Sweet & Sticky Glazed Sausage Bites

Sweet & Sticky Glazed Sausage Bites

 

A glossy, caramelized, sweet-savory sausage dish perfect for appetizers, breakfast, or serving with rice or potatoes.

 

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✅ INGREDIENTS (FULL LIST & NOTES)

 

For the Sausage

 

• 1–1.5 lbs (450–680 g) smoked sausage, kielbasa, or breakfast sausage

 

• 1 tbsp oil or butter

 

• ½ tsp black pepper

 

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For the Sticky Glaze

 

• ½ cup brown sugar

 

• ¼ cup honey OR maple syrup

 

• ¼ cup soy sauce (gives deep color + savory saltiness)

 

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard or regular mustard

 

• 2 tbsp ketchup (adds color + caramelization)

 

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

 

• 1–2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder

 

• ½ tsp paprika

 

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

 

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Optional Add-Ins

 

• 1 small onion sliced

 

• Pineapple chunks

 

• Fresh thyme or rosemary

 

• 1 tsp smoked paprika for smoky flavor

 

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✅ STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS (VERY LONG & DETAILED)

 

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🔪 1. Slice the Sausage

 

1. Cut the sausage into thick slices, about ¾ inch (2 cm) each.

 

2. Try to keep pieces the same size so they cook evenly.

 

3. Pat them dry with a paper towel — helps them brown better.

 

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🍳 2. Brown the Sausage

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

 

2. Add 1 tbsp oil or butter.

 

3. Place sausage pieces flat-side down.

 

4. Let them brown without moving for 3–4 minutes.

 

5. Flip to brown the other sides.

 

6. Cook until edges are deep golden and caramelized.

 

Browning is important — it builds flavor and helps the glaze stick later.

 

Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.

 

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🥣 3. Make the Sticky Glaze

 

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it — those brown bits add flavor):

 

Add all glaze ingredients:

 

✅ Brown sugar

 

✅ Honey or maple syrup

 

✅ Soy sauce

 

✅ Mustard

 

✅ Ketchup

 

✅ Worcestershire

 

✅ Garlic

 

✅ Paprika

 

✅ Chili flakes (optional)

 

1. Stir everything together.

 

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

 

3. Cook 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce begins thickening.

 

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🍯 4. Combine the Sausage & Glaze

 

1. Add the browned sausage pieces back into the skillet.

 

2. Stir well to coat each piece in the sauce.

 

3. Reduce heat to medium-low.

 

4. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

As it cooks:

 

• The sauce thickens

 

• The sausage absorbs flavor

 

• The glaze becomes glossy and sticky

 

If the sauce gets too thick → add 1–2 tbsp water.

 

If too thin → simmer longer to reduce.

 

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🔥 5. Finish with Extra Caramelization (Optional but Perfect)

 

For extra shiny, sticky sausage like in your photo:

 

1. Increase heat slightly to medium.

 

2. Let the glaze bubble for another 2–3 minutes.

 

3. Stir continuously so sugar caramelizes but doesn’t burn.

 

You’ll see the sausage look glossy and richly coated.

 

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✅ SERVING IDEAS

 

Serve these glazed sausage bites:

 

✅ As an appetizer

 

Toothpicks + a side of mustard or sweet chili sauce.

 

✅ With rice

 

The sticky glaze is amazing over warm rice.

 

✅ Over mashed potatoes

 

The salty-sweet flavor matches perfectly.

 

✅ With breakfast

 

Beside eggs, pancakes, biscuits, or waffles.

 

✅ Inside buns

 

Makes incredible mini sliders.

 

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✅ STORAGE

 

• Refrigerate up to 4 days

 

• Freeze up to 2 months

 

• Reheat in skillet or microwave

 

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✅ FLAVOR VARIATIONS

 

🔥 Spicy Honey Sausage

 

Add:

 

• 1 tbsp hot sauce

 

• ½ tsp cayenne

 

🍍 Hawaiian Glazed Sausage

 

Add:

 

• 1 cup pineapple chunks

 

• Replace honey with pineapple syrup

 

🍊 Orange Glazed Sausage

 

Add:

 

• Zest of 1 orange

 

• ¼ cup orange juice

 

🍁 Maple Brown Sugar Sausage

 

Use:

 

• maple syrup instead of honey

 

• a pinch of cinnamon