These delicious fried smoked sausage bites are the ultimate party snack. Made with smoked sausage links and a homemade corn dog batter, these deep-fried corn dog-type sausage bites will be devoured as soon as they are placed on the appetizer table. A delicious appetizer recipe everyone will enjoy.

I’ve made a lot of fried foods in my life. From chicken to fish and desserts, I’ve fried it all. These days, I’ve been on a fried appetizer kick. This most recent recipe is one of my all-time favorites, though. If you love corn dogs, then you’re going to love this recipe. These delicious fried smoked sausage bites are everything we love about corn dogs – I just shrunk them down and gave them a twist by using smoked sausage in place of regular hot dogs.
Fried Smoked Sausage Bites
I love this recipe because it combines the sensibilities of corn dogs with the flavors we expect from a sausage appetizer. In place of a hot dog, I use smoked sausage to get that great smoky flavor we all love. Then, they’re dipped in corn dog batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. What you end up with is a tiny corn dog with a smoky, meaty center that everyone comes back to again and again. They’re great for any kind of party, movie night, or just to have on hand for after-school snacking. Just be sure to make a double batch if you bring them to a party. They go fast!
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Bites
- They’re tiny little corn dogs with a smoky twist.
- They’re the perfect appetizer for game day, potlucks, or afternoon snacks.
- That crunchy, golden coating is so good!
- The smoky sausage flavor combines perfectly with the cornmeal coating.
Fried Smoked Sausage Bites Tips and Variations
This recipe is super easy, but even easy recipes have little things that can make them better. I’m sharing some easy instructions to help you make these the best they can be. I also have some great variations so you can switch things up if you like.
Tips
- Always dry off your sausage links before dipping them in the batter. The batter will stick to the dry sausage more readily.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying these bites. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in a soggy, greasy coating rather than a crispy one.
- The easiest way to coat the sausages is by sticking a toothpick in them and then dunking them completely in the batter.
Variations
- Use your favorite smoked sausage. They come in all sorts of flavors from cheesy to spicy.
- Try using turkey sausage.
- Use breakfast sausage links to make an amazing breakfast.
Fried Smoked Sausage Bites FAQ
If you have questions about these fried smoked sausage bites, then I have the answers. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.
Are sausage bites just like corn dog bites?
Essentially, yes. This recipe replaces hot dogs with smoked sausages and then coats them in corn dog batter.
Is smoked sausage already cooked?
In general, the pre-packaged smoked sausages you buy are already either cooked or cured during the smoking process, so they’re safe to eat. Just look on the package for any words like “uncooked” or “cook before eating”. If you don’t see those, the sausage is already safe to eat.
Does ketchup go with sausage?
It does if you like ketchup! It’s an all-purpose condiment that people put on just about anything. I even know someone who puts it on his macaroni and cheese. If it goes on that, it goes on anything.
What condiments go with corn dogs?
Almost anything:
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Any aioli sauce
- Cheese sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce
How long will sausage bites last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, these will last for 4 to 6 days.
Can you freeze sausage bites?
Absolutely! They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Fried Smoked Sausage Bites Storage and Reheating
These will keep in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 6 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat these bites, you can pop them in the microwave at 30-second intervals until they’re heated through. For best results, however, air fry them for a minute at 300 degrees or reheat in the oven, on a baking sheet in a single layer on, to keep them nice and crispy.
Fried Smoked Sausage Bites Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious appetizer. You’ll find them all easily at your local grocery store.
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- Salt
- Large egg
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Smoked sausage links (5-count)
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Fried Smoked Sausage Bites
Making these is as simple as shopping for the ingredients. It only takes a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prep
Dry off the smoked sausage with paper towels to ensure the batter sticks to them well.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium-large bowl. Then, mix the egg, buttermilk, and oil together in a small bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just moistened.
Step 3: Fry
Heat oil to 375 degrees in a medium, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer. Then, dip each piece of smoked sausage into the batter, covering them completely, and transferring them to the hot oil with a slotted spoon. Fry 6 to 8 bites at a time until golden brown and transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel when done. Repeat until all bites are finished. If desired, place each sausage bite on a skewer before placing on a serving platter. Enjoy!
Try These Delicious Fried Smoked Sausage Bites Today
These fried smoked sausage balls are absolutely delicious and so easy to make. They bring everything we love about corn dogs to the appetizer table with a smoky twist you never knew you needed. BUT you do! Every bite is smoky, meaty goodness wrapped up in a corn dog crust, and everyone always loves them. Give them a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making them whenever you have the excuse.
More Sausage Appetizers You’ll Enjoy
Smoked Sausage Corn Dogs – Smoked sausage, dipped in a homemade corn dog batter, and fried until golden brown and perfectly crispy, these are perfect for any kind of party or potluck.
BBQ Smoked Sausage Bites – These sausage bites are coated in sweet BBQ sauce and then barbecued on a grill until crispy and charred.
Mini Corn Dogs in the Air Fryer – These mini corn dogs can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. They’re a quick lunch, dinner, or snack that the family will love.
Also try this Crescent Wrapped Smoked Sausage from Deliciously Seasoned. This recipe is made with two simple ingredients and makes a delicious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion.
Fried Smoked Sausage Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage links 5 count, cut each link into 4 pieces
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat oil to 375° in a medium heavy bottom pan or deep fryer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk dry ingredients together.
- In a small bowl, mix egg, buttermilk and oil together and add to dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened.
- Prior to dipping the sausage bites into the batter, dry off the sausage with a paper towel.
- Dip each piece of sausage into the batter, cover completely, then add to the hot oil with a slotted spoon. Cook 6-8 at a time. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until golden brown on all sides and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Repeat with the remaining sausage pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
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