Festive Holly Berry Bites

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

These savory sausage bites feature tender sausage slices roasted to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant mixture of cranberry sauce, fresh parsley, rosemary, and optional chili for a subtle heat. Finished with herb sprigs and berries to create a festive look, they are an effortless appetizer ideal for holiday gatherings or cocktail parties. Ready in just over 30 minutes, these flavorful bites can be served warm or at room temperature and pair beautifully with sparkling wine or light reds. For gluten-free options, choose appropriate sausages.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:09:00 GMT
Golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with glistening cranberry sauce and herbs, ready to serve. Save
Golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with glistening cranberry sauce and herbs, ready to serve. | meanwhilerecipe.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 brings the festive spirit to any party My family loves serving these as finger food during the holidays

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:
Roast for 15 20 minutes turning halfway until golden and cooked through
Mix topping:
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
Add topping:
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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| meanwhilerecipe.com

These bites pair well with sparkling wine or a light red making them a hit at my family parties

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

Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect for a party, showing fresh cranberry garnish. Save
Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, perfect for a party, showing fresh cranberry garnish. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Savor these festive holly berry sausage bites warm or at room temperature for a delightful holiday treat

Recipe FAQ

What sausages work best for these bites?

Good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages cut into slices work well, with turkey sausages as a lighter alternative.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, by selecting gluten-free sausages, you can easily make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

How is the cranberry topping prepared?

The topping combines whole berry cranberry sauce with finely chopped parsley, rosemary, and optional red chili for a balance of tangy and fresh flavors.

What is the best way to serve these sausage bites?

Serve warm or at room temperature, arranged on a platter and optionally paired with sparkling wine or light red wine.

Can I add extra texture to these bites?

For added crunch, place a thin slice of toasted baguette under each sausage slice before topping.

Festive Holly Berry Bites

Savory sausage rounds topped with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh herbs for festive occasions.

Time to Prepare
15 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Complete Time
35 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Spanish-Inspired

Makes 24 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations No Dairy, Low Carb

Ingredient List

Sausage

01 1 pound good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages, sliced into ¾-inch pieces
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Topping

01 ½ 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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Sausage: Toss sausage slices with olive oil and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast Sausage: Roast the sausage slices for 15 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through until golden and cooked thoroughly.

Step 04

Mix Topping: Combine cranberry sauce, chopped parsley, rosemary, and chili in a small bowl.

Step 05

Cool and Top: Remove sausages from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then spoon a small amount of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each piece.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains meat (pork or turkey); may contain gluten depending on sausage selection.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g