Seared sausage bites with butter sauce are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. Crispy, golden-brown sausage pieces are pan-seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This dish is ideal for parties, game nights, or a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with minimal ingredients
- Crispy, seared sausage bites with a rich and flavorful butter sauce
- Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course
- Versatile—pairs well with bread, pasta, or vegetables
- Customizable with different types of sausage and seasonings
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sausages (smoked, spicy, or sweet)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Fresh or dried herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper
- Lemon juice (for a hint of brightness)
Directions
- Prepare the Sausage – Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces.
- Sear the Sausage – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Everything – Return the seared sausage bites to the pan, tossing them in the butter sauce. Add herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to coat evenly.
- Serve Immediately – Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Sausage Bites – Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese before serving.
- Spicy Version – Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
- Honey Garlic Butter Sauce – Mix in a tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
- Creamy Sauce – Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, velvety sauce.
- Cajun-Style Sausage Bites – Season with Cajun spice blend for a smoky, bold flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the sausage crispy.
FAQs
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Smoked, Italian, chorizo, or chicken sausage all work well, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, pre-cooked sausage works great and will require less cooking time.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch while melting the butter to thicken the sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Can I cook these in the air fryer?
Yes, cook sausage pieces in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, then toss in the butter sauce.
How do I prevent the sausage from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet with enough oil to prevent sticking.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms make great additions.
What herbs work best for the butter sauce?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, or oregano all complement the flavors well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, sear the sausage ahead and reheat in the butter sauce before serving.
Conclusion
Seared sausage bites with butter sauce are a quick, flavorful dish that works as an appetizer or main course. With a crispy, golden-brown sear and a rich, garlicky butter sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them on their own or with your favorite sides for a satisfying and easy meal
Print
Juicy seared sausage bites served with a rich and velvety butter sauce. This eas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage links, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage bites and cook until browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquid: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Return the sausage to the pan, coat in sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Use smoked sausage or Italian sausage for different flavors.