Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines savory sausage, creamy white cheddar, and tangy cranberry in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual parties, they’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage
• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese
• 15 ounces whole cranberry sauce (1 can)
• 1 tbsp parsley (snipped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cheese into 30 same-size cubes. Separate 30 whole cranberries from the sauce and set aside.
2. Step 2: Slice the sausage link into ½-inch thick pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the sausage starts to brown around the edges. Watch closely, as thinner slices may brown faster.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from the oven. Top each sausage slice with a cube of cheese.
5. Step 5: Place a whole cranberry on top of each cheese cube. Insert a skewer through the cranberry, cheese, and sausage to hold the bite together.
6. Step 6: Transfer the assembled bites to a serving platter and sprinkle with snipped parsley. Serve with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp white cheddar for a stronger flavor contrast with the cranberries.
• Try adding a small dollop of Dijon mustard on the sausage before adding cheese for a spicy kick.
• Swap fresh parsley with chopped chives or rosemary for a different herb aroma.
• If you prefer a milder sausage, opt for chicken or turkey smoked sausage.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the bites in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese again without overcooking the sausage. Avoid using a microwave, as cheese texture may suffer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake and add the cranberry topping just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I use if I don’t have whole cranberry sauce?

If whole cranberry sauce is unavailable, use a cranberry jelly or homemade cranberry relish. You can scoop out whole cranberries from the relish or substitute with fresh cranberries if you prefer an extra tangy burst.

Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

These Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites combine savory smoked sausage with sharp white cheddar cheese and sweet cranberry sauce for a perfect appetizer. Easy to prepare and bake, they make for a crowd-pleasing snack or party bite with a beautiful presentation.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 to 30 minutes
• Yield: 30 bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage
• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese
• 15 ounces whole cranberry sauce (1 can)
• 1 tablespoon parsley (snipped)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare Cheese and Cranberries: Cut the white cheddar cheese into 30 evenly sized cubes. Carefully separate 30 whole cranberries from the cranberry sauce and set aside for assembly.
3. Slice Sausage: Cut the smoked sausage link into 1/2-inch thick slices and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Sausage: Bake the sausage slices in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they start to brown around the edges. Watch closely as thinner slices may brown faster.
5. Assemble Bites: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place one cube of cheddar cheese on top of each sausage slice, then place one whole cranberry atop each cheese cube. Secure each assembled bite by placing a skewer through the cranberry, cheese, and sausage.
6. Serve: Arrange the assembled bites on a serving platter. Sprinkle the snipped parsley over the top for garnish. Serve immediately with the remaining cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sausage from sticking.
• Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of your sausage slices to avoid over-browning.
• Use toothpicks or small appetizer skewers to hold each bite together for easy serving.
• Leftover cranberry sauce can be refrigerated and used as a dip or spread later.
• This recipe is perfect for holiday parties or cocktail gatherings as a savory-sweet finger food.

Keywords: smoked sausage appetizer, cranberry bites, cheese and sausage snacks, easy party food, baked sausage bites