Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites

Featured in: Seasonal Home Recipes

These savory sausage bites feature perfectly roasted sausage rounds topped with a vibrant cranberry sauce mixed with fresh parsley, rosemary, and a hint of chili for warmth. Garnished with herb sprigs and fresh berries, they offer a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and herbal flavors. Ideal for holiday parties or casual entertaining, these easy-to-prepare morsels can be served warm or at room temperature. Gluten-free options and variations suit diverse preferences, paired wonderfully with light reds or sparkling wines.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:47:00 GMT
Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, glistening with cranberry, ready to serve at a holiday party. Save
Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, glistening with cranberry, ready to serve at a holiday party. | toastybloom.com

Savory sausage rounds topped with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh herbs, these festive bites are perfect for holiday gatherings and cocktail parties.

I love making these festive holly berry sausage bites because they bring a burst of flavor and holiday cheer to any party.

Ingredients

  • Sausage: 450 g (1 lb) good-quality cocktail sausages or thick pork sausages, cut into 2-cm (¾-inch) slices, 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Topping: 120 g (½ cup) cranberry sauce (whole berry recommended), 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped, 1 small red chili, deseeded and finely diced (optional, for heat)
  • Garnish: Fresh small parsley or rosemary sprigs (to resemble holly leaves), 24 fresh or dried cranberries (or pomegranate seeds, for berries)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Toss the sausage slices with olive oil and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3:
Roast for 15 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with chopped parsley, rosemary, and chili (if using).
Step 5:
Remove sausages from the oven and cool slightly.
Step 6:
Spoon a small dollop of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each sausage bite.
Step 7:
Garnish each with a mini parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed to create a festive holly berry look.
Step 8:
Arrange on a platter and serve warm or at room temperature.
Close-up of golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with vibrant cranberry and rosemary. Save
Close-up of golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with vibrant cranberry and rosemary. | toastybloom.com

These bites are always a hit at family holiday parties, bringing everyone together around the appetizer plate.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, small mixing bowl, spoon

Allergen Information

Contains Meat (pork or turkey, depending on sausage choice). May contain Gluten (if sausages are not gluten-free). Double-check sausage and cranberry sauce labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 70, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 3 g per serving.

Warm and inviting Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect appetizer for your holiday gatherings. Save
Warm and inviting Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect appetizer for your holiday gatherings. | toastybloom.com

This festive appetizer will impress guests with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.

Recipe FAQs

What type of sausage works best?

Opt for good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages for a rich flavor; turkey sausages offer a lighter alternative.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, choose gluten-free sausages to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

How do I achieve the festive holly appearance?

Garnish each bite with small parsley or rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds to mimic holly leaves and berries.

Is the chili necessary in the topping?

No, the deseeded red chili is optional; it adds subtle heat but can be omitted for milder flavors.

Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?

They can be roasted and topped before events, served warm or at room temperature for convenience.

Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites

Sausage bites topped with cranberry and herbs, perfect for festive gatherings and parties.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time for Cooking
20 minutes
Complete Time
35 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Seasonal Home Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Spanish-Inspired

Servings Made 24 Portion Count

Dietary Notes No Dairy

What You Need

Sausage

01 1 lb good-quality cocktail sausages or thick pork sausages, sliced into 3/4-inch rounds
02 1 tbsp olive oil

Topping

01 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
02 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
03 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
04 1 small red chili, deseeded and finely diced (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh small parsley or rosemary sprigs
02 24 fresh or dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare sausages: Toss sausage slices with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast sausages: Roast sausages for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Step 04

Mix topping: In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce with chopped parsley, rosemary, and diced chili if using.

Step 05

Cool sausages slightly: Remove sausages from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 06

Add topping: Spoon a small dollop of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each sausage slice.

Step 07

Garnish: Top each bite with a small parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed for a festive appearance.

Step 08

Arrange and serve: Arrange on a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains meat (pork or turkey). May contain gluten if sausages are not gluten-free.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g