Pin it This maple-glazed sausage apple cabbage brings all the cozy autumn flavors onto one sheet pan and into your kitchen. Everything caramelizes together as it roasts, and the combination of apple, cabbage, and sweet mustardy glaze turns simple sausage into something way more special.
I first made this after a trip to the apple orchard on a drizzly Sunday and it became my go-to for quick comfort food. My family loves how the apples melt into the cabbage and the sausage gets coated in that sticky maple glaze.
Ingredients
- Pork sausages or chicken or turkey sausages: about 350 to 400 grams total Choose a good quality sausage with lots of flavor as it is the protein star
- Small green cabbage: sliced into 2 centimeter wedges Look for heavy tight heads with crisp leaves for the sweetest flavor
- Gala or Honeycrisp apples: cored and sliced into 1 centimeter wedges Pick firm and slightly tart apples so they hold shape while roasting and offer great contrast with the sweet glaze
- Large red onion: sliced into thick wedges Provides sweetness and color
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes during roasting Use real maple syrup for best flavor
- Whole grain or Dijon mustard: Offers a savory punch and thickens the glaze Choose mustard with good texture for visual appeal
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and brings the glaze together Choose extra virgin for a peppery kick
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and cuts through the sweetness Look for raw unfiltered if possible
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping flavors pop Kosher or sea salt works well
- Freshly ground black pepper: For a sharp bite and depth Freshy cracked tastes best
- Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme: Lends herbal aroma and ties all the flavors together Fresh thyme really elevates this dish but dried works in a pinch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup effortless Trust me you will appreciate this step
- Arrange the Vegetables and Apples:
- Evenly spread the sliced cabbage apples and red onion across the prepared sheet pan The goal is to cover the tray in one layer so everything caramelizes not steams
- Add the Sausages:
- Nestle the sausages right on top of the vegetables and fruit This allows all the delicious juices from the sausages to drip down and flavor the whole pan
- Mix the Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together the maple syrup mustard olive oil apple cider vinegar salt and black pepper Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy This is the magic sauce that brings it all together
- Coat and Toss Everything:
- Drizzle the glaze generously over everything on the pan Use your hands or a big spoon to toss gently until every piece glistens Do not skip making sure each wedge gets a little glaze
- Add the Thyme:
- Sprinkle the thyme leaves or dried thyme evenly over the tray This adds a pop of herby brightness to the finished roast
- Roast to Perfection:
- Slide the tray into the hot oven Roast for twenty five to thirty minutes At the halfway point use tongs to turn the sausages and give the vegetables a quick stir This ensures even color and caramelization The dish is done when the sausages are deeply browned and the cabbage is meltingly tender with crisp edges
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve straight from the pan Spoon any delicious juices over each serving for extra flavor I always make sure everyone gets a little bit of everything
Pin it Cabbage is my secret favorite here Once roasted with maple it turns sweet and silky I grew up thinking cabbage was boring but this dish totally proved me wrong It is always a crowd pleaser at our fall family gatherings
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The flavors actually marry and get better over time Warm it up gently in the oven or microwave If you have extra pan juices drizzle them over before reheating for maximum flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
Almost any sturdy sausage works Chicken and turkey sausages are lighter but still tasty For vegetarian versions swap in thick slices of firm smoked tofu or plant-based sausages Pears sub well for apples in a pinch and purple cabbage gives a different but beautiful color
Serving Suggestions
This is satisfying as a whole meal but I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes crusty sourdough bread or a sharp mustardy green salad For special dinners I will add whole grain mustard on the side or a simple horseradish yogurt sauce
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Sheet pan sausage and cabbage is a classic in many European countries Think about German and Polish harvest meals My spin with maple and apple leans into fall in upstate New York where apple picking is a seasonal ritual It is cozy food that brings everyone to the table
Seasonal Adaptations
If you want to make this in spring swap in baby potatoes or carrots with the sausage In winter use pears instead of apples for a darker sweeter profile Try adding chunks of butternut squash for extra color and richness
Success Stories
My neighbor once called to ask what smelled so good wafting from my kitchen and now she makes this weekly for her own family It is great for meal trains or new parents because it reheats so well and feels both nutritious and indulgent
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can prep everything ahead and freeze raw in a zip top bag minus the olive oil Toss together straight from the freezer and roast just add ten extra minutes to the cooking time It is a total lifesaver on extra busy nights
Pin it This cozy sheet pan dinner is guaranteed to bring fall flavor and comfort to your table. Enjoy every caramelized bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken or turkey sausages instead of pork?
Yes, chicken or turkey sausages work well and offer a lighter alternative with similar cooking times.
- → What type of apples are best for roasting?
Gala or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and provide balanced sweetness during roasting.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme offers robust flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prep the veggies and sausage ahead. Roast just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free sausages and ensure other glaze ingredients don’t contain added gluten.
- → Will doubling the recipe change cooking time?
Use two sheet pans to prevent overcrowding; increase roasting time slightly if ingredients are close together.