the ultimate party appetizer. They’re easy to make, but look and taste like they came from a gourmet restaurant. The sweet and tangy mustard glaze combined with the crispy breadcrumb topping is simply irresistible.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites for yourself. Once you do, I guarantee it will become a new go-to in your recipe arsenal. Be sure to let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Enjoy.
