Fall is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals that fill your home with warmth and comfort. One of the easiest ways to capture the essence of autumn is with this Maple-Dijon Turkey Sausage Sheet Pan recipe. This one-pan wonder combines sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, turkey sausage, and a tangy maple-Dijon glaze that will delight your taste buds. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, more flavor! Everything cooks together on one sheet pan.
- Perfect for Fall: Sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts are in season, making this dish a healthy, seasonal option.
- Easy and Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in 40 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors appeals to both adults and kids.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions for creating this delicious meal, followed by some helpful serving and storage tips, notes, and chef’s tips to elevate your cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz turkey sausage (sliced)
- 16 oz sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 16 oz Brussels sprouts (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Roast the Veggies
Spread the cubed sweet potatoes and halved Brussels sprouts evenly on the sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the veggies well. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 15 minutes to give the veggies a head start.
Step 3: Prepare the Maple-Dijon Sauce
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the sauce by whisking together 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1/3 cup Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Add Turkey Sausage and Red Onion
After the veggies have roasted for 15 minutes, take the pan out of the oven. Add the sliced turkey sausage, sliced red onion, and minced garlic to the sheet pan. Drizzle half of the maple-Dijon sauce over everything and toss to combine. Spread everything out evenly on the pan.
Step 5: Roast Again
Place the pan back in the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes. Check to make sure the veggies are tender and golden, and the sausage is browned.
Step 6: Finish with Sauce and Serve
Once everything is roasted to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the remaining maple-Dijon sauce over the entire dish for an extra burst of flavor. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: This meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave.
Helpful Notes
- Vegan Option: Substitute the turkey sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegan version of this dish.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the maple-Dijon sauce.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch, divide into meal containers, and you’ll have ready-to-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: Always roast vegetables at a high temperature to caramelize their natural sugars, bringing out a deep, rich flavor. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as it can cause the veggies to steam instead of roast.
- Chef Jamie Oliver: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of balsamic vinegar to the maple-Dijon sauce. It will elevate the sweetness and provide a nice balance to the dish.
- Chef Ina Garten: Don’t forget to season every layer! When adding new ingredients to the sheet pan, make sure to season them well for the most flavorful result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Yes, you can substitute chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative depending on your preference. The cooking time will remain the same.
2. What can I use in place of Brussels sprouts?
If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, you can substitute them with broccoli, cauliflower, or even zucchini.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the veggies and sausage ahead of time, then simply toss everything together and roast when you’re ready to cook.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the sausage packaging to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.
5. Can I make this recipe without the maple syrup?
If you want to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other fall vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
7. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you’re out of Italian seasoning, you can make your own by mixing dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary in equal parts.
8. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
This recipe is designed for the oven, but you could sauté the vegetables and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. However, the texture and caramelization won’t be the same as roasting.
9. How do I prevent the veggies from getting soggy?
Make sure to roast the veggies in a single layer with enough space between them. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of roast, leading to a soggy texture.
10. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
For the best results, reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but may make the veggies lose their crispness.
This Maple-Dijon Turkey Sausage Sheet Pan dinner is the ultimate fall comfort food that’s easy to make and full of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or simply looking for a quick dinner, this dish delivers every time. The combination of tender veggies, juicy sausage, and a sweet-tangy sauce will make this recipe a regular in your fall meal rotation.
Enjoy the flavors of the season and share this cozy meal with loved ones!