This BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa recipe is a perfect appetizer or snack for parties, game days, or gatherings. The smoky, savory kielbasa wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with BBQ sauce will satisfy any crowd. It’s simple to prepare and full of flavor with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa
- 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 10-12 slices of bacon
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- Toothpicks
Instructions for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Slice the Kielbasa
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Bacon
- Cut the bacon slices in half to make smaller strips. Each half slice should be long enough to wrap around each piece of kielbasa.
4. Wrap the Kielbasa
- Wrap each piece of kielbasa with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the middle of each wrapped piece.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
- Place the bacon-wrapped kielbasa pieces on the prepared baking sheet, toothpick side up, with some space between them to allow the bacon to cook evenly.
6. Bake the Kielbasa
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Rotate the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
7. Glaze with BBQ Sauce
- Once the bacon is crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Brush each bacon-wrapped kielbasa piece generously with BBQ sauce.
- Return the kielbasa to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is sticky and caramelized.
8. Serve
- Remove the bacon-wrapped kielbasa from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Bacon Crispness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, broil the bacon-wrapped kielbasa for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- BBQ Sauce Choice: Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you love, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy, to customize the flavor of the dish.
- Toothpick Tip: Soak the toothpicks in water for about 10 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning in the oven.
Variations for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa
1. Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa
- Add a little spicy kick by sprinkling cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on the bacon before wrapping the kielbasa. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.
2. Honey BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa
- Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweet and sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and kielbasa.
3. Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa
- Drizzle the wrapped kielbasa with maple syrup before baking, then brush with BBQ sauce for a sweet and savory combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped kielbasa and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply wrap them in bacon, secure with toothpicks, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bacon-wrapped kielbasa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again.
3. Can I grill instead of bake?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then grill the bacon-wrapped kielbasa for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
This BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Kielbasa recipe is a simple yet irresistible appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of smoky, savory kielbasa, crispy bacon, and sweet BBQ sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a party, family gathering, or game day, these bite-sized treats will disappear fast!
