Crock Pot Chicken Sausage Bites, with Apples, Pears, and Cheddar
Created by Kchurchill5 on September 15, 2013
- Servings: 16
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 3-5h
- Recipe #10539
Ingredients
- Baguette bread (one loaf, sliced and toasted or not)
- 8 to 12 ounces cheddar cheese, sliced (I like a variety of white, and a sharp orange cheddar)
- SAUSAGE, ONIONS, APPLES & PEARS
- 12 chicken sausage links (chicken sage sausage links, There are many brands to choose from these days; I like a chicken/apple, chicken/sage, or a chicken/herb sausage if possible)
- 3 granny smith apples (peeled and rough chopped)
- 3 pears (peeled and rough chopped, use a firm pear like a Bosc)
- 1 onion, large (diced)
- 1/2 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
- 1/3 cup amber or dark beer (chicken broth can be substituted, but the taste will be different)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey (a bit more if the fruit isn't too sweet)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (spicy brown mustard)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
How to Make
-
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!
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 (264.7 g)
- Calories 243.2
- Total Fat - 8.9 g
- Saturated Fat - 4.8 g
- Cholesterol - 162.7 mg
- Sodium - 434.9 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 23.9 g
- Dietary Fiber - 4.1 g
- Sugars - 16.1 g
- Protein - 17.4 g
- Calcium - 285.3 mg
- Iron - 1.7 mg
- Vitamin C - 8.8 mg
- Thiamin - 0.1 mg