It’s that magical time of year when kitchens everywhere fill up with frazzled home cooks who, for reasons unknown, assume that more effort equals more flavor—especially when it comes to holiday appetizers. Tradition tells us that the smaller the bite, the bigger the lift, and that indulgence must always mean excess. But we’re here to propose a new tradition: easy holiday appetizers that deliver big flavor without turning you into a stressed-out line cook.
Welcome to the first season of our new sausage era. The Sausage Project’s versatile, better-for-you chicken sausages are here to officially retire the idea that appetizers need to be complicated to be impressive. Featuring our star trio of chicken sausages, these easy holiday appetizer recipes transform simple links into clever riffs on seasonal favorites—and a few future classics—without sacrificing taste or joy.
Even better? They’re lower in fat without compromising flavor, require minimal prep, and come together faster than Blitzen on a caffeine bender. Happy holidays. Eat well. And relax.
Sausage & Sage Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Ugly sweaters. Eggnog. Your cousin’s kid who gets exactly one line in the school play—and flubs it adorably. Some things simply shine during the holidays. Add one more to the list: puff pastry, the Swiss Army knife of party food, making its first (but not last) appearance here in the form of sausage-and-sage pinwheels.
Italian Herb Chicken Sausage gets pulverized in a food processor, spread over cheese-covered puff pastry, then rolled into gorgeously psychedelic spirals of savory joy. They’re cheesy, juicy, buttery, and—importantly—look far more impressive than the effort required.
Make it yourself: Our sausage pinwheel recipe walks you through every step, from blitzing to baking.
Crispy Air Fryer Ravioli, Chicken Sausage & Broccoli
Sure, fried ravioli may be more St. Louis than Saint Nick—but rules are fake, and this appetizer slaps. Crispy air-fried ravioli pairs beautifully with chicken sausage and broccoli, all dunked into warm marinara for maximum holiday comfort.
Serve it as an appetizer spread… or eat the whole thing and call it dinner. We support both choices.
Make it yourself: This air fryer appetizer comes together fast with minimal cleanup.
Sausage, Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Bites
Puff pastry returns, this time as an edible delivery system for juicy chicken sausage, creamy Brie, and—taking things fully over the top—a quick cranberry chutney. (Not feeling ambitious? Sub in your favorite jam. We’re not judging.)The result is basically the perfect bite from a fancy holiday charcuterie board, but handheld. And yes, you get to eat the “board,” too.
Make it yourself: This puff pastry bite recipe balances sweet, savory, and creamy in one perfect pop.
Chicks in a Quilt
Pigs in a blanket—but with chicken sausage, so you can feel slightly more virtuous while reaching for your fourth one. This instant classic delivers major appetizer energy to the breakfast table—and serious breakfast vibes to cocktail hour.
Even better, you can make them ahead, freeze them, and bake straight from frozen right before guests arrive. Working smarter, not harder? That’s the holiday hosting spirit.
Make it yourself: Our freezer-friendly take makes party prep basically foolproof.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
“But Buffalo chicken dip is more of a Super Bowl food,” says someone who has never watched half a family scramble to find the remote during bowl season. Dips are eternal, and this one delivers: a bubbling, one-pot hit of cheese, Frank’s, Melty Cheddar Chicken Sausage, and heat in every bite. Serve it hot, watch it disappear faster than you can say “double dip,” and accept your fate as the MVP.
Make it yourself: This sausage-powered Buffalo dip is extra cheesy and extra easy.
Sausage Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce
Think Chicks in a Quilt—but after a relaxing soak in a hot tub. These pretzel-style sausage bites get briefly par-boiled to “pretzelify” the dough, then baked until golden and dunkable. The beer cheese sauce seals the deal.Yes, it’s a little extra effort. No, you won’t regret it.Make it yourself: This pretzel bite recipe brings Oktoberfest energy to your holiday spread.
Make it yourself: Crack open a beer and get to work.
Caprese Sausage Skewers
How does the simplest appetizer always end up being the most photogenic? It’s all about balance: fresh, salty, juicy, creamy, green. Skewer cherry tomatoes, sausage coins, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic.
Then take a photo—quickly—before they vanish. You do not have much time.
Make it yourself: Grab some skewers and get to work!
The Perfect Charcuterie Board
Slice up some sausages. Pair them with cheese. Throw on some dried fruit or nuts. Pour a glass of something good. Congratulations—you’ve already nailed the basics. Just remember: The perfect board is all about balance. But it's also about personal preference. That's why chicken sausage plays so beautifully on a board: Whether you want to pair it alongside cute little pickles and imported cheese or a pile of chips and some store-bought crudite, you've got a winner.
Make one yourself: Our step-by-step charcuterie board guide covers sausage pairings, cheese selection, wine matches, and how to build a board that actually gets eaten.
A gigantic pile of sausage
Look, sometimes, you just need to be the change you want to see in the world.