Oh, mustard! The unsung hero of condiments—bold, zesty, and just the right amount of tang to make any dish pop.
Have you ever found yourself at a backyard barbecue, lost in the mesmerizing scent of sizzling kielbasa on the grill, only to realize that the usual suspects like ketchup just won’t cut it? That’s where these Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites come in—crispy, juicy, and, dare I say, life-changing?
Perfect for those impromptu get-togethers where you need something that screams “I’m fancy, but I didn’t try too hard.
Steps
- Slice the Kielbasa into ¼-inch sections without cutting all the way through by placing it between two chopsticks or skewers. This will help you make precise cuts without slicing through completely.
- Cut the sausage into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, aiming for about 20 bites per ring. Place these pieces in a large bowl or on a baking sheet for easy handling.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide this mixture into two separate bowls.
- To one bowl of mustard mixture, add mayonnaise to create the dipping sauce, stirring well. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Coat the Kielbasa bites with half of the remaining mustard sauce, ensuring the sauce gets into the slice cuts. Reserve the rest of the sauce for later.
- Arrange the prepared Kielbasa bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the bites in the air fryer at 400°F for 7-9 minutes until browned, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, place the bites on a platter or baking sheet and brush or pour the reserved mustard sauce over them. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve the warm Kielbasa bites with the prepared mayonnaise-based dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 rings (13.9 ounces each) Kielbasa
- ¼ cup (62 grams) coarse ground Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While Kielbasa is the recommended choice due to its light smoky flavor, you can experiment with other sausages such as Andouille, Mexican Chorizo, or any sausage you prefer.
- Is it necessary to use the dipping sauce with the Kielbasa bites?
- You can enjoy the Kielbasa bites without the dipping sauce as they are flavorful on their own. However, the mayonnaise-based dip enhances the taste, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
- How should I store and reheat leftover Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites?
- Allow any leftover bites to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The dipping sauce can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the bites in an air fryer, microwave, or oven before serving.
- Can I cook the Kielbasa bites in the oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Follow the preparation steps and bake the bites for 18-20 minutes until browned. Serve with the dipping sauce.
- What makes this recipe a great appetizer choice?
- The combination of smoky Kielbasa, tangy mustard sauce, and creamy dipping sauce creates a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a quick and tasty option that’s sure to impress guests.
Tips
- Use Chopsticks for Hasselback Slices: When slicing the kielbasa Hasselback-style, place the sausage between two chopsticks or skewers to prevent cutting all the way through. This ensures even cuts and keeps the kielbasa intact.
- Maximize Flavor with the Mustard Sauce: Ensure you brush or pour the mustard sauce thoroughly over the kielbasa bites, getting it into each sliced section. This will help the bites soak up all the delicious flavors during cooking.
- Air Fryer Tips: Arrange the kielbasa bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect browning and crispiness.
- Storing and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use the air fryer, microwave, or oven to maintain their texture. Remember to stir the dipping sauce before serving with reheated bites for the best flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper (if using the oven method)
- Sharp Knife
- Chopsticks or Skewers (to aid in slicing the kielbasa hasselback style)
