Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Recipe

My First Time With This Recipe

I first made this for my book club years ago. I was so nervous. Would they like it? The answer was a big yes.

They ate every last bite. I still laugh at that. It taught me that good food brings people together. That is why this matters.

The Magic of the Slow Cooker

I love my slow cooker. You just add everything and walk away. The smell fills the house after a few hours.

Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes everyone hungry. This is so easy for a busy day. What is your favorite slow cooker meal?

A Sweet and Savory Dance

The apricot jam makes it sweet. The chili sauce gives it a little kick. They dance together in your mouth.

The bourbon adds a warm, deep flavor. You don’t taste it strongly. It just makes the sauce richer. *Fun fact:* The alcohol cooks off, leaving only the taste.

Why Simple Food Matters

You don’t need fancy things to make people happy. This recipe uses simple ingredients. But it creates a special feeling.

That is why this matters. Food is about sharing and caring. It is a way to say “I’m glad you’re here.” Do you have a simple recipe that feels special?

Let’s Talk About Sausage

Kielbasa is a smoked sausage. It is already cooked when you buy it. That makes this recipe very forgiving.

You are just heating it and letting it soak up the glaze. It is hard to mess up. Have you ever cooked with kielbasa before?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Kielbasa or smoked sausage	2 rings (14 ounces each)	Sliced into rounds
Apricot preserves	1 ¼ cups (400 g)
Chili sauce	1 jar (12 ounces)
Bourbon	2 tablespoons

A Sweet and Smoky Treat for a Cozy Day

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me for a minute. I want to share a wonderful recipe. It is for my slow cooker kielbasa. This dish is so easy and so tasty. The smell fills the whole house with a sweet and smoky promise. It always reminds me of my grandson’s hockey parties. The whole team would gobble it up! I still laugh at that. Now, let’s get your slow cooker ready. We are going to make some happy memories together.

Step 1: First, take your kielbasa rings. Slice them into little round pieces. I like mine about as thick as my pinky finger. This helps them soak up all the yummy sauce. My old wooden cutting board has seen many, many kielbasa slices. It is a happy board.

Step 2: Now, put all the sliced sausage into your slow cooker. Add the apricot preserves, the chili sauce, and the bourbon. The apricot jam makes it so sweet and shiny. (A hard-learned tip: spray the measuring cup with a little oil first. The jam will slide right out!)

Step 3: Give everything a really good stir. You want that lovely red-gold sauce to cover every single piece. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It is like a sweet, tangy hug for the sausage. Put the lid on tight.

Step 4: Turn the slow cooker to low. Let it cook for 3 to 4 hours. You can go read a book or play outside. The hardest part is waiting! What’s your favorite thing to do while dinner cooks itself? Share below! When it’s done, the sauce will be thick and bubbly. Serve it warm right from the pot.

Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer, Party Food

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It is wonderful just as it is. But it is also fun to play with! You can try different twists to make it your own. Here are a few ideas I have tried over the years. They are all simple and delicious.

Spicy Kick: Add a big spoonful of sriracha or some red pepper flakes. It gives it a nice little zing!

Fruity Swap: Use peach or pineapple preserves instead of apricot. Each one makes a different kind of sweet.

Little Smokies: Use those tiny smoked sausage links instead of sliced kielbasa. They are perfect for little hands to grab.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

Now, what to serve with your glorious kielbasa? I love to keep things simple. A big bowl of fluffy white rice is my go-to. The rice soaks up the extra sauce so nicely. Or, you can serve it with toothpicks right from the slow cooker. It is the perfect party food.

For a drink, a cold apple cider is just right. It cuts through the sweetness. For the grown-ups, a cold lager beer is a classic pairing. It is crisp and refreshing. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Kielbasa Cozy

Let’s talk about storing this tasty dish. It keeps well in the fridge for about four days. Just pop it in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

I love making a double batch for busy weeks. It saves so much time. I once forgot to label my freezer container. My husband thought it was a strange new dessert! This is why labeling matters. It saves you from surprise dinners.

Reheating is simple. Warm it in a pan on the stove. You can also use the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your glaze too thin? Just take the lid off the slow cooker. Let it cook for another twenty minutes. The extra liquid will bubble away. This makes a thicker, stickier sauce.

Is the dish too sweet for you? Add a tablespoon of mustard next time. I remember when I first made this. My grandson said it was like candy! Balancing flavors matters. It makes the dish more interesting for your whole family.

Worried about the bourbon? Do not be. The alcohol cooks off. You are left with a wonderful, warm flavor. Fun fact: The slow cooking process evaporates the alcohol. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Kielbasa Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Check your chili sauce and kielbasa labels. Many brands are safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Yes! Assemble it in the slow cooker insert. Keep it in the fridge overnight.

Q: What can I use instead of bourbon? A: Use apple juice. It adds a little sweetness.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Use a large slow cooker. The cooking time stays the same.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Which tip will you try first?

Until Next Time, Happy Cooks

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. It always brings everyone to the table. I love hearing your kitchen stories too.

Share your creations with me. A picture of your dinner makes my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

I am so glad we cooked together today. Happy cooking!

—Fiona Brooks.