Sesame Pineapple Sausage Bites
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Delicious meets simplicity with these pineapple sausage bites. Chunks of caramelized pineapple meld with savory sausage that is coated with a sesame glaze for the perfect bite! They're savory-sweet, easy, and fun and make for a great party, holiday, or game-day appetizer. Your guests will love them!
Serve these pineapple sausage bites up next to another winning, glazy appetizer: these glazed chorizo bites are so good!
Balance is key when it comes to cooking, and these pineapple sausage bites effortlessly achieve a beautiful, contrasting bite: tangy, sweet pineapple interplays with the savory, meaty sausage. And the sesame glaze brings a little zing with balsamic vinegar and honey ā these sausage pineapple bites are sure to fly off the plate ā they're the perfect finger food!
Ingredients needed
Sausage pineapple bites call for simple ingredients that are mostly pantry staples! This is what you need:
- Polish sausage: We use Grimm's Fine Foods Polish Sausage in this recipe. Other good options are farmer's sausage, Ukrainian sausage, or any sausage that you can slice and eat!
- Sriracha:Ā Adding a little sriracha is optional, if you like a little kick!
- Other ingredients: Cooking oil, pineapple rings, honey, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Garnish: Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.
How to make pineapple sausage bites
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected gatherings pop up. These pineapple sausage bites are the perfect solution for throwing together a quick appetizer. They're so delicious that you wouldn't guess they were a last-minute solution. This is what you do:
- Sausage: Take one-inch slices of sausage and brown them in a skillet on both sides. While they sizzle, make a quick sauce by combining the reserved juice from the can of pineapples with honey, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and (if using) sriracha.
- Pineapple: Cut the rings into quarters. When the sausages come out of the pan, put the pineapple in to caramelize it on either side, then take them out.
- Cook: Add the sausages back in, then pour in the glaze! Let it boil until the glaze thickens to coat the sausages.
- Assemble: The next step is up to you! You can either add the pineapple pieces back to the pan, toss to coat everything, and serve OR if you want to make skewers, thread them onto toothpicks.
Tips for making pineapple sausage bites
Pineapple and sausage bites are super easy and straightforward to make. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Caramelizing: Letting your sausage brown up and your pineapple caramelize will add loads of flavor! Be sure to flip them while they caramelize so you get the bonus flavor on both sides.
- Pineapple: We find quartering pineapple rings to create the perfect size, but you can also use pineapple chunks in a pinch. If you're willing to cut up a fresh pineapple, you can certainly do that too, using some of the fresh pineapple juice in the glaze.
- Flavor play: Feel free to play with the flavors for slightly different tastes. Adding a little bit of pepper, garlic, allspice, or ginger to the glaze will create a little bit more depth or add a fun twist.
- Serving: Our recipe provides two serving suggestions ā you can either throw everything into a bowl, or serve them on toothpicks!
What to serve with pineapple sausage bites
Pineapple sausage bites can be served as an appetizer or snack, a game day nibble, or as a fun, savory-sweet addition to a holiday cheese board!
Enjoy them as an opener to a dinner ā they work well with Asian mains, like Asian stir fry noodles, teriyaki stir fry, pineapple fried rice, or sesame orange chicken.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead and serve at room temperature?
Yes! Just try not to serve them straight out of the fridge because they are not their best when cold.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Sure thing! You can alter the flavor by using other sausage links to suit your taste preferences. Pork, chicken, turkey, or beef sausages will all work. Use chorizo if you'd like a bit of a spicier bite! Just pay attention to whether or not the sausage is pre-cooked and note that cooking times will vary.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Can I use a vegetarian sausage?
Sure, a vegetarian sausage will work with these flavors, too. Cooking times may vary, so be sure to check the preparation details on the label.
Pineapple Sausage Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- 10 ounces Polish sausage (cut into 1-inch slices ā see notes)
- 14 ounce can of pineapple rings
- 2 tablespoons EACH: honey and sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon EACH: balsamic vinegar and soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds (to serve)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring the sausage bites occasionally, until they are brown on both sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan.1 teaspoon cooking oil, 10 ounces Polish sausage
- While the sausages are cooking, prepare the glaze. Drain the pineapple juice from the can into a small bowl. Whisk in the honey, sesame oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and (if using) the sriracha.14 ounce can of pineapple rings, 2 tablespoons EACH: honey and sesame oil, 1 tablespoon EACH: balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha
- Cut the pineapple rings into quarters. When sausage bites come out of the pan put the pineapple in. Cook the pineapple pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned and starting to caramelize. Remove the pineapple from the pan.
- Put the sausages back into the pan and pour in the glaze. Bring the pan to a boil and boil rapidly until the glaze thickens enough to coat the sausage bites, about 3-4 minutes.
- Either add the pineapple pieces back into the pan, toss gently, then transfer the sausage bites and pineapple to a bowl to serve OR skewer one piece of pineapple and one sausage bite on a toothpick and plate on a platter. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and a little cilantro on top and serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our appetizer recipes!
I love an old favourite of mine Sour Cream and Onion soup mix! Yummy! š
OMG I literally just said I was craving that 5 minutes ago! Great minds think alike!
I love cold meats and veggies.
Such a great combo!
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Now I’m curious about your famous spinach dip recipe! I want to try it!
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Classic and always delicious!
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Mmm that sounds good!
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So nice and fresh!
this looks delicious! I’m such a fan of this blog, everything I have cooked form here so far has been exquisite and my family loved it too! and they are so hard to please!
Thank you so much! So happy you and your family are enjoying the recipes here!
I love spinach dip in bread.
Yes to spinach dip!!
MMM crackers and cheese!
Can’t go wrong with the classics!
Do you think it’s an option to leave out the honey – I have so many friends that don’t eat sugar, dairy, etc……
I haven’t tried it without the honey but I suspect it would still turn out great. The pineapple juice has a lot of natural sugars so it should still thicken to a sticky glaze. š