Cranberry & Chicken Sausage Filo Bites
These delightful Cranberry & Chicken Sausage Filo Bites are the perfect holiday appetizer that blends savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. Made with crispy filo dough tart shells, they are not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare. Featuring a luscious filling of sautéed chicken sausage and sweetened cranberry sauce, these tartlets are sure to impress your guests. Best of all, they can be made ahead of time; simply prepare the filling and fill the shells just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch. Replacing traditional sausage with chicken makes this dish a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor, making it a fantastic choice for any holiday gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
1 1/2 cups (Fresh or frozen, rinsed)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Orange Juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Mild Chicken Sausage
1 lb (Removed from casing)
Scallion (or Onion)
1 cup (Minced)
Prepared Filo Tart Shells
48 (From the freezer section)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cranberries are soft and some have burst. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sausage, breaking it into small pieces until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced scallions or onion to the sausage, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until softened.
4
If there is any excess fat, drain it off. Stir in the cranberry mixture until well combined.
5
Preheat your oven according to the tart shell package instructions. Arrange the prepared filo shells on a baking sheet.
6
Spoon the filling generously into each tart shell, being careful not to overfill.
7
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges of the filo are golden brown and crispy.
8
Serve warm or at room temperature. For best results, fill the tart shells just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry & Chicken Sausage Filo Bites?
They are a savory and sweet holiday appetizer made with chicken sausage, homemade cranberry sauce, and crispy filo dough shells.
How many filo shells are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 48 prepared filo tart shells.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for the sauce.
What type of sausage should I use?
Mild chicken sausage is recommended, removed from its casing before cooking.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture, fill and bake the shells just before serving.
How do I keep the filo shells from getting soggy?
To maintain maximum crispiness, fill the tart shells with the sausage and cranberry mixture just before you are ready to bake and serve them.
What is the cooking time for the cranberry sauce?
The cranberry mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes until the berries are soft and some have burst.
Do I need to use fresh orange juice?
You can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice for this recipe.
Should I drain the sausage after cooking?
Yes, if there is any excess fat after sautéing the sausage and scallions, it should be drained off before adding the cranberry mixture.
Can I substitute the scallions?
Yes, if you do not have scallions, you can use one cup of minced onion instead.
How long do the filled bites need to bake?
Bake the filled shells for about 10 minutes until the edges of the filo are golden brown and crispy.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
You should preheat your oven according to the specific instructions provided on the filo tart shell packaging.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the cranberry sauce.
Are these served hot or cold?
These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for parties.
Can I use pork sausage instead of chicken?
While the recipe specifies chicken sausage for a lighter flavor, you could substitute pork sausage if preferred.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, using pre-made filo shells makes this a quick and simple appetizer to prepare for holiday gatherings.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Sauté the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until it is fully browned.
Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
While this recipe includes instructions for a homemade sauce, you could use a thick store-bought version in a pinch.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With 48 bites, it is typically enough for a large party of 12 to 16 people as an appetizer.
What makes these bites healthy?
Using chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage makes this a lighter alternative with less fat.
Where can I find filo tart shells?
Filo tart shells are usually found in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Generally, no. Filo shells are buttery and shouldn't stick, but check the package instructions for your specific brand.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch to the sweet and savory filling.
Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar?
You can substitute maple syrup, but it may slightly alter the consistency and flavor profile of the cranberry sauce.
What does the orange juice do for the recipe?
The orange juice provides the liquid needed to cook the cranberries and adds a bright, citrusy tang that complements the sausage.
Can I freeze the cooked filling?
Yes, the sausage and cranberry filling can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
While cranberries are traditional for the holidays, dried figs or apricots could provide a different sweet element.
Should the filling be hot when I put it in the shells?
It can be warm or cooled; however, if the filling is very hot, it might soften the shells faster if not baked immediately.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, filo dough contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, you would need to find gluten-free tart shells.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispiness.