Sweet-And-Spicy Sausage Bites (Print Version)
Smoky sausage bites coated with a spicy, sweet bourbon glaze for a bold, flavor-packed Southern inspired dish.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 Tbsp canola oil
02 -
2 lb spicy hickory-smoked sausage, sliced diagonally into 1 1/2-inch-thick pieces (about 6 cups) (e.g., Conecuh)
03 -
1/2 cup pure cane syrup (e.g., Steen's)
04 -
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
05 -
1/4 cup ketchup
06 -
1/4 cup bourbon
07 -
2 Tbsp spicy brown mustard
08 -
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 -
1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
# Steps:
01 -
Heat canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining sausage.
02 -
Pour drippings into a small heatproof bowl and set aside to cool before discarding. Do not wipe the skillet clean. In a medium bowl, whisk together cane syrup, brown sugar, ketchup, bourbon, spicy mustard, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
03 -
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 -
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir until coated with the sauce. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until heated through, about 1 minute.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
For an alcohol-free version, substitute the bourbon with additional apple cider vinegar or chicken broth.
02 -
To make the sausage easier to slice, chill it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting.