As the leaves begin to unravel their colorful dance, my kitchen becomes a sanctuary filled with the warm, earthy aromas of fall. Enter the delightful Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples and Squash, a dish that embraces the season’s spirit while making dinner a breeze. This recipe not only comes together in just 40 minutes but also transforms simple ingredients into a savory family dinner that feels like a cozy hug. With juicy Italian sausage mingling alongside caramelized apples and squash, each bite is a celebration of flavor, embodying comfort and warmth. Whether you choose the sweet allure of butternut or the buttery richness of acorn squash, this meal effortlessly elevates your autumn evenings. Are you ready to turn your weeknight dinners into something special? Let’s dive in! Why is this recipe a fall favorite? Simplicity: This sheet pan dinner comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Flavor Harmony: The union of savory sausage with sweet apples and squash creates a delightful contrast that’ll please any palate. Versatile Options: Choose between butternut or acorn squash, or mix in your favorite seasonal veggies for a custom touch. Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish embodies the essence of fall, perfect for cozy family gatherings or simply to indulge in on a chilly evening. Crowd-Pleasing: Whether serving your family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone around the table. Pair it with a glass of red wine for an extra special touch, just like our delicious Loaded Baked Dinner suggestion! Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create this cozy fall feast! For the Sausage Mild Italian Sausage – Provides savory flavor and protein; can substitute with chicken sausage for a lighter option. For the Vegetables Butternut Squash or Acorn Squash – Adds sweetness and heartiness; butternut is easier to peel, but both offer similar flavors. Shallots – Contributes a mild onion flavor, enhancing overall taste; substitute with red onion if shallots are unavailable. For the Fruit Red Apple – Offers sweetness and a touch of acidity, balancing the dish; Fuji or Honeycrisp are recommended for the best results. For Roasting Olive Oil – Essential for roasting and flavor enhancement; use extra virgin for a more robust taste. Coarse Salt and Cracked Pepper – Essential seasoning to bring out flavors; adjust to taste. Now that you have the ingredients, you’re one step closer to whipping up this delicious Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples dish that warms the heart and fills the belly! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat will ensure that your Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples cooks evenly and caramelizes beautifully. A hot oven is crucial for achieving that delightful golden-brown finish on the sausage and veggies. Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Apples While the oven heats, chop your butternut or acorn squash into 1-inch cubes and slice the red apple into wedges. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash, apple pieces, and halved shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with coarse salt and cracked pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors meld. Step 3: Arrange on the Sheet Pan Spread the seasoned squash and apple mixture evenly on a large sheet pan, making sure to leave some space between pieces for even roasting. This arrangement allows each ingredient to caramelize properly. The vibrant colors will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting as you prepare your Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples. Step 4: Add the Sausage Slice your mild Italian sausage into 1-inch pieces, using a sharp knife for clean cuts. Arrange the sausage pieces evenly on the sheet pan alongside the vegetables and apples. This step ensures that the flavors intermingle during roasting, contributing to a delightful and savory dinner. Step 5: Optional Fresh Herbs For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or herbs like thyme or rosemary over the top of your arranged ingredients. This optional step can elevate the dish further, adding a fresh herbal note that complements the natural sweetness of the apples and squash beautifully. Step 6: Roast in the Oven Place your sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes. Halfway through, give everything a gentle stir to promote even cooking. When done, the sausage should be nicely browned, and the squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once roasting is complete, remove your sheet pan from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish your Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples with additional fresh apple slices or herbs before serving hot. Gather around the table and enjoy this cozy fall feast with family and friends. Make Ahead Options Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples is a fantastic meal prep option that can save you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can chop the butternut or acorn squash, slice the red apple, and prepare the shallots up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the prepped veggies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your cozy fall dinner, arrange everything on the sheet pan with the sausage, drizzle with olive oil, season, and roast as directed. This method ensures your dish tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh, giving you family-friendly comfort with minimal effort. Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your cozy fall dinner, transforming it into something uniquely yours. Dairy-Free: Swap olive oil with coconut oil for a subtle, tropical undertone. This not only enhances the richness but also makes it suitable for a dairy-free diet. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat. This will create a delicious contrast, as the spiciness mingles with the sweetness of the apples and squash. Sweet Potato Delight: Replace the butternut or acorn squash with sweet potatoes for an even sweeter flavor profile. The caramelization on sweet potatoes is simply divine, adding a new layer of warmth. Sausage Variety: Experiment with different types of sausage such as chorizo or turkey sausage. Each brings its unique spices and flavor, transforming your dish into a whole new culinary experience. More Veggie Power: Incorporate extra seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. The additional textures and flavors will make this dish vibrant and even more wholesome. Herb Infusion: Sprinkling in fresh herbs like sage or rosemary not only adds flavor but also brings lovely autumnal aromas that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. Apple Variety: Use a mix of apples! Combining sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp with Granny Smith creates a complex flavor that perfectly balances the dish. For further inspiration on delightful meals, don’t miss our Summer Sausage Skillet or enjoy a comforting bowl of Chicken Soup Orzo. Let your creativity shine! What to Serve with Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples As the comforting flavors of this cozy dish fill your home, consider these delightful pairings to round out your meal. Steamed Wild Rice: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice create a beautiful contrast to the savory sausage and sweet apples. It adds an earthy element that enhances the overall dish. Garlic-Butter Orzo: Light and delicate, orzo tossed in garlic and butter complements the richness of the sausage while offering a creamy mouthfeel. This combination will leave your guests wanting more. Roasted Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a fresh crunch and bright color to your plate. Their mild flavor balances the dish perfectly, ensuring every bite is vibrant and engaging. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp with a cinnamon crunch provides a sweet ending that harmonizes with the apples in your main dish. It’s like having dessert built right into your meal! Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: A simple spinach salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette not only refreshes but also enhances the cozy feeling, adding brightness to the hearty dinner experience. Crisp Pinot Noir: A glass of light-bodied Pinot Noir offers subtle fruit notes that echo the apples and harmonize beautifully with the savory sausage. This pairing creates a delightful dining experience. Homemade Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty bread or toasted baguette to soak up the delicious juices from the roasted ingredients. It brings a rustic touch and rounds out the meal splendidly. Embrace the flavors of fall as you choose the perfect accompaniments to your Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples. Each option enhances the cozy comfort of this delightful feast! Expert Tips for Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples Slice Cold Sausage: Always slice your sausage while it’s still cold for clean cuts. A sharp knife also prevents squishing for neat pieces. Uniform Size: Cut all veggies and fruit into similar sizes (1-inch cubes) to ensure even roasting. This avoids any parts being undercooked or overcooked. Herb Power: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! Adding parsley, thyme, or rosemary enhances flavors and freshness, making your Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples unforgettable. Avoid Overcrowding: Space out your ingredients on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that lovely caramelization. Experiment with Apples: Try different apple varieties—Fuji for sweetness or Granny Smith for a tart kick—to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. How to Store and Freeze Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Make sure to let it cool before sealing to prevent condensation. Freezer: This comforting dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, ensuring all air is removed, to keep it tasting as home-cooked as the first day. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Feel free to add a splash of olive oil for extra moisture. Original Recipe Note: For the best taste, try to consume the Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples fresh, but these storage tips ensure you can savor the flavors for days to come! Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples Recipe FAQs What type of squash should I use for this recipe? You can use either butternut squash or acorn squash for this dish. Butternut squash is easier to peel and has a sweeter flavor, while acorn squash offers a rich, buttery taste. Both will create a cozy and delicious meal, so choose based on your preference! How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers of your Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely! You can freeze the Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples for up to 3 months. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps maintain the dish’s comforting flavor and texture. My vegetables are not roasting properly. What could be wrong? If your vegetables are steaming instead of roasting, ensure they are not overcrowded on the sheet pan. Space each ingredient out to allow for proper air circulation and caramelization. Also, check that they’re cut into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe? Yes! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using turkey sausage as a lower-fat alternative. Also, always check for any allergies related to apples, as some people may be sensitive. If making this dish for a pet, be aware that onions and garlic should not be fed to dogs or cats, so opt for additional herbs instead! Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples for a Cozy Fall Feast Enjoy the savory flavors of Sheet Pan Sausage with Apples, a harmonious blend of Italian sausage, apples, and squash, perfect for a cozy fall dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sausage1 lb Mild Italian Sausage Can substitute with chicken sausage for a lighter option.For the Vegetables1 lb Butternut Squash or Acorn Squash Adds sweetness and heartiness; butternut is easier to peel.2 Shallots Contributes a mild onion flavor; substitute with red onion if unavailable.For the Fruit2 Red Apples Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended for best results.For Roasting2 tbsp Olive Oil Use extra virgin for a more robust taste.1 tsp Coarse Salt Essential seasoning.1 tsp Cracked Pepper Essential seasoning. Equipment Sheet PanMixing bowlsharp knife Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).Chop your butternut or acorn squash into 1-inch cubes and slice the red apple into wedges. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash, apple pieces, and halved shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with coarse salt and cracked pepper. Toss to combine.Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan, leaving space between pieces for even roasting.Slice the mild Italian sausage into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on the sheet pan alongside the vegetables and apples.For added flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or herbs like thyme or rosemary over the top.Place your sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional apple slices or herbs before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg NotesFor the best taste, try to consume fresh, but these storage tips ensure you can savor the flavors for days to come. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
