Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

These savory sausage bites combine slices of quality sausages roasted to a golden finish, topped with a tangy mixture of whole cranberry sauce, fresh parsley, rosemary, and optional chili for subtle heat. Garnished with small herb sprigs and berries, they offer a vibrant, festive appearance. Ideal for holiday parties, the bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, with options for gluten-free sausages and alternative meats. Simple preparation and roasting make these a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:44:00 GMT
Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, glistening with cranberry, ready to serve as a perfect appetizer for guests. Save
Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, glistening with cranberry, ready to serve as a perfect appetizer for guests. | ivorycrumb.com

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

I first served these at a family Christmas party, and they were gone within minutes everyone loved the festive look and tasty combination.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Sausage:
Toss the sausage slices with olive oil and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast Sausage:
Roast for 15 20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Mix Topping:
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with chopped parsley, rosemary, and chili (if using).
Cool Sausage:
Remove sausages from the oven and cool slightly.
Assemble Bites:
Spoon a small dollop of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each sausage bite.
Garnish:
Garnish each with a mini parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed to create a festive holly berry look.
Serve:
Arrange on a platter and serve warm or at room temperature.
Warm Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites with vibrant cranberry topping and fresh herb garnishes displayed beautifully. Save
Warm Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites with vibrant cranberry topping and fresh herb garnishes displayed beautifully. | ivorycrumb.com

This recipe always brings our family together during the holidays, making every gathering special and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

These sausage bites pair well with sparkling wine or a light red and can be served warm or at room temperature for convenience.

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, savory bites topped with festive cranberry and herbs. Save
Close-up of golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, savory bites topped with festive cranberry and herbs. | ivorycrumb.com

Enjoy these festive bites at your next gathering for a flavorful and easy appetizer that impresses every time.

Recipe FAQs

What sausages work best for these bites?

Use cocktail or thick pork sausages for best results. Turkey sausages can also be substituted for a lighter option.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, choose gluten-free sausages and verify the cranberry sauce ingredients to ensure no gluten is present.

Is the chili necessary in the topping?

The red chili is optional and adds a mild heat. It can be omitted for a milder flavor.

How should I serve the sausage bites?

Arrange them on a platter to serve warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for cocktail parties or holiday gatherings.

Can I add extra texture or crunch?

Yes, consider placing a thin slice of toasted baguette beneath each sausage slice for added crunch.

Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites

Savory sausage slices adorned with cranberry sauce and fresh herbs for festive gatherings.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
20 min
Total duration
35 min
Created by Nora Ellington


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Spanish-Inspired

Makes 24 Serves

Diet details No dairy

What You'll 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 cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
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 for decoration
02 24 fresh or dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare sausage slices: Toss the sausage rounds with olive oil and lay them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Mix topping: Combine the cranberry sauce, parsley, rosemary, and chili (if using) in a small bowl.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Assemble bites: Place a small spoonful of the cranberry-herb mixture on each sausage piece.

Step 07

Garnish: Top each bite with a parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed to mimic holly berries.

Step 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergen details

Be sure to review the ingredients for possible allergens and speak to a healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains meat, either pork or turkey depending on sausage selection.
  • May contain gluten if sausages are not certified gluten-free.

Nutrition info per dish

Details here are just for reference. They don't replace health or nutrition advice.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g