Savory Sweet Potato, Apple, and Sausage Bake Recipe
Introduction
This savory sweet delight combines the hearty flavors of sausage with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this bake offers a wonderful balance of spice and sweetness all in one dish.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb pork or turkey sausage, casings removed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tablespoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, leaving some drippings in the skillet.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Then add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: In the mixing bowl with the sausage, add the sautéed sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic. Stir in the sliced apples, ground cinnamon, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and apples slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let sit a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner dish.
- Use fresh rosemary for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans for crunch before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain flavor balance.
What type of apples work best?
Firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, work best and add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes.
PrintSavory Sweet Potato, Apple, and Sausage Bake Recipe
A comforting and flavorful casserole combining savory sausage with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples, accented by aromatic herbs and warm cinnamon. This easy-to-make bake is perfect for a hearty family meal or cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 0.5 lb pork or turkey sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Fruits
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tablespoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage until fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving some drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add olive oil and then the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften. Add the sliced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until translucent. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the mixture. Add the sautéed sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic to the mixing bowl with the cooked sausage. Stir in the sliced apples, ground cinnamon, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare for baking. Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking.
- Bake covered. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to cook through and meld flavors.
- Finish baking uncovered. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through to ensure even cooking. Bake until the sweet potatoes are tender and the apples become slightly caramelized.
- Serve. Once baked, remove from oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If fresh rosemary is not available, dried rosemary is a suitable alternative but use half the quantity.
- Be careful not to overcook the apples to maintain their shape and texture.
- Stirring halfway through the uncovered baking helps the dish cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: sausage casserole, sweet potato bake, apple sausage dish, savory sweet bake, autumn casserole recipe
