Festive Holly Berry Bites

Featured in: Spicy Snack Zone

These festive holly berry bites feature savory sausage slices roasted to golden perfection and topped with a tangy cranberry sauce blended with fresh parsley, rosemary, and a hint of red chili. Garnished with herb sprigs and cranberries to evoke holiday cheer, they make an inviting appetizer ideal for cocktail parties and seasonal celebrations. Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, these bites offer a perfect balance of savory and tangy with a subtle herbal touch.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:52:00 GMT
Golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with red cranberry, aromatic herbs, and fresh garnishes. Save
Golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with red cranberry, aromatic herbs, and fresh garnishes. | fireandbites.com

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

I enjoy serving these colorful, bite-sized sausages at family events because they always impress guests and are quick to prepare.

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 Sausages:
Toss the sausage slices with olive oil and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast:
Roast for 15 to 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 Sausages:
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.
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My family loves gathering around the platter of these festive bites during the holidays creating joyful memories.

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

Savory, bite-sized Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, warm and glistening with cranberry sauce, ready for serving. Save
Savory, bite-sized Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, warm and glistening with cranberry sauce, ready for serving. | fireandbites.com

These festive holly berry sausage bites add a burst of color and flavor to any gathering, making them a delightful holiday treat.

Common Questions

What type of sausages work best for these bites?

Choose good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages sliced into small rounds. Turkey sausages can be a lighter alternative.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, ensure sausages and cranberry sauce used are certified gluten-free to maintain the option.

How do I achieve the festive holly look?

Garnish each bite with small parsley or rosemary sprigs resembling holly leaves and top with fresh or dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.

Is the red chili necessary?

The small diced red chili is optional and adds a subtle heat that complements the tangy cranberry topping but can be omitted for milder flavor.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, sausages can be roasted ahead and cranberry topping mixed in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep toppings fresh.

Festive Holly Berry Bites

Sausage rounds topped with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh herbs for festive gatherings.

Setup Duration
15 min
Time at Heat
20 min
Complete Duration
35 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type Spicy Snack Zone

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Spanish-Inspired

Output 24 Portion Count

Special Diet Info No Dairy, Reduced Carbohydrate

What You'll Need

Sausage

01 1 lb (450 g) high-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages, sliced into ¾-inch (2 cm) rounds
02 1 tbsp olive oil

Topping

01 ½ cup (120 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
02 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
03 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
04 1 small red chili, deseeded and finely diced (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh small parsley or rosemary sprigs to mimic holly leaves
02 24 fresh or dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds

Method Steps

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Arrange Sausages: Toss sausage slices with olive oil and spread evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Top Sausages: Place a dollop of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each sausage slice.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains meat; check for gluten if not using gluten-free sausage.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g