16 Smoked Sausage Appetizers People Love: Irresistible Bites for Your Next Party

16 Smoked Sausage Appetizers People Love: Irresistible Bites for Your Next Party

16 Smoked Sausage Appetizers People Love: Irresistible Bites for Your Next Party

Smoked sausage bites are the real world MVP of any get together and I’m here to put some respect on their name. Every time I put these 16 little bites out, they disappear in seconds, so make a double batch for yourself so you can actually get some. Get the toothpicks ready, and let’s dig in.

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1) Honey Garlic Smoked Sausages

glossy honey-garlic glazed smoked sausage coins piled in a white serving bowl with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, scattered sesame seeds and parsley, on a rustic wood party table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sticky, garlicky, and every time I host a gathering, they are gone in about 4 minutes.

glossy honey-garlic glazed smoked sausage coins piled in a white serving bowl with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, scattered sesame seeds and parsley, on a rustic wood party table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Honey Garlic Smoked Sausages

Smoked sausage coins cooked in a sticky honey garlic glaze.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb smoked sausage cut into 1-inch coins
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Method
 

  1. Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup together in a skillet.
  2. Add the sausage coins and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the sausage is heated through and coated.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and turns glossy.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl with toothpicks and serve warm.

Notes

These hold beautifully in a slow cooker on warm for a party.

2) Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites

crispy bacon-wrapped smoked sausage bites with caramelized brown sugar edges on a slate serving board, in a wide horizontal shot, toothpicks and a small dish of mustard nearby, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Do I really have to say anything more? These two snack food legends are wrapped into one snack!

crispy bacon-wrapped smoked sausage bites with caramelized brown sugar edges on a slate serving board, in a wide horizontal shot, toothpicks and a small dish of mustard nearby, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites

Bacon hugs chunks of smoked sausage and are baked with a brown sugar crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb smoked sausage cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 lb bacon strips halved
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Wrap each sausage piece in a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
  3. Toss the wrapped bites in brown sugar and paprika until coated.
  4. Arrange on the sheet and bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
  5. Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the sugar sets.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps in the same time the sausage warms.

3) Cajun Smoked Sausage Rolls

golden flaky puff pastry smoked sausage rolls dusted with Cajun spice, halved to show the sausage center, on a parchment-lined wooden board in a wide horizontal shot, small bowl of dipping sauce, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Just a little kick and lots of flaky pastry, this is a snack that will be gone before the game even starts.

golden flaky puff pastry smoked sausage rolls dusted with Cajun spice, halved to show the sausage center, on a parchment-lined wooden board in a wide horizontal shot, small bowl of dipping sauce, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cajun Smoked Sausage Rolls

Smoked sausage that has been spiced and seasoned with Cajun spices and tucked inside golden and flaky puff pastry rolls.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb smoked sausage cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Cut the puff pastry into strips wide enough to wrap each sausage piece.
  3. Spread a little Dijon on each strip, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and roll around the sausage.
  4. Place seam-side down, brush with beaten egg, and dust with extra seasoning.
  5. Bake 18 to 22 minutes until puffed and deep golden, then slice each roll in half.

Notes

Chill the wrapped rolls 10 minutes before baking for the flakiest pastry.

4) Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

golden-topped smoked sausage stuffed mushrooms with melted Parmesan crust on a white platter, in a wide horizontal shot, fresh parsley scattered around, on a marble counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

They are a savory hug in food form and disappear before the dip even comes out.

golden-topped smoked sausage stuffed mushrooms with melted Parmesan crust on a white platter, in a wide horizontal shot, fresh parsley scattered around, on a marble counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Button mushrooms stuffed with smoky sausage and cream cheese, then topped with Parmesan.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 24 white button mushrooms stems removed
  • 3/4 lb smoked sausage finely chopped
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan grated
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and arrange the mushroom caps on a baking sheet.
  2. Brown the chopped sausage in a skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes, then cool slightly.
  3. Mix the sausage with cream cheese and half the Parmesan until combined.
  4. Spoon the filling into each cap, then top with remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are tender.

Notes

Pat the caps dry first so they don't release too much water.

5) Sausage Jalapeño Poppers

bubbly cheese-topped sausage jalapeño poppers lined up on a baking sheet, in a wide horizontal shot, crisp golden breadcrumb tops, on a kitchen counter with a striped towel, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Take all of the spicy-creaminess of the popper and add some smokey sausage!

bubbly cheese-topped sausage jalapeño poppers lined up on a baking sheet, in a wide horizontal shot, crisp golden breadcrumb tops, on a kitchen counter with a striped towel, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sausage Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño halves filled with cream cheese and cheddar, and smoked sausage, then baked until bubbly.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jalapeños halved and seeded
  • 3/4 lb smoked sausage finely diced
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Brown the diced sausage in a skillet for about 5 minutes, then let it cool.
  3. Stir the sausage into the cream cheese and half the cheddar.
  4. Fill each jalapeño half and top with remaining cheddar and breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake 18 to 22 minutes until the peppers soften and the tops are golden and bubbly.

Notes

Wear gloves when seeding the jalapeños to save your hands later.

6) Pineapple Glazed Sausages

glossy pineapple-glazed smoked sausage coins in a shallow ceramic dish with toothpicks and pineapple chunks, in a wide horizontal shot, on a bright party table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These sweet sweet, tangy, and a little tropical snack are my secret weapon for winter parties.

glossy pineapple-glazed smoked sausage coins in a shallow ceramic dish with toothpicks and pineapple chunks, in a wide horizontal shot, on a bright party table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pineapple Glazed Sausages

Pineapple brown sugar glaze with a touch of mustard over smoked sausage.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb smoked sausage cut into coins
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Method
 

  1. Whisk pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a saucepan.
  2. Add the sausage coins and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 3 to 4 minutes until the glaze thickens.
  4. Toss to coat every piece in the glossy sauce.
  5. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

A few pineapple chunks on the skewers make these extra festive.

7) Smoked Sausage Skewers

grilled smoked sausage skewers with charred peppers and onions glazed in barbecue sauce on a wooden board, in a wide horizontal shot, light grill marks visible, on an outdoor table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

They come in various colors and somehow manages to make a paper plate feel fancy.

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grilled smoked sausage skewers with charred peppers and onions glazed in barbecue sauce on a wooden board, in a wide horizontal shot, light grill marks visible, on an outdoor table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Smoked Sausage Skewers

Sausage, peppers, and onions are smoked, then glazed with a smokey barbecue sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb smoked sausage cut into 1-inch coins
  • 2 bell peppers cut into chunks
  • 1 red onion cut into chunks
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Method
 

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes and preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
  2. Thread sausage coins, peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating as you go.
  3. Brush with olive oil and grill 10 to 12 minutes, turning, until the veggies char.
  4. Brush with barbecue sauce in the last 2 minutes and let it caramelize.
  5. Serve hot straight off the skewers.

Notes

Cut everything roughly the same size so it cooks evenly.

8) Sausage Cheese Balls

golden baked sausage cheese balls piled on a white plate with a small bowl of ranch, in a wide horizontal shot, one ball broken open to show the cheesy interior, on a wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A traditional potluck favourite that will always beat the trends.

golden baked sausage cheese balls piled on a white plate with a small bowl of ranch, in a wide horizontal shot, one ball broken open to show the cheesy interior, on a wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sausage Cheese Balls

Savory baked poppable balls made with smoked sausage, sharp cheddar, and baking mix.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb smoked sausage finely ground or minced
  • 2 cups baking mix
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Mix the minced sausage, baking mix, cheddar, milk, and garlic powder until a dough forms.
  3. Roll into 1-inch balls and space them on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown and firm.
  5. Cool a few minutes and serve with ranch or mustard.

Notes

If the dough feels dry, add a splash more milk.

9) Sausage and Cranberry Bites

glossy cranberry-glazed smoked sausage bites in a festive ceramic bowl with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, fresh cranberries and rosemary scattered around, on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The combination of sweet-tart cranberry and smoky sausage is simply amazing!

glossy cranberry-glazed smoked sausage bites in a festive ceramic bowl with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, fresh cranberries and rosemary scattered around, on a holiday table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sausage and Cranberry Bites

Smoked sausage cooked in a sweet-and-savory cranberry chili sauce for a quick and festive treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb smoked sausage cut into coins
  • 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange juice

Method
 

  1. Stir the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan.
  2. Add the sausage coins and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook 15 to 18 minutes, stirring, until the sauce reduces and clings.
  4. Toss to coat the sausage evenly.
  5. Transfer to a bowl and serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

These are perfect for the holidays and even better the next day.

10) Brown Sugar Sausage Appetizers

sticky caramelized brown sugar smoked sausage coins glistening in a cast iron skillet, in a wide horizontal shot, toothpicks set beside it, on a rustic wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Three easy ingredients let you impress the crowd with the amount of effort you put into making a dish.

sticky caramelized brown sugar smoked sausage coins glistening in a cast iron skillet, in a wide horizontal shot, toothpicks set beside it, on a rustic wood table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Brown Sugar Sausage Appetizers

Smoked sausage that is covered in a brown sugar glaze with butter and a hint of cinnamon.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb smoked sausage cut into coins
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it dissolves into a glaze.
  3. Add the sausage coins and toss to coat.
  4. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until sticky and caramelized.
  5. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

Watch the heat so the sugar caramelizes but doesn't scorch.

11) Teriyaki Smoked Sausage Slices

glossy teriyaki-glazed smoked sausage slices sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion in a black bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, chopsticks resting alongside, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Incredible simple, and takes you on a journey to Japanese take out.

glossy teriyaki-glazed smoked sausage slices sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion in a black bowl, in a wide horizontal shot, chopsticks resting alongside, on a dark table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Teriyaki Smoked Sausage Slices

Sliced smoked sausage coated in teriyaki sauce with ginger and sesame.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb smoked sausage cut into coins
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions sliced

Method
 

  1. Whisk the teriyaki sauce, honey, and ginger in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sausage coins and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring, until glazed.
  3. Let the sauce reduce until it coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
  5. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice background heat.

12) Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs

glossy sweet-and-spicy sausage meatballs piled in a shallow serving dish with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, a glistening red glaze and chopped chives on top, on a party table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

My favorite type of recipe is the one where I set it and forget it. The slow cooker does the work while you do everything else.

glossy sweet-and-spicy sausage meatballs piled in a shallow serving dish with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, a glistening red glaze and chopped chives on top, on a party table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Meatballs

Sausage meatballs cooked in a sticky sweet and spicy chili sauce with grape jelly.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb smoked sausage finely ground
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup grape jelly
  • 3/4 cup chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Mix the ground sausage, breadcrumbs, and egg, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Bake 15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Simmer the grape jelly, chili sauce, and sriracha in a skillet until smooth.
  5. Add the meatballs, toss to coat, and simmer 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep them warm in a slow cooker so the glaze stays glossy.

13) Apple Sausage Crescent Rolls

golden crescent rolls wrapped around smoked sausage and apple on a wooden board, in a wide horizontal shot, flaky layers and a light glaze visible, on a cozy autumn table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Flaky crescent dough combined with smokey sausage and apple equals autumn in one bite.

golden crescent rolls wrapped around smoked sausage and apple on a wooden board, in a wide horizontal shot, flaky layers and a light glaze visible, on a cozy autumn table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Sausage Crescent Rolls

Smoked sausage and thinly sliced apples wrapped in buttery crescent dough and baked to a golden brown finish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb smoked sausage cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tube crescent roll dough
  • 1 apple thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 egg beaten

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Separate the crescent dough into triangles and spread each with a little Dijon.
  3. Lay a sausage piece and a thin apple slice at the wide end and roll up.
  4. Place on the sheet, brush with beaten egg, and arrange seam-side down.
  5. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden and puffed, then serve warm.

Notes

A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top makes them feel extra cozy.

14) Barbecue Sausage Sliders

barbecue smoked sausage sliders on soft golden buns with melted cheddar lined up in a baking dish, in a wide horizontal shot, glossy buttered tops, on a kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These tiny buns have huge flavor and are incredibly easy to serve an entire crowd.

barbecue smoked sausage sliders on soft golden buns with melted cheddar lined up in a baking dish, in a wide horizontal shot, glossy buttered tops, on a kitchen counter, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Barbecue Sausage Sliders

Soft slider buns topped with gooey cheese, barbecue sauce, and smoked sausage.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb smoked sausage cut into coins
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 tbsp butter melted

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place slider buns in a baking dish.
  2. Simmer the sausage coins in barbecue sauce for 10 minutes until glazed.
  3. Spoon the saucy sausage onto the buns and top with cheddar.
  4. Brush the bun tops with melted butter and cover with foil.
  5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the buns are warm.

Notes

Add sliced pickles for a tangy crunch.

15) Stuffed Bell Pepper Sausage Boats

colorful mini bell pepper boats stuffed with smoked sausage and rice, topped with bubbly melted mozzarella, on a white platter in a wide horizontal shot, fresh basil scattered around, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Somewhere in between an appetizer and a small meal, and completely addictive no matter how you look at it.

colorful mini bell pepper boats stuffed with smoked sausage and rice, topped with bubbly melted mozzarella, on a white platter in a wide horizontal shot, fresh basil scattered around, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Stuffed Bell Pepper Sausage Boats

Mini bell peppers filled with smoked sausage, rice, and cheesy goodness.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 mini bell peppers halved and seeded
  • 3/4 lb smoked sausage diced
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup mozzarella shredded
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and arrange the pepper halves on a baking sheet.
  2. Brown the diced sausage in a skillet, then stir in the rice and marinara.
  3. Spoon the filling into each pepper boat.
  4. Top with shredded mozzarella.
  5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until the peppers soften and the cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Use a mix of pepper colors for a pretty platter.

16) Peach Mango Sausage Bites

glossy peach-mango glazed smoked sausage bites in a bright ceramic bowl with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, lime wedges and cilantro scattered around, on a sunny summer table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet and summery. Also so unexpectedly good that it leaves you wondering what the recipe is!

glossy peach-mango glazed smoked sausage bites in a bright ceramic bowl with toothpicks, in a wide horizontal shot, lime wedges and cilantro scattered around, on a sunny summer table, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peach Mango Sausage Bites

Smoked sausage with a sweet peach-mango sauce and a hint of lime.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb smoked sausage cut into coins
  • 3/4 cup peach preserves
  • 1/2 cup mango puree
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sriracha

Method
 

  1. Stir the peach preserves, mango puree, lime juice, and sriracha in a saucepan.
  2. Add the sausage coins and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook 15 minutes, stirring, until the glaze thickens and coats the sausage.
  4. Toss to coat evenly.
  5. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

Garnish with a little fresh cilantro for a bright finish.