Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like how easy these bites are to prepare—I only need a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes. The teriyaki, sweet chili sauce, and honey create a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, while the pineapple adds a burst of freshness. They’re simple enough for a weeknight snack but impressive enough for parties, potlucks, or holiday spreads.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
14 oz. beef Kielbasa, sliced into chunks
20 oz. can pineapple chunks, reserve juice
For the glaze:
3 Tbsp. Teriyaki sauce
1 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce
1 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. pineapple juice from can
For garnish:
plain toothpicks
Directions
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I soak the toothpicks in water for about 20 minutes before baking to prevent burning.
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I preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I place a slice of kielbasa on the baking sheet, then top each with a pineapple chunk.
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I whisk together the teriyaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey, and pineapple juice to make the glaze.
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I brush the glaze over the kielbasa and pineapple bites, then insert a plain toothpick into each piece.
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I bake them for 15–20 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
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I let them cool slightly before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 24 bites. It takes about 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking, for a total of 25 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the teriyaki sauce for soy sauce mixed with ginger for a slightly different flavor. If I want extra spice, I stir a bit of sriracha into the glaze. For a tropical twist, I use fresh pineapple instead of canned.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 350°F until hot, which helps keep the glaze sticky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble them a few hours in advance, then glaze and bake just before serving.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, I just cut it into chunks, though I lose the reserved juice for the glaze.
What kind of kielbasa works best?
Beef kielbasa works perfectly here for a rich, smoky flavor.
Do I need to soak the toothpicks?
Yes, soaking prevents them from burning in the oven.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, I cook them at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, checking for caramelization.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage also taste great in this recipe.
How do I keep the glaze from burning?
I make sure not to get glaze on the exposed part of the toothpicks, since it burns easily.
Can I make these without toothpicks?
Yes, I arrange them as stacks on a baking sheet, but toothpicks make serving easier.
Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, I freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven until hot.
What can I serve with these?
I like pairing them with other finger foods like cheese platters, sliders, or veggie trays.
Conclusion
I love making glazed kielbasa pineapple bites because they’re simple, flavorful, and always a hit at parties. The sweet and savory combination is irresistible, and the sticky glaze makes them extra delicious. They’re quick to prepare, fun to eat, and perfect for any gathering.
