Maple Dijon Sweet Potato Apple Sausage Bake (Gluten-Free)
50 min
|
easy
|
gluten-free,
lactose-free
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 30 min | 50 min |
Introduction
This maple Dijon sweet potato apple sausage bake is a cozy, one-pan dinner packed with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or an easy gluten-free option for fall gatherings.
The mix of tender sweet potatoes, juicy apples, and apple chicken sausage gets caramelized in the oven with a maple-mustard glaze.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients:
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How to Make Maple Dijon Sweet Potato Apple Sausage Bake (Gluten-Free)
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Prep and preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F and place a rack in the center.
Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and apples, and slice the onion and sausage as listed.
-
Make the maple Dijon seasoning
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon, cinnamon, fennel, garlic powder, and thyme.
Season the mixture with the kosher salt and black pepper, whisking until it looks smooth and emulsified.
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Toss everything together
Add the sweet potatoes, apples, onion, and sausage to the bowl with the maple Dijon mixture.
Toss everything until the pieces are well coated and the seasoning looks evenly distributed.
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Arrange on the sheet pan
Spread the mixture on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer, leaving a little space between pieces.
Use a second sheet pan if things feel crowded, which helps the sausage and vegetables brown better.
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Bake and stir
Bake for 15 minutes, then gently stir and flip the mixture with a spatula.
Return to the oven and bake for another 12 to 18 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and edges caramelized.
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Rest and serve
Remove from the oven and let the pan rest for 5 minutes so the juices thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper, then serve warm straight from the pan.
Substitutions
- Apple chicken sausage -> gluten-free turkey sausage
- Gluten-free turkey sausage brings a slightly smokier flavor and still keeps the bake light and lean. Brown it well so the edges crisp and add deeper savory notes against the sweet apples and maple.
- Honeycrisp apples -> Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples
- Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples hold their shape nicely and bring a brighter, more tart contrast to the maple. The bake tastes a little less dessert-like and more savory, which works great for dinner or meal prep.
- Olive oil -> melted ghee
- Melted ghee adds a buttery, nutty richness that pairs especially well with the cinnamon and fennel. It helps the vegetables caramelize a bit more and gives the whole pan a cozy, almost holiday vibe.
Tips
- Cut everything evenly
- Keep the sweet potatoes around 1/2 inch and apples just slightly larger so they soften without completely breaking down.
- Preheat the sheet pan
- Slide the empty pan into the oven while it preheats, then add the mixture for better sizzle and browning.
- Do not overcrowd
- If the vegetables cover the pan in thick layers, they will steam instead of roast and stay pale and soft.
- Try a quick broil finish
- For extra caramelized edges, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching very closely.
- Make it a fuller meal
- Serve the bake over arugula, quinoa, or brown rice to catch the maple Dijon juices and make portions more filling.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 511 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 20 | g |
| Total Fat | 21 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 59 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- What if my sweet potatoes are still firm after the baking time?
- First, check that your oven is truly at 400°F by using an oven thermometer if you have one. Cut any larger sweet potato pieces in half so everything is closer to 1/2 inch cubes. Return the pan to the oven and bake 5 to 10 minutes more, until they pierce easily with a fork.
- How can I keep the apples from turning mushy?
- Cut the apples into slightly larger chunks than the sweet potatoes so they keep more structure while baking. You can also stir the pan gently, rather than aggressively, when you flip everything halfway through. If you prefer very firm apples, add them during the last 15 minutes instead of at the beginning.
- My sausage did not brown much; what went wrong?
- Browning needs high, dry heat, so make sure the pieces are in a single layer with some space between them. If the pan looks crowded, divide the mixture between two pans so moisture can escape. You can finish with a short broil to crisp the sausage slices and caramelize the vegetables.
- Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
- Yes, this bake keeps well in the fridge for up to four days in airtight containers. Reheat portions in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until hot and slightly crisp again. Microwaving works too, but the vegetables will stay softer and less caramelized.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- To make it vegetarian, swap the sausage for canned chickpeas or cubed extra-firm tofu, both well drained. Toss the chickpeas or tofu in the maple Dijon mixture so they soak up flavor and crisp in the oven. The recipe is already dairy-free and gluten-free, as long as your mustard and sausage or swaps are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This maple Dijon sweet potato apple sausage bake shines with a simple green salad and a crisp hard cider alongside.
For a cozier feel, serve it with warm cornbread or spoon it over creamy mashed cauliflower or potatoes.
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