Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites Recipe

Imagine a savory, aromatic, tender, flavorful, and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Look no further than the Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites Recipe. This mouth-watering dish is a game-changer for anyone who loves smoked sausage, cranberries, and easy-to-make recipes. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The sheet pan method allows for even cooking and makes cleanup a breeze. The combination of smoked sausage, cranberries, and cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or parties.

Key Ingredient Highlights

The key to this recipe’s success lies in its ingredients. Here are a few highlights:

Smoked Sausage: The star of the show, smoked sausage adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Look for a high-quality sausage that’s smoked to perfection.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, cranberries add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality cranberry that’s free of added sugars.

Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite.

THE RECIPE CARD

Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves smoked sausage, cranberries, and easy-to-make appetizers. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family.

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

▢ 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

▢ 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)

▢ 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil

▢ Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add sliced smoked sausage to the bowl and toss to coat.

Spread the sausage out in a single layer on a sheet pan.

Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

While the sausage is cooking, mix together cranberries, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley in a bowl.

Once the sausage is done, remove from the oven and top with the cranberry mixture.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

To ensure the success of this recipe, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

Avoid Overcooking the Sausage: Keep an eye on the sausage while it’s cooking, as it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to burnt.

Don’t Underseason the Cranberries: Make sure to taste the cranberry mixture before adding it to the sausage, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Get the Bites to Hold Together: To ensure the bites hold together, make sure to not overmix the cranberry mixture, and use a gentle touch when topping the sausage.

FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions about this recipe:

Can I use different types of sausage?: Yes, you can use different types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the bites just before baking.

Can I freeze the bites?: Yes, you can freeze the bites for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves easy-to-make appetizers. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of smoked sausage and cranberries!