Crock-Pot Sweet Kielbasa is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, potlucks, and laid-back parties where bold flavors and minimal prep are key.
Tender slices of kielbasa soak up a sticky-sweet glaze that’s rich with brown sugar, apple sauce, and garlic for an irresistible bite every time.
Sweet & Savory Stars: Key Ingredients for Crock-Pot Sweet Kielbasa
- Kielbasa – The heart of the dish, its smoky and savory profile is essential; choose from beef, pork, or turkey depending on your crowd.
- Applesauce – Adds a natural fruity sweetness that balances the savory meat and enhances the glaze.
- Brown Sugar – Deepens the sweetness and caramelizes as it cooks, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Yellow Mustard – Brings tangy contrast and cuts through the sweetness to keep flavors balanced.
- Minced Garlic – Adds depth and a subtle savory bite to round out the sweet sauce.
How to Make It: Crock-Pot Sweet Kielbasa in a Few Easy Steps
Slice your kielbasa into bite-sized rounds to make them easy to grab and perfectly glaze-coated.
Mix the kielbasa with brown sugar, mustard, and garlic in a bowl until coated evenly.
Transfer to a Crock-Pot and pour the apple sauce over the top, no need to stir just yet.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for three hours, stirring occasionally for even coating.
Once the glaze is bubbling and thickened, reduce the heat to warm and serve straight from the pot with toothpicks.
Sweet & Sticky Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Kielbasa Ever
For the best texture, don’t skip the occasional stirring—it helps the sugar caramelize evenly without burning. Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, this recipe doubles or triples beautifully without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure your Crock-Pot is large enough to allow for proper cooking and stirring.
Feeling creative? Swap the applesauce for crushed pineapple or add a splash of BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. This is a forgiving recipe that welcomes experimentation.
Stash the Leftovers: Storing & Reheating Crock-Pot Sweet Kielbasa
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavor actually deepens as it sits, making for an even tastier second-day snack.
To reheat, warm the kielbasa gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.
You can also freeze portions for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Crock Pot Sweet Kielbasa
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 pounds kielbasa choose from beef, turkey, or polska varieties
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Slice the kielbasa into small, bite-sized rounds. In a separate bowl, blend together the kielbasa pieces with the brown sugar, yellow mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. Transfer this mixture to the crock pot. Pour the applesauce evenly over the contents. Cover and cook on the low setting. Stir occasionally throughout the cooking process. After three hours, lower the heat to the warm setting. Keep the kielbasa warm for an additional 3–4 hours, serving with toothpicks for easy, mess-free enjoyment.
