The Thanksgiving Sausage Fatty is a delightful fusion of traditional holiday flavors and barbecue craftsmanship. This savory roulade combines sage sausage, tart Granny Smith apples, sweet dried cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese, all seasoned with Cattleman's Grill Steakhouse Seasoning. Smoked to perfection, it offers a unique twist on classic Thanksgiving dishes, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive appetizer.
Thanksgiving Sausage Fatty
Tom Jackson
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Entree
Cuisine
American
Servings
8
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Calories
433
What sets this dish apart is its versatility and ease of preparation. You can assemble it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and the shape to set, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience on the day of your gathering. Whether you're hosting a large family dinner or a casual get-together, the Thanksgiving Sausage Fatty is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and appealing presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Jimmie Dean Original Sausage
- 1 lb Jimmie Dean Sage Sausage
- Granny Smith apple diced very thinly
- Dried cranberries
- Aged sharp cheddar cheese
-
Cattleman's Grill Steakhouse Seasoning
Directions
Prepare the Sausage Base
In a one-gallon plastic bag, combine 1 lb of Jimmie Dean Original Sausage and 1 lb of Jimmie Dean Sage Sausage.
- Flatten the sausage mixture evenly within the bag, removing any air pockets.
- Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Prepare the Filling
Dice a Granny Smith apple into very small pieces.
- Cut aged sharp cheddar cheese into small chunks.
Assemble the Fatty
Cut open the sides of the plastic bag to lay the sausage flat on a work surface.
Place a line of dried cranberries, diced apples, and cheddar chunks down the center of the sausage.
- Carefully roll the sausage around the filling to form a log.
- Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until it firms up.
Season and Smoke
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
Unwrap the sausage log and liberally season the outside with Cattleman's Grill Steakhouse Seasoning.
Place the fatty on the smoker grates and cook for approximately 1 hour.
- Check the internal temperature; continue cooking until it reaches 160°F (71°C), checking every 10–15 minutes.
Rest and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the fatty from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice into rounds and serve warm.

Recipe Note
What You'll Love About This Recipe
Flavorful Fusion: Combines the savory taste of sage sausage with the sweetness of apples and cranberries.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before to save time on the day of your event.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes, while the recipe calls for Jimmie Dean Original and Sage Sausage, you can substitute with your preferred brand or flavor of sausage.
Q: Is it necessary to refrigerate the sausage log before smoking?
A: Yes, refrigerating helps the fatty maintain its shape during smoking.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely, you can assemble the fatty the night before and refrigerate it until you're ready to smoke it.
Q: What sides pair well with the Thanksgiving Sausage Fatty?
A: Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I cook these indoors?
We rate these as a 4 out of 5. Great in the kitchen, better on the grill.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 6.1 oz
- per serving
- Calories
- 433
- Carbs
- 8 grams
- Protein
- 23 grams
- Fat
- 34 grams
- Sugar
- 940 grams