Festive Holly Berry Sausage

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

These festive sausage bites feature savory slices roasted to golden perfection, then topped with a bright, tangy cranberry sauce mixed with fresh parsley, rosemary, and optional chili for a touch of heat. Garnished with fresh herbs and berries for a seasonal look, they offer a flavorful and elegant appetizer that suits holiday celebrations and cocktail parties. Easy to prepare and flexible with gluten-free or turkey sausage alternatives, these bites pair wonderfully with sparkling wine or light reds, bringing a burst of savory and sweet to your festive table.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:30:00 GMT
Golden brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with glistening cranberry sauce and fresh herbs. Pin
Golden brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with glistening cranberry sauce and fresh herbs. | cinnamonnest.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 making these sausage bites for family celebrations because they are quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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.
Pin
| cinnamonnest.com

These bites have become a holiday tradition that brings my whole family together with joy and delicious flavors.

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

A close-up of beautifully garnished Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect for a holiday appetizer spread. Pin
A close-up of beautifully garnished Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect for a holiday appetizer spread. | cinnamonnest.com

Serve these festive bites warm for the best flavor and enjoy the compliments from your guests.

Recipe FAQ

What type of sausages work best for this dish?

Good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages work well, but turkey sausages make a lighter alternative. Opt for gluten-free sausages if needed.

How do I achieve the perfect texture when roasting the sausage slices?

Arrange slices in a single layer, toss with olive oil, and roast at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway until golden and cooked through.

Can I prepare the cranberry topping ahead of time?

Yes, mixing cranberry sauce with fresh herbs can be done in advance and stored refrigerated for enhanced flavors before assembling.

What garnishes add to the festive presentation?

Mini sprigs of parsley or rosemary resemble holly leaves, while fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds add a vibrant berry touch.

Are there serving suggestions for these bites?

Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter, paired nicely with sparkling wine or a light red for holiday entertaining.

Festive Holly Berry Sausage

Sausage bites topped with cranberry sauce and herbs, ideal for festive occasions and easy entertaining.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
20 min
Total duration
35 min

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin Spanish-Inspired

Yield 24 Servings

Dietary requirements Dairy-free, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Sausage

01 1 lb good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages, cut into 3/4-inch slices
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Topping

01 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
02 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
03 1 tablespoon 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Assemble Bites: 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 to create a festive look.

Step 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains meat; may contain gluten depending on sausage choice. Verify labels for allergens.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbs: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g