Festive Holly Berry Bites

Featured in: Weekend Favorites

These festive sausage bites bring together savory pork pieces roasted to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant cranberry sauce mixed with fresh parsley, rosemary, and a touch of chili for warmth. Garnished with sprigs resembling holly leaves and bright berries, they add a cheerful touch to any holiday spread. Quick to prepare and perfect served warm or at room temperature, these savory treats are ideal for gatherings and cocktail parties.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:26:00 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. | forkta.com

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

I love serving these festive bites during the holidays as they bring a burst of flavor and a pop of color to any party table.

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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These bites have become a holiday tradition in my family, always bringing smiles and a sense of togetherness around the table.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, ensure your sausages are gluten-free. These bites pair well with sparkling wine or a light red wine. 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 of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites arranged on a platter, garnished with fresh holly berries. Save
Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites arranged on a platter, garnished with fresh holly berries. | forkta.com

This easy recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a staple of your holiday celebrations.

Recipe FAQs

What type of sausages work best for these bites?

Use good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages. For a lighter option, turkey sausages can be substituted. Ensure gluten-free sausages if needed.

Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the sausage slices ahead and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

How can I add extra crunch to these bites?

Add a thin slice of toasted baguette under each sausage to introduce a satisfying crunch alongside the juicy sausage.

Is the chili essential in the topping?

The small red chili adds subtle heat but can be omitted if a milder flavor is preferred.

What beverages pair well with these savory bites?

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

Festive Holly Berry Bites

Sausage slices with cranberry sauce and herbs create festive, flavorful bites ideal for celebrations.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Spanish-Inspired

Makes 24 Portions

Diet Preferences Lactose-Free, Low-Carb

What You'll Need

Sausage

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

Topping

01 1/2 cup whole 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: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Assemble Bites: Spoon a dollop of cranberry mixture onto each sausage piece.

Step 07

Garnish: Top each bite with a small parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed to resemble holly berries.

Step 08

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains meat. May contain gluten depending on sausage choice.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g