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A vertical close-up of sliced smoked sausage and thick onion wedges inside a stainless steel slow cooker. The sausage has a dark, seared exterior and the onions are soft and translucent, all coated in a glossy, dark balsamic glaze with rising steam.

Slow Cooker Sausage & Caramelized Onion Bites

These savory sausage bites are slow-cooked alongside sweet onions and a tangy balsamic glaze. This effortless appetizer is perfect for game day or holiday hosting, delivering deep, caramelized flavor with almost no hands-on time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs smoked sausage Kielbasa or Andouille, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 large yellow onions sliced into thick wedges
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place the thick onion wedges into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Layer the sliced sausage pieces on top of the onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, and pepper.
  4. Pour the balsamic mixture over the sausages and onions.
  5. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours) until the onions are tender and caramelized.
  6. Stir the mixture gently halfway through to ensure everything is evenly coated in the glaze.
  7. Serve the sausages and onions warm directly from the pot or on a platter with toothpicks.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.