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These Reindeer Sausage Bites are festive finger foods made from glazed cocktail sausages topped with olive eyes and a grape tomato nose for a playful holiday treat.
I first made these at a holiday brunch and they disappeared so fast my guests were asking for the recipe by the end of the meal; they are always a hit whenever I bring them along.
Ingredients
- Cocktail sausages: Two packages provide a good amount for a party — choose good quality smoked sausages for full flavor
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize on the sausages — use pure maple syrup for the best taste
- Dijon mustard: Offers sharpness and tang that balances the sweet maple syrup — a smooth Dijon works best
- Butter: Helps create a silky, rich glaze when melted with the maple syrup and mustard — use unsalted for more control over seasoning
- Mini pretzels: Halved to create antlers — look for crunchy ones that will hold their shape
- Sliced black olives: For the eyes — use firm olives that slice cleanly
- Grape tomatoes: For the nose — select firm, ripe tomatoes that won’t burst too soon during assembly
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausages:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the cocktail sausages. Cook them evenly by stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until they start to brown lightly and heat through. This step seals in the flavor.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat. Stir in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard to combine until smooth and warm, about 3 minutes. This glaze will coat the sausages with both sweetness and tang.
- Glaze the Sausages:
- Pour the maple Dijon glaze over the cooked sausages in the skillet. Toss well to make sure every sausage is evenly coated. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly on the sausages.
- Assemble the Reindeer Faces:
- Place each glazed sausage on a serving platter. Gently press two halved mini pretzels at one end of each sausage for antlers. Add two small black olive slices near the pretzels to form eyes. Finally, set one grape tomato at the opposite end of the sausage to create the red nose.
- Serve Immediately:
- These sausage bites are best served warm while the glaze is sticky and the pretzels stay crunchy. They are great on their own or paired with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.
I love how the maple and Dijon combo brightens the sausages but does not overpower their smoky flavor. The playful reindeer faces always spark laughter and smiles at our Christmas gatherings; one year my kids even wanted to help arrange the olives and tomatoes, turning it into a creative holiday craft before the feast started.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the glaze shiny and the sausages juicy; avoid the microwave if you want to retain the crisp pretzel antlers.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness but still sticky glaze. Swap Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard if you like extra kick. Instead of cocktail sausages, small bratwursts or smoked links work well too as long as they can be cut to size.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with a side of whole grain crackers and a small bowl of honey mustard dipping sauce for those who want extra richness. They pair nicely with sparkling cider or light red wine and you can add fresh rosemary sprigs around the platter for an aromatic holiday touch.
These reindeer bites are quick to make and bring instant holiday cheer to any table. They reheat well and are a fun hands on appetizer the whole family will enjoy.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What types of sausages work best?
Small cocktail sausages provide the perfect bite-sized portion and texture for glazing and assembling the bites.
- → How do I make the glaze sticky and flavorful?
Combining maple syrup with Dijon mustard and melting in butter creates a sweet and tangy glaze that clings well to the sausages.
- → Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and sausages separately, then assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.
- → What is the purpose of the mini pretzel halves?
The halved pretzels add a crunchy texture and serve as cute antlers in the festive presentation.
- → Are there alternative garnish options?
Yes, you can use cherry tomatoes, olives, or peppercorns to create eyes and noses, tailoring to your visual preference.