Easy Crispy Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
A quick and easy recipe combining smoky sausage and tart cranberries roasted to crispy perfection on a sheet pan, perfect for snacks or appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen cranberries), rinsed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds or bite-sized chunks, keeping them uniform.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries, olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the sliced sausage to the bowl and gently mix until everything is well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan, avoiding overcrowding.
- Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through after 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Check that the sausage edges are golden and slightly crisp and cranberries have softened and started to burst.
- Optionally, sprinkle fresh thyme over the hot bites before serving.
- Serve warm immediately or let cool slightly before enjoying.
Notes
If cranberries dry out too quickly, add a little more olive oil halfway through roasting. To reduce greasiness, blot excess oil with paper towels after roasting. Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup and better crisping. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if sausage contains no gluten fillers. Variations include swapping sausage for plant-based alternatives or adding spices like cayenne for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the rec
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: smoked sausage, cranberry bites, sheet pan recipe, appetizer, quick snack, easy recipe, savory sweet, potluck food