Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
This recipe gives you warm, tasty bites with little work. Sausage, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheddar come together on one pan. You can make many small pieces fast. They look nice on a tray and work well for parties or a quick snack. If you like simple finger food with big flavor, you will enjoy these bites.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this when you need a fast appetizer or a simple party snack. It takes a few minutes to assemble and about 12–15 minutes to bake. There is no deep frying and no complex steps. The flavors are classic: smoky sausage, sweet-tart cranberry, and creamy cheddar. This recipe uses a sheet pan, so cleanup is quick too.
introduction
This introduction tells you what this dish feels like and why it fits many occasions. The bites are small, so guests can try several flavors in one sitting. You can put them on a buffet, serve with drinks, or bring them to potlucks. If you enjoy fruit with savory meat, try other cranberry recipes like the apple cranberry crumble recipe for dessert to pair with these bites: apple cranberry crumble pie recipe.
What You Need for Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
You do not need fancy tools. A few basic items do the job:
- A baking sheet (large rimmed sheet pan)
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat (optional, but it saves cleanup)
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A small bowl or spoon for the cranberry sauce
- Measuring spoons
- Skewers or toothpicks for serving
How to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Make these bites in simple steps. Slice the sausage, top with cranberry and a cube of cheddar, and bake. The heat warms the cranberry and melts the cheese a little. If you like fresh herbs, add thyme at the end for a small fresh note. Keep an eye on the pan so the cheese browns lightly but does not burn.
Ingredients:
1 12–14 oz package smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds, 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 6 oz white cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional), Skewers or toothpicks (for serving)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment or a silicone mat to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Toss the slices lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep them from drying out in the oven.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
Place the sausage rounds on the sheet pan, spaced slightly apart. Add a small spoonful of whole berry cranberry sauce on each slice. Top each with a small cube of white cheddar cheese. If you like, sprinkle a little fresh thyme on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and the edges of the sausage to brown. If you want the cheese to brown a bit more, you can broil for 30–60 seconds but watch closely.
Step 5: Serve with Skewers
Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let the bites cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with skewers or toothpicks for easy picking.
Best Ways to Serve Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
These bites work for many events. Try them at:
- Holiday parties and family gatherings.
- Game nights and casual get-togethers.
- As an appetizer before dinner.
- A snack with drinks or cocktails.
Serve them warm on a platter with extra cranberry sauce on the side. You can place toothpicks for easy grabbing. They also pair well with crackers, mustard, or a small side salad for a fuller plate.
In a casual spread, add other bite-sized foods like cheese cubes or small bread slices. If you want a selection of small bites, you can browse other snack ideas to add to your table like simple bars and small bites for variety: bars and bites.
How to Store Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes to keep the sausage slightly crisp. For longer storage, place cooled bites on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven for best texture.
Easy Tips to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Use pre-cooked smoked sausage to save time. Most smoked sausages are ready to eat after heating.
- Cut cheese into small, uniform cubes so each bite melts in the same time.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture. Smooth sauce works too if you prefer.
- Space bites on the pan so heat reaches each piece.
- Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Try These Variations of Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
You can change this recipe in small ways:
- Swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a spicy note.
- Use honey mustard or a dab of Dijon with cranberry for a tangy layer.
- Add a small piece of apple under the cheese for a crisp texture.
- Change herbs: rosemary or sage can work instead of thyme.
- Make mini skewers with a cube of bread, sausage, and cranberry for a fuller bite.
Common Questions About Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes. Use kielbasa, chicken sausage, or any smoked link you like. Make sure it is pre-cooked or fully cooked before serving.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble them and keep the tray covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For best texture, bake just before serving.
Q: What if I do not have white cheddar?
A: Any firm melting cheese works. Cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack are good swaps.
Q: Can I make a large batch for a party?
A: Yes. Use multiple sheet pans and bake them in batches. Keep baked bites warm on low heat in the oven if needed.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: The main ingredients are gluten-free. Check your sausage label to be sure it has no wheat or gluten-containing fillers.
Final Thoughts
This sheet pan recipe gives you an easy, tasty appetizer with a good balance of sweet and smoky flavors. It uses a few common ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow. It fits many occasions and needs little hands-on time. You can change small parts to match your taste or what you have in the pantry.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather a package of smoked sausage, a jar of cranberry sauce, and some cheddar and you can make these in under 30 minutes. They make a simple but satisfying snack or party food. Try one variation or stick to the basic recipe — both work well and please a crowd.
Conclusion
If you want a recipe like this from another source for more ideas and inspiration, see this page for a similar take: Smoked Sausage Cranberry Cheddar Bites – The Menu Maid.
Print
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Warm and tasty bites made with smoked sausage, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty cheddar, perfect for parties or quick snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 12–14 oz package smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 6 oz white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
- Skewers or toothpicks (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Toss the slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Place the sausage rounds on the sheet pan, add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each, and top with a cube of white cheddar cheese. Sprinkle thyme if desired.
- Bake for about 12–15 minutes until the cheese melts and the sausage edges brown. Optionally broil for 30–60 seconds to brown the cheese.
- Remove from the oven, cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with skewers or toothpicks.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg