These fun sheet pan bites combine tasty smoked sausage with sweet cranberries for a perfect snack! So easy to make, you just toss it all on a tray and bake until golden.
I love that this recipe is a crowd-pleaser—who doesn’t enjoy a mix of sweet and savory? Plus, clean-up is a breeze with just one pan to wash afterwards. Win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This is the star of the dish! Any smoked sausage, like kielbasa or andouille, will do well. For a lighter option, use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and pair nicely with the sausage. If you prefer, sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness, or you can use red potatoes for a firmer bite.
Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a tart burst. If they’re out of season, use dried cranberries or cherry preserves instead, though be mindful of the extra sweetness.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps everything roast nicely. You can switch it for avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point or a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the potatoes just right is key! Start by cutting them into even chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate. Toss them in oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them alone for about 20 minutes to get a head start on softness.
- Pre-cooking the potatoes ensures they are tender by the time the sausage and cranberries are added.
- Check them with a fork for doneness — if they pierce easily, they’re ready for the next step!
How to Make Sheet Pan Smoked Sausage Cranberry Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
For the Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should expect to spend around 60 minutes from start to finish, which includes roasting and assembling the bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven ready by preheating it to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re coated nicely. Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they start to soften. This will give them a nice head start!
4. Mix the Seasoning:
While the potatoes are roasting, grab the same bowl you used for the potatoes. Mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), and chopped rosemary until combined.
5. Add Sausage and Cranberries:
Once the potatoes are softened, take the sheet pan out of the oven. Add the smoked sausage rounds and fresh cranberries on top of the potatoes.
6. Drizzle and Toss:
Now, drizzle the rosemary-maple syrup mixture evenly over everything. Gently toss all the ingredients to ensure they are well-coated.
7. Roast Again:
Return the pan to the oven and roast everything for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the sausage to be crispy, the potatoes fully tender, and the cranberries softened and caramelized.
8. Assemble the Bites:
Once everything looks delicious, remove the pan from the oven. Use toothpicks or small skewers to assemble your bites by piercing one piece of sausage, one potato chunk, and a couple of cranberries. It’s fun to make them visually appealing!
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a festive touch, add a sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each bite. Serve your warm, sweet-savory bites on a platter and enjoy the delightful flavors!
These bites not only look colorful and inviting but also offer a great mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of sausage used.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries are a great alternative, although they will add extra sweetness. You could also use cherry preserves or even a mix of dried fruits for varied flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through, making sure to cover them with foil to retain moisture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the potatoes, sausage, and cranberries a few hours in advance, keeping them separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the roasting steps for a fresh, warm appetizer!
