These Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are a fun and easy treat! The combo of juicy sausage and sweet, tangy cranberries makes each bite pop with flavor.
They are perfect for parties or just a cozy night at home. I love how they’re quick to make—all you do is mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s like a flavor party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This ingredient gives that bold flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. Or, consider andouille sausage for a spicy kick!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a nice tartness, but frozen work just as well. If you prefer a sweeter bite, use dried cranberries instead, but reduce the brown sugar slightly.
Cranberry Sauce: I love a mix of homemade and canned for convenience. If you don’t have any, you could mash some fresh cranberries with sugar to create a quick sauce!
Baguette: Any crusty bread works great here. Try ciabatta or sourdough for a different flavor. Gluten-free bread is a perfect option if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How Do I Make Sure My Cranberry Sauce is Perfectly Thick?
Getting that sauce just right is key! Here’s how to achieve a thick, sweet-tart topping:
- Combine cranberries, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar over medium heat.
- Stir gently and let it cook until the cranberries start to burst and break down. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- If you want it thicker, continue cooking a bit longer, but keep stirring to prevent burning.
You want it to be spreadable, not runny. This sauce really enhances the sausage bites!
How to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup canned cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry relish
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 baguette or small bread loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer will take about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and about 20 minutes baking and assembling the bites. Easy and quick, perfect for any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for perfectly cooked sausage and toasted bread. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze!
2. Bake the Sausage:
Place the sliced smoked sausage evenly on the sheet pan. Drizzle it with olive oil to keep it juicy and flavorful. Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure they are golden and cooked through.
3. Prepare the Cranberry Topping:
While the sausage cooks, you can whip up the cranberry topping. In a small saucepan, mix together the fresh or frozen cranberries, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cranberries start to break down and the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once ready, take it off the heat!
4. Toast the Bread:
Next, while the sausage is finishing up, place the bread cubes on another baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and slightly crispy. This will give your bites a perfect crunch!
5. Assemble the Bites:
Once everything is cooked and ready, it’s time to assemble your bite-sized treats. Start by placing a toasted bread cube on a serving platter. Top it with a slice of smoked sausage, then add a generous spoonful of the delicious cranberry sauce on top!
6. Garnish and Serve:
To make each bite even more festive, garnish with a fresh cranberry and a little rosemary sprig. Use a toothpick or small skewer to keep everything together snugly. These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion!
Enjoy your Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites—a delightful mix of smokiness, sweetness, and crunch that will surely impress your guests. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is recommended for its rich flavor, you can also use turkey sausage for a lighter option or andouille for a spicier kick. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using a different type of sausage!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and cranberry topping ahead of time! You can store the cooked sausage and cranberry sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days. To serve, simply reheat and assemble the bites just before your guests arrive.
How Do I Store Leftover Bites?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help retain the toastiness of the bread.
What Can I Substitute for the Baguette?
Any crusty bread will work well! Try ciabatta or sourdough. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free baguettes or toast slices. They’ll provide that necessary crunch to complement the sausage and cranberry topping!
