Looking for a simple July 4th or Memorial Day appetizer? These Star Spangled Kielbasa Bites are perfect: festive, flavorful, and easy to make. Think of them as a playful twist on pigs in a blanket—the “blanket” is a star-shaped puff pastry that wraps a saucy kielbasa bite.
Summer gatherings are coming up—Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day—so this patriotic appetizer is a great option. It’s bite-sized, handheld, and can be made ahead in part, which makes it ideal for parties.
Serve alongside a seasonal drink for a cohesive spread. The bites pair nicely with fruity or frozen cocktails and make a fun addition to any red, white, and blue table.
For a matching star-themed bite, try serving these with Watermelon Feta Stars for a refreshing contrast.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry dough: store-bought frozen puff pastry works well and saves time.
- Kielbasa: any variety or flavor you prefer.
- Everything bagel seasoning: adds flavor and a decorative finish to the stars.
- Crushed pineapple: a small (8 oz) can provides sweetness and texture.
- BBQ sauce: a sweeter style works great—adjust to taste.
*You will also need star cookie cutters to cut the puff pastry into star shapes.
How to Make the Pastry Stars
You’ll need a star-shaped cookie cutter and a sheet of thawed puff pastry.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions and preheat the oven per the pastry directions. Prepare an egg wash by whisking one large egg with a tablespoon of water.
- Brush the top of the rolled-out pastry with egg wash, then press the cookie cutter to cut out star shapes.
- Arrange the stars on a baking sheet, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, and bake until golden brown.
Keep the star theme going by serving with Watermelon Feta Stars for a fresh, seasonal contrast.
Variations
- Swap kielbasa for hot dogs or mini cocktail weiners for a different flavor and texture.
- Use apricot or peach jelly instead of crushed pineapple for a sweeter glaze.
- Top the stars with shredded Parmesan or a homemade seasoning blend in place of everything bagel seasoning.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the kielbasa mixture the day before and rewarm it when ready to serve. The puff pastry stars are best fresh from the oven, though you can cut them in advance and bake them just before serving so they stay crisp.
Patriotic Desserts to Serve
Pair these bites with other red, white, and blue treats for a festive spread. Try small finger desserts and fruit-forward options to round out your table.
Star Spangled Kielbasa Bites
Ingredients
- 14 oz. kielbasa sausage
- ⅔ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 8 oz. can crushed pineapple
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough (about 8 ounces)
- 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water
- 1-2 tbsps everything bagel seasoning
Method
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Slice the kielbasa into ¾ to 1-inch rounds.
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Combine the sliced kielbasa, crushed pineapple, and BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Warm until the kielbasa is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
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While the kielbasa heats, roll out thawed puff pastry and brush with egg wash.
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Cut out stars with a cookie cutter, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, and bake briefly until the pastry is golden. Serve by wrapping a star around a kielbasa slice or letting guests dip the star into the sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
These are easy to serve two ways: wrap a star around a kielbasa slice to make a mini handheld “sandwich,” or let guests dip the stars into the sauce.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it turned out!