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close up sheet pan sausage cranberry bites

Sheet Pan Sausage Cranberry Bites

These Sheet Pan Sausage Cranberry Bites are sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized in every bite. Juicy sausage roasts alongside tart cranberries, creating a bold flavor contrast with minimal prep. It’s an easy, crowd-friendly appetizer that feels festive and comes together effortlessly on one pan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Portions (24 to 30 bites)
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients 

  • 14 –16 oz smoked sausage sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • Kielbasa turkey sausage, or chicken sausage all work well.
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • No need to thaw if using frozen.
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce
  • Whole berry or jellied both work.
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Adds depth and slight tang.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Helps the sausage brown evenly.
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey extra sweetness
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme
  • Orange zest for brightness

For Serving:

  • Toothpicks
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions  

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Sausage

  • Slice the sausage into even 1-inch pieces. Uniform size ensures even cooking and browning.
  • Spread the sausage pieces evenly on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 3: Add Cranberries

  • Scatter cranberries around and between the sausage pieces. They’ll soften and burst as they roast, releasing their juices into the pan.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

  • Pour the sauce over the sausage and cranberries. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Spread into a single layer so the sausage roasts instead of steams.

Step 6: Bake

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sausage is browned and the sauce is thick and glossy.
  • If you want extra caramelization, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest if desired. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use your favorite sausage—pork, turkey, or chicken all work well.
  • Fresh or dried cranberries can be used depending on sweetness preference.
  • Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra glaze.
  • Spread ingredients evenly on the sheet pan for even cooking.
  • Bake until sausage is golden and cranberries are slightly caramelized.
  • Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 250  
Carbohydrates: 14g  
Fiber: 2g  
Sugars: 8g  
Protein: 12g  
Fat: 16g  
Saturated Fat: 6g  
Cholesterol: 40mg  
Sodium: 550mg  
Potassium: 300mg  
Calcium: 30mg  
Iron: 1.5mg
Keyword Sheet Pan Sausage Cranberry Bites