Andouille Sausage Appetizer Bites With Cranberry Cheddar

These quick appetizer bites pair spicy andouille sausage with creamy cranberry cheddar and a touch of cranberry sauce for an easy but elegant party snack.

Every holiday season I love creating special appetizers that get everyone excited and these Andouille Sausage Bites with Cranberry Cheddar have become my signature party starter. The combination of spicy smoky sausage with that amazing cranberry cheddar is pure holiday magic. They’re so simple to make but look and taste like something from a fancy cocktail party. Every time I serve them people ask for the recipe.

What Makes These Bites Special

These little bites are everything you want in a holiday appetizer. That bold Andouille sausage pairs perfectly with creamy cranberry cheddar and when you add that dollop of cranberry sauce on top it’s like a flavor party in your mouth. I love how they look on a holiday platter and they’re substantial enough to keep guests happy while dinner’s cooking.

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

- Andouille Sausage: Get the good stuff it makes all the difference. I slice mine nice and thick for the perfect bite.
- Cranberry Cheddar Cheese: This cheese is such a fun find it already has bits of cranberry in it.
- Cranberry Sauce: I usually make extra when I’m doing my Thanksgiving cranberries just for these.

Vegetable Oil: Just a touch for getting that perfect sear.
Appetizer Picks: These make everything look fancy and they’re easy for guests to grab.

Let’s Put These Together

Getting The Sausage Ready: First thing I do is slice that Andouille into nice thick rounds. When they hit that hot pan with just a touch of oil the kitchen starts smelling amazing. I love watching them get all golden and crispy on both sides.
Prepping the Cheese: While the sausage cooks I cut my cranberry cheddar into perfect little cubes. They should be just the right size to sit prettily on top of each sausage round.
Building Our Bites: This is where it gets fun. Each sausage round gets topped with cheese and if you’re feeling festive a tiny spoonful of cranberry sauce. The picks make them easy to handle and look so elegant.
Ready to Share: I arrange them on my favorite serving platter sometimes adding some fresh rosemary sprigs around the edges for that holiday touch.