If you are craving a vibrant, cozy meal that’s effortless yet packed with seasonal flavors, you have to try this Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines tender sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, juicy apples, and savory chicken sausage all baked together to create a delightful medley of tastes and textures. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring balance and depth. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes and apples to the bright zing of fresh cranberries, plus the savory, flavorful chicken sausage, every component shines on its own and plays perfectly together.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced small to ensure they cook evenly and develop a soft, creamy texture.
- Fresh cranberries: Their tartness cuts through the richness, adding a pop of color and brightness.
- Large apple: Sliced thin for a juicy, slightly sweet contrast that complements the savory sausage.
- Sweet onion: Cut into wedges for caramelized edges and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Sweet apple or cranberry flavored chicken sausage: Brings savory, moist, and slightly sweet notes that tie the dish together perfectly.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to lightly coat everything, helping with roasting and locking in flavor.
- Salt, pepper, & cinnamon: The simple seasonings that elevate the dish — cinnamon adds warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
How to Make Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key for roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and for caramelizing the onions and apples just enough to enhance their natural sugars without turning mushy.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients on the Sheet Pan
On a large sheet pan, arrange the diced sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries, sliced apple, sweet onion wedges, and chicken sausage slices. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and just a touch of cinnamon. Toss everything together carefully to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step is important for flavor distribution and for helping everything roast uniformly.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The sweet potatoes should become soft and easily pierced with a fork, while the cranberries will burst slightly, and the sausage will be golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on the dish so nothing overcooks, but you want those edges to have a little crisp and caramelization for extra flavor.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is fabulous on its own, but you can elevate it even more with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or rosemary adds bright herbal notes and a pop of green that livens the plate. A light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can enhance the natural sweetness and add a beautiful shine.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out the meal, consider serving this sheet pan dish alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the juices. Light steamed greens like kale or spinach can add fresh contrast without overpowering the sweet and savory flavors on the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the roasted sausage and veggie mixture over fluffy quinoa or wild rice. You could also stuff it into warm pita pockets or top with crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy finish. This Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe is versatile and inviting enough to inspire your own creative spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day, though the texture of roasted apples might soften slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the roasted apples and onions may change when thawed. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes to revive the crispiness of the sweet potatoes and sausage. Alternatively, a quick skillet warm-up works well for a faster option. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen cranberries can be a convenient substitute. Just add them to the sheet pan without thawing. They might release a bit more juice during roasting, which adds to the dish’s saucy texture.
What type of chicken sausage works best?
Sweet apple or cranberry-flavored chicken sausages are ideal here because they complement the fruit and spice in the dish. However, any mild-flavored chicken sausage will work if you prefer.
How can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare this recipe without the cinnamon?
Absolutely! Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, but if it’s not your thing, salt and pepper alone will still produce a tasty dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! This Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe is great for meal prepping since it reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe is one of those easy, feel-good meals that warms you inside out. The combination of sweet, savory, and tart elements roasted to perfection on one pan is simply unbeatable. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Sheet Pan Cranberry Chicken Sausage with Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant and easy sheet pan recipe combines sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, juicy apple slices, and savory apple or cranberry-flavored chicken sausage. With a hint of cinnamon and simple seasoning, it’s a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering a balanced mix of sweet and savory flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & diced small
- 6 ounces fresh cranberries (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 large apple, sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, sliced in wedges
- 1 pack sweet apple or cranberry flavored chicken sausage, sliced
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cinnamon, to taste (a little goes a long way)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425º F to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the ingredients evenly and develop a nice caramelization on the sweet potatoes and sausage.
- Prepare and mix ingredients: On a large sheet pan, combine the diced sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries, sliced apple, onion wedges, and sliced chicken sausage. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Bake the sheet pan meal: Spread the mixture out in an even layer on the sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage is cooked through. Remove from the oven and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken sausage with turkey or pork sausage if preferred.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used; just add them without thawing to avoid excess moisture.
- The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and sweetness, so use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- For extra crispiness, spread the ingredients out well on the pan without overcrowding.
- Serve this dish warm as a balanced meal combining protein, starch, and fruit.
