Prep Time: ~10 minutes | Cook Time: ~12–15 minutes | Total Time: ~22–25 minutes | Yield: ~8 servings
Introduction
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are savory bite-sized appetizers featuring smoky sausage rounds topped with creamy cheese and bright cranberry — baked until the cheese melts and everything is warm and flavorful. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or casual snacking.
Why You’ll Love These Bites
- Bold savory and sweet flavor combo
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Baked on one pan — minimal cleanup
- Great served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12–14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup whole 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
The Flavor Profile
These bites bring together smoky sausage, creamy white cheddar, and sweet-tart cranberry. A hint of thyme adds herbal brightness, while baking melds the flavors and slightly caramelizes the edges of the sausage and cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment or a baking mat.
2. Prepare the Sausage
Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Toss the slices with olive oil and thyme (if using) so they’re lightly coated.
3. Arrange on Sheet Pan
Place the sausage slices in a single layer across the prepared pan.
4. Add Cheese & Cranberry
Top each sausage round with a small cube of white cheddar. Add a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top of each cheese cube.
5. Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown slightly at the edges and the sausage is sizzling.
6. Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Insert toothpicks or mini skewers into each bite for easy serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
- Cut the sausage and cheese into even sizes so they cook uniformly.
- Use just enough cranberry sauce so it stays on top and doesn’t run.
- Watch closely at the end of baking so the cheese doesn’t overbrown.
How to Serve
Serve these bites on a platter at parties, holiday gatherings, or as a game-day snack. They pair well with mustard, extra cranberry sauce, or crackers.
Storage & Freshness
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are simple, flavorful, and festive — a delicious appetizer that everyone will enjoy!
