Dad’s Famous Sweet and Sour Kielbasa

Dad’s Famous Sweet and Sour Kielbasa will be the hit at any gathering. With just 4 ingredients, this is one of the simplest appetizers to make and also the most requested for every party. 

This sweet and sour kielbasa appetizer was something my Dad brought to every family party. It was the first dish people scooped on their plate and frankly, hoarded. My parents taught me to never arrive empty-handed when invited to someone’s house and this is the perfect appetizer to bring for any gathering. Food is always welcomed and appreciated and since this is super simple to prepare, there’s no excuse.

Everyone has their signature dish and this was my Dad’s. He’s been making this for as long as I can remember.  It amazes me how something so simple can bring everyone who tries it to ooh and aah and then ask, “What is that?” Me, somewhat annoyed, would answer that it’s my Dad’s sweet and sour kielbasa.

I probably have a bit of an attitude about this dish because it was the first thing people ran for at the party. Ok, quickly walked towards and not ran. How can such a simple dish where you basically cut the kielbasa and throw everything in a crockpot (affiliate link), set it, and forget it, make people crazy? Silly me would make a dish that required way more effort. I would unknowingly make a face and Dad would look over at me and start to laugh. 

Now that I lost my Dad, I will make this dish and continue the family tradition. People will still flock over to the crockpot oohing and ahhing but I will no longer be annoyed. Instead, I will smile because this dish reminds me of him and I bet he’s still laughing at me. I miss you Dad.

The ingredients for this dish are simple: kielbasa, duck sauce (affiliate link), pineapple, and maraschino cherries. I try to use wholesome ingredients and I know the duck sauce and cherries aren’t wholesome by any means. But, this appetizer is such a hit, I had to share it with you.

Make this dish at your next gathering. Perfect for anyone who claims they can’t cook. I mean if you can’t pop open a can and a few jars and slice some kielbasa, well then…

By the way, don’t waste that pineapple juice. Enjoy it or use it to make my pineapple crush smoothie.

Try some of my other appetizers for your next gathering. Strawberry Basil Brie Bites is probably one of the easiest apps to prepare and they are so good! Want another one? Try Bacon Wrapped Dates with Almonds – YUM! There’s always my port wine cheese ball or New England bean dip which are also party favorites.

Life is too short for mediocre food.

Dad’s Famous Sweet and Sour Kielbasa

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Dad’s Famous Sweet and Sour Kielbasa will be the hit at any gathering. With just 4 ingredients, this is one of the simplest appetizers to make and also the most requested for every party. My Dad would cook it before going to bed and let it cook all night on low - about 8 hours. The kielbasa melts in your mouth. The cooking time listed below is for a firmer texture. If you want it softer similar to how my Dad made it, double the time on low and set it and forget it.

Serves 12+.

Course: Appetizer, Party

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Sweet and Sour Kielbasa

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Servings: 12

Author: Natalie

Ingredients

• 3 pounds kielbasa cut in ½” slices
• 2 (10 ounce) jars maraschino cherries, drained
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in real juice (not syrup)
• 1 (40 ounce) jar duck sauce recommended: Dai Day

Instructions

• Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice for another use or to drink. It’s 100% pineapple juice and a shame to waste it.
• Combine all the ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The longer you cook it, the softer the kielbasa becomes.
• Serve and enjoy.

Did you make this recipe? I would love to see how it turns out. Tag me on Instagram @thegeneticchef or tag #thegeneticchef and tell me all about it!