Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Sausage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the kielbasa into 1-inch rounds.
*Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, try the hasselback method! Place each kielbasa piece flat on a cutting board and rest a chopstick on either side. Slice down into 1/4-inch sections; the chopsticks will stop the knife from cutting all the way through. This creates accordion-like pieces that hold more of the delicious glaze.*
2. Make the Glaze
In a large baking dish (big enough to hold the kielbasa in a single layer), combine the brown sugar, ketchup, and horseradish. Add the sliced kielbasa and stir until every piece is thoroughly coated.
3. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 60-90 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
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For a saucier bite: Bake for around 60 minutes.
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For a stickier, chewier glaze with browned edges: Bake for the full 90 minutes. The glaze will thicken and cling to the sausage.
4. Serve
Once the glaze is thick and bubbly and the kielbasa is cooked to your liking, remove the dish from the oven. Serve immediately, straight from the dish or on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Recipe Tips & Notes
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Spice Level: Control the kick by adjusting the horseradish. Start with 2 tablespoons for mild heat or add up to 1/3 cup for a strong punch.
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Keeping Warm: For parties, transfer the finished bites to a slow cooker set to “Warm” to keep the glaze perfectly gooey.
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Doneness Test: The sauce is ready when it’s thick and sticky, not runny. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Delicious Variations
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Maple Kissed: Substitute 1/2 cup of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
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Smoky BBQ: Replace the ketchup with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce.
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Tropical Twist: Add 1 cup of drained pineapple chunks to the baking dish for a sweet and tangy flavor.
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Fiery Kick: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce with the other glaze ingre
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