Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pan Meal

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that fills your kitchen with the tantalizing smells of savory chicken sausage, sweet apples, and tangy cabbage. Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions is a mouthwatering recipe that brings together a symphony of flavors in a single dish. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, this meal is bound to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious, nutritious meal. Along the way, we’ll highlight the benefits of each ingredient, share tips to make the recipe even more versatile, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Let’s dive in!

What You Need to Make Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions

Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients to make sure your dish comes together perfectly. This recipe is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor. You’ll need a few staple items for the base, and a quick homemade sauce to bring it all together.

Key Ingredients for the Recipe

Ingredient	Amount
Sweet Italian chicken sausage links	1 lb
Gala apples (cored and sliced)	2
Small red cabbage (sliced)	½ small
Red onion (thinly sliced)	½ red onion
Olive oil	As needed for drizzling
Salt and pepper	To taste
For the Sauce
Apple butter or applesauce	½ cup
Apple cider vinegar	2 tbsp
Prepared horseradish	1 tsp
Honey	1 tbsp
Apple cider	¼ cup

This combination of ingredients ensures you have a hearty, well-balanced dish that’s full of flavor. The sweetness from the apples and the richness of the chicken sausage balance out the tangy, savory notes of the cabbage and onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions

Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe requires minimal prep, and the oven does most of the work for you. Here’s how to prepare your Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken sausages and allowing the apples, cabbage, and onions to soften and caramelize without overcooking.

While the oven is heating up, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and drizzle it with olive oil. This will prevent the ingredients from sticking and ensure that everything bakes evenly.

Layer the Base Ingredients

Now, it’s time to create the flavor base for your dish. Take your sliced apples, cabbage, and onions, and layer them in the prepared baking dish. These vegetables and fruits will serve as the bed for your sausages.

• Apples: The sweet Gala apples will release their natural sugars as they bake, adding a caramelized sweetness to the dish.
• Cabbage: The cabbage will soften and become slightly sweet, providing a savory contrast to the apples.
• Onions: The onions, when roasted, will become tender and add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Drizzle the layered ingredients with more olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper. The seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and balances out the sweetness of the apples.

Add the Chicken Sausages and Begin Baking

Next, place your chicken sausages on top of the apple and cabbage mixture. These sausages will provide the dish with a savory, meaty element that complements the sweetness of the apples and the tanginess of the cabbage.

Lightly coat the sausages with a little more olive oil to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden brown color.

Now, cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. The foil helps to retain moisture and steam the sausages while softening the vegetables.

Stir and Continue Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the apple and cabbage mixture. This ensures that the apples and cabbage cook evenly, and it helps to release more of their natural flavors.

Next, flip the sausages so they brown evenly on all sides. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the sausages to cook through and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Make the Sweet and Tangy Sauce

While the dish is baking, you can prepare the delicious sauce that will tie everything together. In a small bowl, combine:

• Apple butter or applesauce: Adds richness and a touch of sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the apples and honey.
• Horseradish: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Honey: For just a hint of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar.
• Apple cider: Enhances the apple flavor and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.

Stir the ingredients together until smooth, and set the sauce aside.

Coat the Dish with Sauce and Finish Baking

Once the sausages are fully cooked, pour the sauce evenly over the sausages, apples, and cabbage. This will infuse the dish with a wonderful sweetness and acidity that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. For a glossy finish, brush the sausages with a bit of olive oil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, or you can pair it with your favorite side dish like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations for Making the Perfect Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are a few ways to make it even more exciting and customized to your tastes. Here are some tips and variations to try:

Substitute Ingredients

• Sausages: If you prefer a different type of sausage, try swapping the chicken sausage for turkey or pork sausage. Both work wonderfully in this recipe, though turkey sausage will offer a leaner option.
• Apples: Gala apples are sweet and perfect for baking, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples for a slightly different flavor profile. Each variety offers its own unique balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. They will roast beautifully alongside the apples and cabbage.

Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a touch of chili powder to the sauce or sprinkle some over the vegetables before baking. This will add a nice spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the apples and honey.

Vegan Alternative

For a plant-based version of this dish, you can replace the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage. Many brands offer delicious alternatives that will mimic the savory flavors of traditional sausage while keeping the dish vegan-friendly.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Not only is Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s how this dish contributes to your health:

Rich in Protein

The chicken sausage serves as a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Protein helps keep you full longer, making this a great option for a satisfying meal.

Loaded with Fiber

Cabbage, apples, and onions are all fiber-rich ingredients that promote digestive health. Fiber helps keep things moving in your digestive tract, preventing constipation, and aiding in weight management by keeping you feeling full.

Packed with Antioxidants and Nutrients

The combination of apples and cabbage provides a healthy dose of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body. Apples are also a great source of vitamin C, while cabbage is rich in folate, an important nutrient for cell growth and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sweet Italian chicken sausages with other types of sausage, such as turkey or pork sausage, to fit your preferences.

How do I store leftovers of Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What are some side dish ideas to serve with Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions?

This dish pairs well with sides like roasted potatoes, quinoa, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Sausage with Apples, Cabbage, and Onions is the perfect recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its easy preparation, rich flavors, and nourishing ingredients, it’s a meal that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients and get cooking. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds!

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