These Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are super tasty and easy to make! With juicy sausage and tart cranberries, they are perfect for any gathering or snack time.
What I love most is how quick they bake! Just toss everything on a sheet pan, let it cook, and enjoy. Plus, the mix of flavors? It’s a crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This is the main flavor for your bites, but if you want to switch it up, try chicken sausage or even a vegetarian sausage. They still add great taste!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a tangy kick. If they’re out of season, use frozen cranberries—just thaw them before cooking. Dried cranberries could work in a pinch, but they won’t give the same texture.
Cranberry Sauce/Jam: I like using cranberry sauce for a smoother texture. If you don’t have any, a fruit preserve can work too—try raspberry or mixed berry for a sweeter twist.
Baguette: A French baguette has a nice crunch. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free bread, or try crackers for a different take. For a heartier bite, consider pita or whole grain bread.
Cheese: I recommend Swiss for its mild flavor. However, mozzarella or cheddar are also tasty choices. Experiment with your favorites for a unique touch!
How Do I Make the Sausage Perfectly Brown and Flavorful?
The key to perfectly browned sausage lies in the roasting process. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with preheated oven to get immediate heat on your sausage.
- Spread them out in a single layer—this helps them brown nicely without steaming.
- Don’t rush the timing! Let them roast for about 10 minutes until they’re golden and slightly crispy.
For extra flavor, I like to toss the sausage with spices or herbs before baking. This gives them an even better taste when you bite into them with the cranberry topping!
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry jam
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette or French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Swiss, Gruyere, or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Toothpicks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for whipping up a yummy snack or appetizer in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your food cooks evenly right from the start. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Sausage:
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced smoked sausage with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
3. Roast the Sausage:
Spread the coated sausage slices out on the sheet pan in a single layer. Pop the pan into the oven and roast for about 10 minutes, until they start to turn golden brown and a little crispy.
4. Toast the Baguette:
While the sausage is roasting, arrange the sliced baguette on a separate baking sheet. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over each slice. This will add a delicious melty layer to your bites!
5. Bake the Bread:
Once the sausage is browned, take the pan out of the oven. Now, put the sheet with the bread into the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes to toast the bread and melt the cheese.
6. Warm the Cranberries:
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce and fresh cranberries over low heat. Stir gently until the cranberries begin to soften but still hold their shape. This makes a warm, tasty topping for your bites.
7. Assemble the Bites:
To put everything together, place one slice of roasted sausage on each cheesy baguette piece. Then, spoon a small amount of the warm cranberry mixture over the sausage.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off each bite with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives and an extra small thyme leaf for a fresh touch. Insert a toothpick into each bite for easy serving, and arrange them on a platter.
9. Enjoy:
These delicious bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Perfect for parties, game nights, or any gathering!
These bites combine the smoky sausage with the sweet-tart cranberry topping on a melty cheesy bread base—sure to impress your guests! Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is delicious, you can use chicken sausage for a leaner option or even a vegetarian sausage to cater to different dietary needs. Just make sure it’s cooked according to the package instructions if it’s raw.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sausage and cranberry mixture ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat them before assembling on the baguette slices to enjoy them fresh! Baking the baguette pieces right before serving will give the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
What Can I Serve with These Bites?
These bites are great on their own but can be served with dipping sauces like spicy mustard or a creamy dip. They pair well with a fresh salad or crudités platter for a balanced spread!
