Oh man! I put this recipe together for a gathering, and people devoured it instantly.

 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Create the Hasselback Cuts:

• Slice the kielbasa into 2-3 inch long sections.

• Place each section flat on a cutting board, resting between two chopsticks or the handles of wooden spoons. The chopsticks will act as a guide, preventing you from cutting all the way through.

• Make thin, parallel slices along the top of each kielbasa piece, about ¼-inch apart.

3. Make the Maple BBQ Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth and well combined.

4. Glaze and Arrange:

• Arrange the Hasselback kielbasa pieces on the prepared baking sheet.

• Using a pastry brush, generously coat each piece with the glaze, making sure to get the glaze in between the slices.

5. Bake to Perfection:

• Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, basting the bites with the remaining glaze halfway through the cooking time.

• They are done when the edges are crisp and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

6. Serve:

• Let the kielbasa bites cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

 Pro-Tips:

• Easy Slicing: Ensure your knife is sharp for clean, easy cuts through the sausage.

• Extra Flavor: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main dish over rice, creamy polenta, or with a side of roasted vegetables.

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