Slow Cooker Pineapple Sausage
Description
Slow Cooker Pineapple Sausage combines smoky sausage with sweet pineapple in a rich glaze made from brown sugar, garlic, and savory sauces. As everything slow cooks together, the flavors blend beautifully into a sweet-and-savory dish with tender sausage bites and juicy pineapple pieces. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Sauce
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Slice sausage into bite-sized rounds.
Drain pineapple if using canned pineapple.
Step 2: Make Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Step 3: Add to Slow Cooker
Place sausage, pineapple chunks, and onions into the slow cooker.
Pour sauce over everything and stir gently.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4–5 hours
or - HIGH for 2–3 hours
until heated through and flavors are blended.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice.
Notes
- Smoked sausage gives the best flavor.
- Pineapple adds natural sweetness and balances the savory sausage.
- Sauce thickens slightly during cooking.
- This recipe works great for parties and gatherings.
Tips
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Add bell peppers for more color and texture.
- Stir occasionally if possible for even coating.
- Serve with toothpicks for appetizer-style serving.
- For thicker sauce, remove lid during last 20 minutes.
Servings
- Serves: 6–8 people
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 920mg
Benefits
Easy Slow Cooker Meal
Minimal prep with hands-off cooking.
Sweet & Savory Flavor
Perfect balance of smoky sausage and sweet pineapple.
Great for Entertaining
Perfect party appetizer or potluck dish.
Family Friendly
Simple flavors loved by kids and adults.
Versatile Serving Options
Serve over rice, noodles, or as finger food.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in microwave or stovetop until heated through.
Q&A
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple gives even brighter flavor.
What sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage all work well.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes, use spicy sausage or add chili flakes.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer for about 20–25 minutes.
What sides pair well?
Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or noodles.
Can I use sugar-free barbecue sauce?
Yes, for a lower-sugar version.
Is this good for parties?
Yes, it’s a popular appetizer and easy to keep warm in the slow cooker.