Festive Holly Berry Bites

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking

These festive holly berry bites combine tender sausage rounds roasted to golden perfection with a tangy cranberry sauce blended with fresh parsley, rosemary, and a hint of chili for subtle heat. Garnished with sprigs of herbs and berries to evoke a holiday spirit, they make delightful appetizers for any seasonal celebration. Easy to prepare, they can be served warm or at room temperature and pair wonderfully with sparkling or light red wines.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:02:00 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. | ovenharmony.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 quickly became a holiday favorite. I love how simple it is to prepare yet so full of festive 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 sausage:
Toss the sausage slices with olive oil and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast sausage:
Roast for 15 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 sausage:
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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These bites have brought so much joy at family holiday parties where everyone loves reaching for seconds.

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 per serving, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 3 g

Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites; mini sausages with bright red cranberry topping and fresh rosemary. Save
Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites; mini sausages with bright red cranberry topping and fresh rosemary. | ovenharmony.com

These festive bites add a delightful burst of flavor and color to any holiday spread.

Recipe FAQ

What type of sausages work best for these bites?

Good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages sliced evenly provide the best texture and flavor. Turkey sausages can be used for a lighter alternative.

Can these bites be made gluten-free?

Yes, by choosing gluten-free sausages and ensuring cranberry sauce labels are gluten-free, this dish can suit gluten-sensitive diets.

How should I prepare the topping for these bites?

Mix whole berry cranberry sauce with finely chopped fresh parsley, rosemary, and optional diced red chili for balanced sweetness and herbaceous notes.

What is the best way to serve these festive bites?

Arrange on a platter, garnish with small herb sprigs and berries, and serve warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and presentation.

Do these bites pair well with any drinks?

They complement sparkling wines and light red wines beautifully, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Festive Holly Berry Bites

Sausage slices with cranberry-herb topping, ideal for festive gatherings or cocktail parties.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Seasonal Cooking

Complexity Easy

Heritage Spanish-Inspired

Output 24 Portions

Dietary considerations No dairy, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Sausage

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

Topping

01 1/2 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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare Sausage Slices: Toss sausage slices with olive oil and spread them evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Top Each Sausage Bite: Place a small dollop of the herbed cranberry mixture onto each sausage slice.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Serve: Arrange the prepared 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 consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains meat (pork or turkey, depending on sausage). May contain gluten if sausages are not gluten-free. Check labels for allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g