Festive Holly Berry Bites

Featured in: Holiday Favorites

These savory sausage rounds are roasted until golden and topped with a vibrant mixture of tangy cranberry sauce, fresh parsley, rosemary, and optional chili for a subtle heat. Garnished with fresh herb sprigs and berries, they embody a festive spirit perfect for holiday appetizers. Quick to prepare and versatile, they can be served warm or at room temperature, catering to both traditional and gluten-free preferences.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:43:00 GMT
Golden brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with festive cranberry and fresh herb garnish, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with festive cranberry and fresh herb garnish, ready to serve. | krispyrecipes.com

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

This recipe was a big hit at my last holiday party; everyone loved the festive flavors and the easy bite-sized portions.

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.
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| krispyrecipes.com

This recipe brings the family together every holiday season, creating joyful memories bite by bite.

Notes

These bites pair well with sparkling wine or a light red. For extra crunch, add a thin slice of toasted baguette under each sausage.

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.

Close-up photo of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, showcasing juicy sausage and the vibrant cranberry topping. Save to Pinterest
Close-up photo of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, showcasing juicy sausage and the vibrant cranberry topping. | krispyrecipes.com

Enjoy these festive bites as a perfect appetizer to kick off your holiday celebrations.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of sausages work best for this dish?

Good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages sliced into rounds are ideal. Turkey sausage can be substituted for a lighter option.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yes, by choosing gluten-free sausages and checking the cranberry sauce labels, you can keep this dish gluten-free.

How do I achieve the festive holly berry appearance?

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

Is it better served warm or at room temperature?

These bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for various occasions.

What drinks pair well with these savory bites?

They pair excellently with sparkling wine or a light red wine, enhancing the festive flavors.

Festive Holly Berry Bites

Savory sausage rounds topped with cranberry sauce and fresh herbs, ideal for festive gatherings.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Holiday Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Spanish-Inspired

Total Portions 24 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations No Dairy

What You’ll Need

Sausage

01 1 lb good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages, sliced into ¾-inch rounds
02 1 tbsp olive oil

Topping

01 ½ 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

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 fully cooked.

Step 04

Combine topping ingredients: In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce with chopped parsley, rosemary, and diced chili if using.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Assemble bites: Top each sausage round with a small spoonful of the herbed cranberry mixture.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains meat (pork or turkey). May contain gluten if sausages are not gluten-free. Check labels carefully.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 70
  • Total Fat: 4 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4 grams
  • Protein Content: 3 grams