Festive Holly Berry Bites

Featured in: Rustic Family Favorites

These festive bites combine savory sausage rounds roasted to golden perfection with a tangy blend of cranberry sauce, fresh parsley, rosemary, and a hint of chili. Garnished with fresh herb sprigs and berries for a vibrant holiday presentation, they offer a deliciously balanced flavor perfect for cocktail parties or festive gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to serve warm or at room temperature, they complement sparkling wine and add charm to any celebration.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:09:00 GMT
Golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with bright cranberry sauce, inviting holiday flavor. Pin It
Golden-brown Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites topped with bright cranberry sauce, inviting holiday flavor. | lushkettle.com

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

I enjoy serving these festive bites during the holidays; they always impress guests with their vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

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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| lushkettle.com

These bites always bring my family together during the festive season and spark wonderful conversations over drinks.

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

70 Calories per serving, 4 g Total Fat, 4 g Carbohydrates, 3 g Protein

Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, garnished with fresh herbs and ruby-red cranberries, ready to serve. Pin It
Close-up of savory Festive Holly Berry Sausage Bites, garnished with fresh herbs and ruby-red cranberries, ready to serve. | lushkettle.com

Enjoy these festive bites warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of sausage works best?

Good-quality cocktail or thick pork sausages sliced into bite-sized rounds work best. Turkey sausages can be used for a lighter option.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, ensure the sausages and cranberry sauce used are labeled gluten-free.

How do I add heat to the topping?

Finely diced deseeded red chili can be mixed into the cranberry and herb topping for a mild spicy kick.

What serving suggestions complement these bites?

They pair wonderfully with sparkling wine or a light red wine and can be served warm or room temperature.

Can I add texture to the bites?

A thin slice of toasted baguette under each sausage adds pleasing crunch.

Festive Holly Berry Bites

Sausage rounds topped with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh herbs, ideal for holiday gatherings and parties.

Time to Prep
15 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Full Prep Time
35 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition Spanish-Inspired

Portion 24 Serving Size

Dietary Details No Dairy, Reduced-Carb

What You 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 resembling holly leaves
02 24 fresh or dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare sausages: Toss sausage slices with olive oil and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast sausages: Bake 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 chili if desired.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Assemble bites: Place a small spoonful of the herbed cranberry mixture atop each sausage slice.

Step 07

Garnish bites: Top each with a parsley or rosemary sprig and a cranberry or pomegranate seed to mimic holly berries.

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains meat (pork or turkey depending on choice). May contain gluten if sausages are not gluten-free. Verify labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 3 g