Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Kielbasa Bites
01 -
2 rings (13.9 ounces each) Kielbasa smoked sausage
→ For the Mustard Sauce
02 -
¼ cup course ground Dijon mustard
03 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
04 -
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
05 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
→ For the Dipping Sauce
06 -
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
07 -
Half of the prepared mustard sauce mixture
→ For Garnish
08 -
Fresh parsley, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab your rings of kielbasa and place one between two chopsticks or wooden skewers on your cutting board. These will act as guides to prevent you from cutting all the way through the sausage. Using a sharp knife, make ¼-inch slices downward into the kielbasa, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks. This creates that fancy hasselback effect. Repeat with the second ring of kielbasa.
02 -
Once you've hasselback-sliced the entire rings, cut the kielbasa crosswise into approximately 1-inch sections (each section should contain about 3 slices). You'll end up with around 20 bite-sized pieces from each ring, for a total of about 40 bites. Place all these little gems in a large bowl or on a baking sheet.
03 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the coarse ground Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This tangy-sweet sauce is going to bring everything together. Once mixed, divide this mustard mixture equally into two separate bowls.
04 -
Take one of the bowls of mustard mixture and stir in the mayonnaise until smooth and well-blended. This creates your creamy dipping sauce. Cover this and pop it in the refrigerator while you finish preparing the kielbasa bites.
05 -
Take the second bowl of mustard sauce and pour or brush about half of it over your kielbasa bites. Make sure to get some sauce in between all those little hasselback cuts - that's where the flavor magic happens! Set aside the remaining sauce for later.
06 -
Arrange your sauced kielbasa bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through cooking. You're looking for the bites to be nicely browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
07 -
Once cooked, transfer the hot kielbasa bites to a serving platter. Immediately brush or drizzle the remaining mustard sauce over them, making sure to get some in those hasselback cuts that have opened up even more during cooking.
08 -
Sprinkle the bites with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them warm alongside your chilled creamy mustard dipping sauce. Watch them disappear in minutes!
# Notes:
01 -
These Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites can also be baked in the oven at 425°F for 18-20 minutes if you don't have an air fryer.
02 -
The hasselback technique allows the sauce to penetrate deeper into the sausage while creating more surface area for delicious caramelization.
03 -
For easier slicing, you can freeze the kielbasa for about 15 minutes before cutting - this firms it up without freezing it solid.