Name: BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 28 ounces (2 14-ounce packages) skinless smoked sausage, sliced into 1 inch pieces (Eckrich brand recommended); 1½ cups BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 129 reviews

If you’re looking for a snack that’s super easy and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, this BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how these little bites come out—juicy sausage chunks smothered in rich, tangy BBQ sauce that caramelizes just right in the oven. It’s the kind of appetizer that vanishes before you know it, whether it’s a game day party, casual get-together, or even just an easy weeknight treat.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to pull off something so flavorful with just two ingredients. You don’t need to fuss with complicated steps or special equipment, and the result is a warm, comforting finger food everyone will go crazy for. Plus, you can easily double or halve the batch depending on your crowd size, making this BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe super flexible and fuss-free.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need smoked sausage and BBQ sauce, which are easy to find and prep.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once in the oven, the dish mostly takes care of itself with occasional stirring.
Perfect Party Appetizer: These bite-sized sausages disappear fast at gatherings – they’re that addicting.
Customizable Flavor: Swap BBQ sauces to suit your taste, from sweet to smoky and spicy.

BBQ Sausage Bites, easy sausage appetizers, party finger foods, crowd-pleasing snack recipes, oven-baked sausage bites The image shows many small, round pieces of food covered in a thick, shiny red sauce. Each piece is a deep reddish-brown color with a smooth, glossy texture. A silver spoon holds a few pieces up in the middle of the image, showing the sauce glistening on their surfaces. The pieces are closely packed together, filling the frame with a rich, warm color. The background is a white marbled texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe shines with just two main ingredients working beautifully together. Choosing a good quality smoked sausage and your favorite BBQ sauce really makes the difference here.

Skinless Smoked Sausage: I usually go with Eckrich because it’s flavorful and slices easily into bite-sized pieces.
BBQ Sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s is my go-to, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce to tweak the flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to fit your mood or dietary needs. You can get creative with different sausages or sauces, and even add some extras if you like.

Spicy Variation: Add a splash of hot sauce or swap the BBQ sauce for a spicy chipotle version – it really wakes things up!
Sweet Touch: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with the BBQ sauce for a subtle sweetness that balances smoky flavors.
Vegetarian Option: Try substituting smoked tofu or plant-based sausage and your favorite BBQ sauce for a meatless twist.
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving to add freshness and color.

How to Make BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I recommend lining or spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so those BBQ-coated sausages don’t stick and cleanup is easier. While the oven warms, slice your smoked sausage into roughly 1-inch pieces; this size makes perfect bite-sized snacks that cook evenly.

Step 2: Combine Sausage and BBQ Sauce

Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss the sausage pieces with the BBQ sauce until they’re completely coated. Don’t be shy with the sauce here – it’s what gives these bites that irresistible glaze that everyone will be reaching for. You’ll find that this step is quick and messy-free, which is always a win.

Step 3: Bake and Stir

Spread the coated sausage evenly in your prepared baking dish so they cook uniformly. Pop the dish into the oven uncovered for about 45 minutes. Here’s a trick I learned the hard way: pause every 15 minutes to give the sausage bites a good stir. This helps the sauce reduce nicely and keeps everything from sticking or drying out.

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Pro Tips for Making BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe

Choosing the Sausage: I prefer smoked sausage without casing for an easier bite and better sauce coverage.
Sauce Consistency Matters: If your BBQ sauce is too thin, try simmering it briefly before mixing with sausage to thicken it up.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring every 15 minutes avoids burnt spots and ensures even caramelization.
Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking can dry out the sausage, so set a timer and keep an eye on that bubbly sauce.

How to Serve BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe

BBQ Sausage Bites, easy sausage appetizers, party finger foods, crowd-pleasing snack recipes, oven-baked sausage bites The image shows a white cup filled with smooth, dark brown sauce. On top of the sauce, there is a shiny, reddish-brown piece of food held by a toothpick. Around the cup, on a white plate with a white marbled texture background, there are more small shiny pieces of the same reddish-brown food, some with toothpicks stuck in them. In the background, there is a blurred silver tray containing more of the reddish-brown pieces. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the sauce and the food.

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the smoky richness. Sometimes I add a little sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for extra indulgence, and trust me, it’s always a hit.

Side Dishes

For parties, I like to serve these with crunchy veggie sticks like celery and carrot, or some creamy coleslaw for contrast. If you want to make a meal out of it, pair these bites with buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

One time for a casual backyard BBQ, I served these in mini slider buns with pickles and extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top—everyone loved the handheld mini sandwiches! You could also thread the sausage bites onto skewers with peppers and onions for a fun twist that’s perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the party, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to reheat them gently so the sauce stays nice and saucy without drying out the sausage.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sausage bites before by popping cooled portions into freezer-safe bags. They hold up well for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it can make the sausage a bit chewy, and the sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use sausage with casing for this BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use sausage with casing, but I find that skinless or casing-removed sausage absorbs the BBQ sauce better, making each bite more flavorful and less chewy. If using sausage with casing, consider slicing thinner or slicing diagonally for easier eating.
What if I want to make this BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe in a slow cooker?

You can absolutely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by combining the sausage and BBQ sauce in the vessel and cooking on low for 2-3 hours. Just stir occasionally, and be mindful that the sauce may be less caramelized but will still taste delicious and juicy.
Can I make this recipe with homemade BBQ sauce?

Definitely! Homemade BBQ sauce works wonderfully and gives you full control over flavor. Just ensure your sauce is thick enough to cling to the sausage or simmer to thicken before mixing.
How spicy are these BBQ Sausage Bites?

The base recipe isn’t very spicy since it uses a mild-sweet BBQ sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by choosing a spicy sauce or adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this BBQ Sausage Bites Recipe enough when you want to whip up something fast that’s both comforting and impressive. It’s been my go-to snack for potlucks and family movie nights, where it never fails to get compliments and requests for “just one more.” Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and the deliciousness that follows. Trust me, once you’ve made these, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.