Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are a quick, tasty snack that you can make in one pan. This simple recipe brings salty smoked sausage, sweet-tart cranberry, and melty white cheddar together for a bite-size treat. It cooks fast and looks great for parties or a weeknight nibble. For more easy sheet pan ideas, try this fun sheet pan treat to inspire your next snack board.
why make this recipe
- Quick & easy: ready in about 20 minutes.
- Few ingredients: simple pantry items and one sausage pack.
- Great for parties: bite-size and easy to serve.
- Flavor balance: smoky, sweet, and creamy in every bite.
- Crowd-pleaser: kids and adults both enjoy them.
This version stands out because it uses whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and cubes of white cheddar for gooey pockets of flavor. It’s an easy way to impress guests with little work.
how to make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating gives the pan time to heat, so the sausage edges brown quickly.
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Keep the rounds even so they cook the same time.
- Toss the rounds with 1 tablespoon olive oil. The oil helps the slices brown and keeps the cheese from sticking.
- Arrange the sausage in a single layer on a sheet pan. Leave small gaps for the cranberry and cheese.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce onto the center of each sausage slice. Use the sauce to add sweet-tart flavor and a little moisture.
- Place a small cube of white cheddar (about ¼–½ inch) on top of each cranberry dollop. The cheese will melt and hold the topping in place.
- If using, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the bites for a mild herb note.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the sausage edges brown and the cheese softens and melts. Watch closely at the end—cheese should be melty, not burned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool 2 minutes so the cheese firms slightly.
- Serve warm with skewers or toothpicks for easy picking.
Ingredients :
- For the bites:
- 1 package (12–14 oz) smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch rounds — use kielbasa or similar smoked link.
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce — canned or homemade, gives texture and bright flavor.
- 6 oz white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (about ¼–½ inch pieces) — melts nicely.
- For cooking and flavor:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — helps brown the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves stripped (optional) — adds a mild herb aroma.
- For serving:
- Skewers or toothpicks — makes the bites easy to pick up.
(Variation note: you can swap smoked sausage for smoked turkey sausage to reduce fat.)
Directions :
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven gives quick browning.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage
- Slice the smoked sausage into even ½-inch rounds and toss with olive oil.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
- Place rounds on a sheet pan. Top each with a small spoon of cranberry sauce and a cube of white cheddar. Add thyme if you like.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake 8–12 minutes until sausage edges brown and cheese melts. Watch to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve with Skewers
- Let cool 1–2 minutes, then serve warm with toothpicks or skewers.
how to serve Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Arrange on a platter with toothpicks or small skewers.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley for color.
- Pair with mustard dips, ranch, or a honey-mustard sauce for variety.
- Serve alongside crackers, pickles, or sliced baguette for a fuller snack board.
how to store Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Refrigerate: Place cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes or microwave short bursts until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep cheese from getting rubbery.
- Freeze: You can freeze baked bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven until hot.
tips to make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Cut sausage evenly so all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture; smooth sauce works too.
- Watch the oven near the end; cheese melts fast and can brown.
- For crisper bites, broil 30 seconds at the end—watch closely.
- Let bites rest a minute after baking so toppings set.
variation (if any)
- Swap white cheddar for sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavors.
- Use spicy smoked sausage for heat.
- Add a small dollop of fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry for a sweeter twist.
- Make mini skewers with sausage, cheese, and cranberry interleaved for a different look.
Helpful Notes
- If sausage releases a lot of fat, drain excess on paper towels before topping with cranberry and cheese.
- If you want less sweetness, use ½ cup cranberry sauce and a light brush of olive oil on the other half of rounds for plain bites.
- For a gluten-free option, serve as-is (all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but check labels).
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Swap white cheddar for sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack. Firmer cheeses that melt well work best.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Bake, cool, then freeze on a tray and transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven from frozen until hot.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
You can, but cook them first into a quick sauce with sugar so they soften and stick to the sausage.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they keep well for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are a simple, tasty snack that shines at parties and family nights. They take minutes to prepare, use a few common ingredients, and deliver a great mix of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors. Try different cheeses or jams to make them your own, and tell us which twist you liked most. For the original inspiration and full guide, see this detailed recipe on Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites – Must Love Home.
If you try the recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — we love to hear your tweaks and favorites! Also, check another savory mix with smoked sausage like this cheesy ranch potatoes recipe for more ideas.
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Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and easy snack featuring smoky sausage, sweet-tart cranberry, and melty cheddar, perfect for parties or a weeknight nibble.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12–14 oz) smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 6 oz white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (about ¼–½ inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves stripped (optional)
- Skewers or toothpicks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the smoked sausage into even ½-inch rounds and toss with olive oil.
- Arrange the sausage on a sheet pan, leaving small gaps.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cranberry sauce onto each sausage slice.
- Top each with a small cube of white cheddar.
- Sprinkle thyme over the bites if desired.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes until browned and cheese has melted.
- Let cool for 2 minutes, then serve warm with skewers or toothpicks.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free but check labels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg