Sausage Pineapple Bites are a tasty and fun appetizer! These little snacks combine juicy sausage with sweet pineapple, making every bite a delicious burst of flavor.
They’re super easy to make—just skewer the sausage and pineapple, pop them in the oven, and enjoy! I love serving them at parties; they always disappear fast! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Italian sausage is a favorite for its flavor, but feel free to switch it up. Turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage can work well if you’re looking for lighter or vegetarian options.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best taste and texture. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) can be used, but make sure to drain it well!
Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative if needed. Coconut aminos can also substitute soy sauce for a different flavor profile, ideal if you’re watching sodium intake.
Honey or Brown Sugar: If you prefer a healthier option, agave syrup or maple syrup works beautifully as a sweetener here.
How Do I Ensure Perfect Glazing on the Sausage?
The key to a good glaze is patience. When you add the sausage to the sauce, make sure to stir well to coat each piece. Let it cook for 2-3 extra minutes so the sauce can thicken and stick effectively to the sausage.
- Cook sausage until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Use medium heat when mixing in the sauce—you want it hot enough to caramelize, but not boiling.
This will give you that lovely sticky coating that mixes perfectly with the pineapple!
How Do I Assemble and Bake the Bites Properly?
Assembling is super simple! Start with your pineapple base, ensuring it’s sturdy, then top each piece with the glazed sausage. This layering creates a perfect bite!
- Use sharp toothpicks to hold everything together—this helps during baking too.
- Bake only until heated through and flavors meld—8-10 minutes is plenty!
This will help you maintain juicy sausage and tender pineapple while achieving a delightful, warm snack. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
How to Make Sausage Pineapple Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz sausage (Italian or your favorite kind), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into small chunks or rings
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (for cooking sausage)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for glazing)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
For Assembly and Garnish:
- Toothpicks for assembling
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 10 minutes to bake. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll have these delicious bites ready to enjoy! Perfect for a quick appetizer or party snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the bites will cook evenly. While the oven is heating up, gather your ingredients and cut your sausage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to make sure they brown evenly.
3. Create the Glaze:
While the sausage is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). This will give your sausage a delicious, sticky coating!
4. Glaze the Sausage:
Once the sausage is cooked, add it to the bowl with the glaze. Stir well to coat all the sausage pieces evenly. Let them cook in the glaze for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
5. Assemble the Bites:
On a baking dish or baking sheet, place the pineapple chunks or rings. If you chose rings, feel free to cut them into halves or quarters to make them easy to bite into. Next, place one glazed sausage piece on top of each pineapple piece.
6. Secure with Toothpicks:
Using toothpicks, secure each sausage and pineapple bite together. This will help keep everything in place when you bake them.
7. Bake:
Put your assembled bites in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. This will warm everything through and meld the flavors beautifully.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for a pop of flavor and color. Serve these warm, and watch them disappear!
These sweet and savory sausage pineapple bites are sure to impress! Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍍🌭
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, follow the cooking instructions as usual.
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven right before serving for a warm and delicious appetizer.
How Should I Store Leftover Sausage Pineapple Bites?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
What Can I Pair With Sausage Pineapple Bites?
These bites are perfect on their own, but for a complete appetizer spread, consider pairing them with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard or a tangy BBQ sauce. They also go great with a fresh salad or a platter of vegetables!