🥓 High-Protein Hasselback Kielbasa Bites

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 2 large kielbasa sausages (choose lean or chicken/turkey kielbasa for higher protein, lower fat)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust if kielbasa is already salty)
• 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan or shredded cheese (optional, for extra protein)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Kielbasa

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice each kielbasa into ½–¾ inch pieces.
3. Make Hasselback cuts: carefully slice each piece almost all the way through (but not through the bottom) every ¼–½ inch.

2. Insert garlic

• Place thin slices of garlic into the cuts of each kielbasa piece.

3. Season

• Brush the kielbasa pieces with olive oil or melted butter.
• Sprinkle paprika, black pepper, and a little salt.

4. Bake

• Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake 20–25 minutes, until sausage edges are slightly crisp and cooked through.

5. Add cheese (optional)

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded cheese over the kielbasa bites during the last 5 minutes of baking.

6. Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve hot as a high-protein appetizer, snack, or alongside roasted vegetables.

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💪 Protein Highlights

• Each kielbasa (lean/chicken/turkey) = ~12–15g protein per 100g
• 2 sausages + optional cheese = ~35–40g protein for 2–3 servings
• Low carb if served without bread; perfect for keto or high-protein diets