These Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites are a fun and tasty treat! With juicy sausage, sweet cranberries, and a burst of flavor, they are perfect for any gathering or snack time.
I love how easy they are to whip up—just pop everything on a sheet pan and let the oven do its magic. Plus, they’re great for sharing, but good luck stopping at just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: Use your favorite brand of smoked sausage for that rich flavor. Turkey sausage is a great substitute for a lighter option, while plant-based sausage works well for a vegetarian dish.
Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade cranberry sauce if you prefer. If you’re out of cranberry sauce, any fruit jam like raspberry or blackberry can add a nice touch!
Fresh Cranberries: They’re tart and great for this dish, but if they’re not available, dried cranberries can also work. Just remember to reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re already soft.
Baguette: Any crusty bread will do! Sourdough or ciabatta can give a unique twist to the bites if you want to try something different.
How Do I Ensure the Sausage is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the sausage just right is key to these bites. Here’s how:
- Cut the sausage into even 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Spread the pieces out on the sheet pan, giving them space, so they can brown nicely.
- Keep an eye on the clock; 15 minutes is usually enough, but check for a nice brown color. You want them crispy on the edges for the best texture!
How to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (or whole berry cranberry sauce)
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 baguette or French bread, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and enjoyable dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a family snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’ll be hot enough to cook our bites to perfection.
2. Prepare the Sausage:
In a large bowl, toss the smoked sausage cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are well coated to keep them juicy and flavorful. Then, spread the sausage cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the Sausage:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want your sausage to be browned and slightly crispy. This step adds a lot of delicious flavor!
4. Prepare the Baguette:
While the sausage cooks, take your baguette slices and brush both sides with melted butter. This adds richness and helps achieve a nice toast when baked.
5. Make the Cranberry Mixture:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, fresh cranberries, honey (or maple syrup), and chopped rosemary. Stir occasionally until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens—about 5-7 minutes. When it’s ready, remove it from the heat.
6. Assemble the Bites:
After 15 minutes, take out the sausage and place the prepared baguette slices on a separate baking sheet. On each slice, arrange a piece of sausage, and generously spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the top.
7. Broil for Final Touch:
Return the sheet to the oven and switch to the broil setting. Broil the bites for about 2-3 minutes, just until the bread is toasted and the cranberry topping begins to bubble. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, garnish each bite with a small sprig of rosemary to add some color and extra freshness. Allow them to cool slightly before serving warm.
These bites blend sweet, savory, and smoky flavors with a delightful crunchy bread base—perfect for parties or enjoying on game day! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the smoked sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the sausage and cranberry mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the bites and bake them fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain the crispiness of the bread.
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Dried cranberries will work well. Just reduce the amount of sweetener slightly as dried cranberries are usually sweeter than fresh ones. You may also want to add a splash of water while heating to mimic the moisture fresh cranberries provide.