Looking for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic smoked sausage? These BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages are bold, sweet, smoky, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick dish that packs a punch, this recipe delivers in under 30 minutes! With juicy kielbasa sliced into crispy caramelized bites and slathered in a sticky BBQ glaze, this one’s a keeper—especially when the kids are begging for seconds!
We served these up for a casual backyard get-together recently, and I didn’t even get the chance to sit down—my husband and Ariya kept sneaking bites right off the pan before I could bring it to the table. That’s how you know a recipe’s a hit.
Backyard BBQ Bar Idea
Want to turn these Hasselback Sausages into a full-on party station? Set up a DIY BBQ sausage bar with all the fixings and let guests build their own flavor combos! Here are a few topping ideas to get you started:
- Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack
- Diced onions or pickled red onions
- Jalapeño slices or banana peppers
- Crumbled bacon
- BBQ sauce, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or ranch
- Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley
Place the grilled sausages on a platter and surround them with bowls of toppings. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd and turn dinner into an interactive experience—perfect for summer cookouts or family gatherings!
What Are BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages?
BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages are a spin on the traditional Hasselback technique (usually used on potatoes), where food is sliced partially through to create pockets for flavor and texture. In this case, kielbasa or smoked sausage links are sliced into chunks and then notched to hold all that bold BBQ glaze.
As they bake, the BBQ sauce mixture caramelizes between the cuts, creating crispy little ridges and super juicy centers. It’s part appetizer, part main dish, and fully addictive.
When to Serve BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages
These are versatile enough to fit any kind of gathering or weeknight dinner:
- Game day snacks – Serve them with toothpicks on a platter and let everyone dig in.
- Cookout sides – Pair with burgers, ribs, or grilled chicken.
- Weeknight dinner – Serve with mac and cheese or roasted potatoes for a full meal.
- Potluck favorite – They reheat well, and everyone will want the recipe!
We even brought these to a block party and they disappeared in minutes—Ariya thought they looked like “BBQ sausage caterpillars” and made up a whole story while munching away. 😂
Why You’ll Love These
- Fast and easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven.
- Minimal ingredients – Everything’s pantry-friendly and quick to grab.
- Kid-approved – Sweet, sticky, and smoky is a winning combo.
- Perfect for gatherings – They look fancy but take no effort.
- Versatile serving – Serve alone, over rice, with pasta, or even on buns.
Plus, the smell alone while these are baking is enough to bring the whole family into the kitchen asking, “What’s that?!”
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s break down what goes into this flavor-packed dish:
- Kielbasa or Smoked Sausages (2 packages, 14 oz each) – You can use beef, pork, turkey, or even plant-based versions. Kielbasa has a hearty bite and a classic smoky flavor.
- BBQ Sauce (¾ cup) – Use your favorite brand or homemade. Sweet and smoky varieties work best here.
- Brown Sugar (3 tablespoons) – Adds depth and caramelizes while baking.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon) – A tangy kick to balance the sweet BBQ sauce.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds a subtle savory layer that enhances everything.
Optional: Add a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy!
Variations
Make it your own with these easy variations:
- Spicy Kick – Add ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne to the sauce.
- Maple Twist – Swap brown sugar for 2 tbsp maple syrup.
- Honey BBQ – Use honey-based BBQ sauce and drizzle extra honey on top before baking.
- Cheesy Sausages – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the sausages before the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Grilled Version – Instead of baking, cook on the grill over medium heat using a grill pan or foil, brushing with glaze as they cook.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you run into any hiccups, here’s how to fix them:
- Sausages are drying out – Check your oven temp or bake for a few minutes less.
- Slices won’t stay together – Be careful not to slice all the way through. Use wooden chopsticks on each side while cutting to avoid going too deep.
- Too sweet or not enough flavor – Adjust the balance of brown sugar and mustard in the glaze to suit your taste.
- Glaze sliding off – Make sure sausages are dry before brushing them with sauce.
Fun Party Twist: Turn Them Into Mini Sausage Skewers
Want to make these more portable for game day, parties, or potlucks? Try threading each sliced sausage chunk onto small skewers or toothpicks after baking. Not only does this make them easier to grab and go, but they look amazing on a serving platter.
You can even alternate the sausage pieces with mini roasted peppers or pickles for a colorful presentation. For younger kids, toothpick-style sausage “pops” make dinner feel like a snack, and my daughter Ariya thinks they’re more fun to eat this way—especially if she gets her favorite honey mustard to dip them in.
This little serving tweak turns a simple sheet pan of sausages into something party-worthy with zero extra effort.
Storage and Serving Tips
Storage:
Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 30–45 seconds covered.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
- Air fryer: 370°F for 5 minutes for a crispier bite!
Serving Ideas:
- Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
- Over mashed potatoes or mac & cheese.
- Sliced into a grilled hoagie bun for an epic sandwich.
- With roasted veggies or baked beans for a full meal.
What to Serve with BBQ Hasselback Sausages (Plus How to Make It a Full Meal)
While these sweet and smoky sausages are incredible on their own, pairing them with the right sides can easily turn this into a full, satisfying meal. Whether you’re keeping things casual or want to make dinner feel more special, here are a few favorite serving ideas:
- Mac & Cheese – A creamy, cheesy mac pairs perfectly with the sticky BBQ glaze.
- Baked Beans – Smoky-sweet beans bring a cozy, cookout-style vibe.
- Coleslaw – Adds crunch and a little tang to balance the richness.
- Cornbread or Biscuits – Ideal for soaking up all that leftover sauce.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Especially great during summer months.
- Roasted Potatoes or Fries – Crispy edges + saucy sausage = match made in heaven.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – Slice up the sausages and layer them over a base for a hearty dinner bowl.
Pro Tip: You can even slice up the sausages and toss them into pasta or serve them inside hoagie rolls with melted cheese and extra BBQ drizzle for a smoky sandwich night. When I served them with baked mac one night, James went back for thirds and said, “This is dangerous.” 😂
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make-Ahead:
Slice and sauce the sausages ahead of time and store them in a covered dish in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Great for party prep!
Freezing:
Yes, you can freeze them!
- After baking: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
FAQ – BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Andouille, chicken sausage, or even vegan sausage will work—just pick a firm variety that holds its shape.
Can I make these on the grill instead of in the oven?
Absolutely. Place foil on the grill grates and cook over medium heat, flipping once and brushing with extra glaze. Cook for about 6–8 minutes total.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this?
A thick, sweet-style BBQ sauce works best so it sticks in all those slices. We like hickory or brown sugar-based sauces.
How do I prevent cutting too deep when slicing?
Place chopsticks or skewers on either side of the sausage chunks while cutting. This stops the knife before going all the way through.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes! Just use a second baking sheet and rotate pans halfway through if cooking all at once.
Do these get crispy in the oven?
Yes—especially on the edges where the sauce caramelizes. If you want them extra crispy, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Definitely. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes in batches, flipping halfway. Just make sure they fit comfortably in the basket.
Build-Your-Own BBQ Sausage Dipping Bar (Perfect for Parties!)
One of the most fun ways to serve these BBQ Hasselback Sausages—especially if you’re hosting—is to turn them into a DIY dipping bar. Just bake the sausages, slice them, and set out a variety of dipping sauces in small ramekins or cups. Everyone can try different combos and pick their favorites!
Here are some great dip ideas to include:
- Classic Ranch – Creamy and cooling next to the smoky glaze.
- Spicy Honey Mustard – A sweet-spicy kick that works beautifully with sausage.
- Chipotle Mayo – Adds a smoky, creamy heat.
- Maple BBQ – Double down on that sweet caramelized flavor.
- Garlic Aioli – For a rich, savory dip with a little tang.
- Buffalo Sauce – For guests who like it hot!
This idea works especially well for family gatherings, football Sundays, or holidays where you’ve got a mix of guests and want something interactive. Plus, it makes even a simple sausage dish feel like a festive appetizer spread—especially when paired with sliders, wings, and finger foods.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages are the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, crowd-pleasing, quick to prep, and wildly flavorful. Whether you’re throwing a backyard party, looking for something different on game day, or just want a no-fuss dinner that makes everyone happy, this one’s going into the regular rotation. I love how customizable they are, and how my kids treat them like finger food even when I try to make it part of dinner.
Trust me—once you make them, you’ll be finding every excuse to add them to the menu.
More Party Food Ideas
- Classic Cheeseburger Sliders
- Marinated Beef Kabobs
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Lil Smokies
- Texas Twinkies
BBQ Hasselback Smoked Sausages
Ingredients
- 2 14 oz packages of kielbasa or smoked sausages
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Mix together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, dijon and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Slice sausages into large chunks, and then divide each cut into thirds without slicing all the way through to create the hassleback look.
- Brush each sausage slice with the sauce.
- Place basted sausages onto a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Serve immediately, enjoy!
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