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Festive Cranberry Sausage & Cheddar Bites

A savory and sweet holiday appetizer featuring seared sausage patties topped with sharp cheddar and tart cranberry relish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 20 bites
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Base
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage or kielbasa/summer sausage
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
The Toppings
  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar block cheese
  • 0.5 cup cranberry sauce whole berry style
  • 5 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish
  • 0.25 cup fresh cranberries optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Form the sausage meat into small patties, approximately 1.5 inches wide and 0.5 inches thick.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked. (Internal temp 160°F).
  3. Transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Slice the cheddar cheese into squares roughly the same size as the sausage patties.
  5. To assemble: Place a cheese square on top of a warm sausage patty.
  6. Top with a small dollop of cranberry sauce.
  7. Pierce a small piece of rosemary with a toothpick, then insert the toothpick through the center of the stack to secure it.
  8. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh cranberries. Serve immediately.

Notes

If making ahead, cook the sausage in advance. Reheat slightly before assembling so the cheese softens but doesn't melt completely. For a spicy kick, use spicy Italian sausage.