Description
This Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Apples recipe is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors—easy, delicious, and hassle-free!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 apples, cored and chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice the Kielbasa
- Cut the kielbasa sausage into 1/2-inch thick slices and place them evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Chop the Apples and Mix the Sauce
- Core and chop 2 apples into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix together:
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider or apple juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 4: Combine and Cook
- Pour the apple mixture over the kielbasa in the slow cooker, ensuring the sausage is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Stir and Check
- Stir the kielbasa and apples to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Check that the apples are tender but not mushy and the kielbasa is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, either on a tray with toothpicks for an appetizer or over rice, mashed potatoes, or salad for a full meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji to prevent them from turning mushy.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add during the last 30 minutes.
- If you like a caramelized flavor, brown the kielbasa in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting the brown sugar or swapping it with maple syrup or honey.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high