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Easy Smoked Sausage and Pretzel Bite Skewers

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These smoked sausage and pretzel bite skewers are the ultimate tailgate food—salty, smoky, and chewy, with a tangy honey mustard dip that makes them disappear before the first quarter ends. Ready in under 20 minutes with just five ingredients, they’re perfect for game day or any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12-14 oz) package fully cooked smoked sausage (e.g., Johnsonville or Hillshire Farm beef or turkey smoked sausage)
  • 1 (10 oz) package pretzel bites (e.g., Superpretzel brand)
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)
  • 1/2 cup whole grain mustard (e.g., Grey Poupon or Maille)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (e.g., Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (e.g., Bragg)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Set aside.
  3. If using frozen pretzel bites, thaw them according to package directions. Brush each pretzel bite lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Thread each skewer in this order: pretzel bite, sausage slice, cheese cube (if using), then another pretzel bite. Each skewer should have 4-5 pieces total.
  5. Oven method: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the sausage is heated through and the pretzel bites are golden and slightly crisp on the edges. For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
  6. Air fryer method: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  7. While the skewers cook, combine the whole grain mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust as needed.
  8. Transfer the hot skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve with the mustard dip on the side.

Notes

For best texture, serve immediately. Assemble skewers up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Do not microwave leftovers; reheat in oven or air fryer. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzel bites or roasted potato wedges. For dairy-free, skip cheese or use dairy-free cheddar. The dip can be made up to a week ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage, pretzel bites, skewers, tailgate food, game day snack, appetizer, party food, honey mustard dip

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-smoked-sausage-and-pretzel-bite-skewers/