Crock Pot Chicken Sausage Bites, with Apples, Pears, and Cheddar Recipe

"This is such a great, but different type of appetizer. The sausages cook along side the onions, apples, and pears; creating this wonderful sauce (almost a warm fruit compote). Then, the sausages are thick sliced and served with toasted baguette slices, and sharp cheddar cheese. All served on a platter for those to help themselves. Some may like a bite of the cheese with the sausage; others may like the fruit with the cheese, and baguette ... or; they might like a bit of everything. It is such a great hearty appetizer - perfect for those cold Fall and Winter days. Every now and then, I have friends over for a card/game night - and, I love to serve this along side a big pot of soup and salad. It makes for an easy make ahead dinner."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Crock Pot ... Add the onions, apples, pears, sausages, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf, to a crock pot. Then, In a medium glass or microwave safe bowl; add the butter and melt on medium low heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute; add the beer, apple cider, brown sugar, honey, brown mustard, salt, and pepper; and stir to combine. Pour into the crock pot, and mix to combine all the ingredients.

Step 2

Cook ... Cover and cook on low heat for 3 1/2-5 hours. Please remember, all crock pots are different; so, keep an eye on them. My larger crock pot takes 3 1/2 hours; however, my smaller crock, takes 4 1/2+ hours. You want the fruit to really break down; that is how you will know the dish is done. Half way through the cooking period, I gave it a stir if possible.

Step 3

Baguettes and Cheese ... As the crock pot is cooking away, prepare the sides. Thin slice the bread on an angle, and toast in a 400 degree oven, until golden brown on both sides. I often serve some of the bread toasted; and some not - just to give people an option. For the cheese, simply slice.

Step 4

Sausages and Fruit ... Remove the sausages from the crock pot and slice into thick rounds. Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm - and, make sure to remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.

Step 5

For the fruit; using a potato masher (or a fork), mash up the fruit and onions right in the crock pot. Then transfer to a serving bowl. You aren't looking for a 'creamy smooth' puree, just a light mash. Transfer to a small bowl, and cover to keep warm.

Step 6

Serve ... I like to serve the bowls of the fruit and sausages on a large platter surrounded with the baguette slices, other crackers, and the cheese. Now, there are a lot of ways to enjoy this. I let people just help themselves. This is perfect appetizer for a game/card; or movie night with friends. As I mentioned - a pot of soup and salad; along with this appetizer, is a perfect dinner with friends. ENJOY!