Festive Holly Berry Sausage

Featured in: All-American Desserts

These festive sausage bites combine slices of juicy sausage roasted to golden perfection with a vibrant cranberry sauce tossed with fresh parsley, rosemary, and a hint of chili. The savory and tangy flavors come together beautifully, enhanced by garnishes of fresh herbs and berries to create a visually appealing and tasty appetizer. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, they bring a perfect balance of warmth and freshness to any holiday table or cocktail party spread.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:14:00 GMT
Golden, baked Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with glistening cranberry sauce and fresh herbs. Save
Golden, baked Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with glistening cranberry sauce and fresh herbs. | dashofstates.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 has become a favorite at our holiday parties thanks to its festive look and delicious flavor.

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:
Remove sausages from the oven and cool slightly.
Assemble:
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.
Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect appetizers for your holiday party. Save
Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect appetizers for your holiday party. | dashofstates.com

This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays; everyone loves the vibrant colors and rich flavors.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, ensure your sausages are gluten-free. Substitute turkey sausages for a lighter option. 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.

Delectable platter of Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, a Spanish-inspired dish, ready to eat and enjoy. Save
Delectable platter of Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, a Spanish-inspired dish, ready to eat and enjoy. | dashofstates.com

These festive bites bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your holiday spread.

Recipe FAQ

What type of sausage works best for these bites?

Good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages are ideal, but turkey sausages can be used for a lighter option.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, by selecting gluten-free sausages and ensuring the cranberry sauce contains no gluten, this dish can be gluten-free friendly.

How do I achieve the festive holly berry appearance?

Garnish each sausage slice with small sprigs of parsley or rosemary to mimic holly leaves, and top with cranberries or pomegranate seeds for berry accents.

Is the small red chili necessary in the topping?

The chili is optional and adds a gentle heat, but the bites are flavorful without it if preferred milder.

Can these bites be served warm or at room temperature?

They taste great both warm and at room temperature, offering flexibility for party serving.

Festive Holly Berry Sausage

Tender sausage rounds topped with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh herbs, ideal for festive occasions.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage Spanish-Inspired

Output 24 Portions

Nutritional considerations No dairy

Components

Sausage

01 1 lb good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages, cut into ¾-inch slices
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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Assemble bites: Spoon a small dollop of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each sausage slice.

Phase 07

Add festive garnish: Top each with a small parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed to emulate holly berries.

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains meat; may contain gluten if sausages are not gluten-free.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g