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sheet pan smoked sausage cranberry bites

Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites

These sheet pan smoked sausage cranberry bites with white cheddar are the kind of holiday appetizer that disappears almost as fast as you can make them.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Sheet Pan
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Skewers or toothpicks
  • Oven Mitts

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12–14 oz package smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 cup whole berry 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

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Pro Tip: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking; this helps the sausage caramelize perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage

  • Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
  • Place the sausage slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Sprinkle with fresh thyme if using, then toss again.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

  • Arrange the sausage slices on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Leave a little space between each slice.
  • Top each sausage round with a small cube of white cheddar cheese.
  • Spoon a tiny dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t overload with cranberry sauce; a little goes a long way and keeps the bites from sliding off the pan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  • Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.
  • Check that the sausage is sizzling and lightly browned.

Step 5: Serve with Skewers

  • Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the bites cool for 2–3 minutes.
  • Use mini skewers or toothpicks to pick up each bite for serving.
  • Arrange on a platter for a festive presentation.
  • Pro Tip: These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for party finger foods.

Notes

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Calcium: 90mg
  • Iron: 0.6mg
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Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword appetizers, sheet pan smoked sausage cranberry bites