Maple Dijon Sweet Potato Apple

This cozy maple Dijon sweet potato apple sausage bake captures the essence of fall with its perfect blend of sweet potatoes, crisp Honeycrisp apples, and savory glutenfree chicken apple sausage. The combination of pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard gives just the right balance of sweetness and tang that makes this dish a goto for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

I first made this dish during a crisp autumn weekend, and it instantly became a family favorite. The smell filling the house reminds me of apple picking trips with my relatives.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Two medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into halfinch cubes for even roasting and natural sweetness
• Honeycrisp apples: Two medium Honeycrisp apples peeled and diced for a crisp texture that holds up when baked
• Yellow onion: One large yellow onion to add a rich, savory depth and balance the sweetness
• Glutenfree chicken and apple sausage: Twelve ounces glutenfree chicken and apple sausage sliced for a blend of savory meatiness and apple flavor, choose high-quality sausage for best taste
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons olive oil to help everything caramelize beautifully
• Pure maple syrup: One and a half tablespoons pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and a hint of warmth
• Glutenfree Dijon mustard: Two teaspoons glutenfree Dijon mustard to contribute tang and complexity
• Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon ground cinnamon for gentle autumn spice
• Fennel seeds: Half a teaspoon fennel seeds lightly crushed to add a subtle anise like flavor—toast them lightly for more aroma
• Garlic powder: Quarter teaspoon garlic powder to enhance savory notes
• Dried thyme: Quarter teaspoon dried thyme for herbal freshness
• Kosher salt: Three quarters teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning
• Black pepper: Half a teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for a mild kick and balance

Instructions

Prep Ingredients Evenly:

Peel and cut your sweet potatoes and apples into similar sized halfinch cubes so they roast consistently and cook evenly throughout. Slice the onion and sausages into uniform rounds.

Preheat Oven and Ready Baking Dish:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet or shallow roasting pan with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and encourages delicious caramelization.

Mix the Maple Dijon Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, crushed fennel seeds, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully incorporated.

Combine and Toss:

Place the diced sweet potatoes, apples, sliced onion, and sausage rounds into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle your maple Dijon glaze over the ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

Spread on Sheet and Roast:

Spread the mixture out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This arrangement helps the edges caramelize instead of steaming. Roast in the oven for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, turning everything once halfway through. The sweet potatoes should be fork tender and edges should have a lovely golden caramel color.

Final Taste and Serve:

Give the dish a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot as a hearty main or alongside other fall favorites.

Fennel seeds are one of my favorite ingredients here—they add a delicate sweet licorice note that surprises people and ties the sausage, apple, and sweet potato flavors together. This dish always reminds me of the fall family dinners we shared, with everyone passing around the warm baking dish as the aroma filled the room.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help maintain crisp edges rather than microwave steaming.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap the glutenfree chicken apple sausage for turkey sausage to keep it lean but still flavorful. If you don't have Honeycrisp apples, Pink Lady or Fuji apples work equally well—they hold up nicely when roasted. You can replace maple syrup with honey, ideally unprocessed and glutenfree, to maintain sweetness with a slightly different depth.

Serving suggestions

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or rosemary to add freshness and color. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or wild rice for a complete meal. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang great for brunch versions.

This bake freezes beautifully and reheats well, making it a convenient meal for busy days. It also shines as a festive side for fall gatherings.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why aren’t my sweet potatoes crispy?

Ensure ingredients are spread in a single layer with space to roast evenly. Overcrowding traps moisture, causing steaming rather than crisping.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, dice and toss the ingredients with the glaze, then refrigerate for up to one day. Bake fresh for best texture and crispness.

→ Is parchment paper necessary for roasting?

Not required but can aid cleanup. Oiling the baking sheet directly promotes better caramelization and crisp edges.

→ Can I substitute the sausage or make it vegetarian?

Gluten-free turkey sausage works well as a lean alternative. For vegetarian options, thick smoked tofu slices can be marinated and used instead.

→ How can I boost the flavor of the glaze?

Toasting fennel seeds before crushing intensifies their aroma. Adding a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar just before serving balances sweetness with brightness.