Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
This vibrant Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one incredibly convenient meal. Featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly caramelized smoked sausage, all coated in a rich honey-garlic glaze, this dish is a weeknight hero. Enjoy a full-flavored, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Total Time
45-50 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A complete, satisfying meal cooked entirely on a single baking sheet, significantly reducing cleanup time.
- Features a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors from the honey garlic sauce that coats every ingredient.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and healthy broccoli.
- Incredibly versatile; easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the protein.
- Ready from start to finish in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 400 grams (14 ounces) pre-cooked smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into 1.25 cm (½-inch) rounds
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 60 milliliters (¼ cup) honey
- 60 milliliters (¼ cup) low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) cornstarch
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures effortless cleanup and prevents sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the chopped sweet potato cubes with 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing until the potatoes are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this allows them to roast rather than steam.
- Place the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes into the preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes. This head start ensures the denser sweet potatoes become tender at the same rate as the quicker-cooking broccoli and sausage.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the delicious honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the 60 milliliters (¼ cup) honey, 60 milliliters (¼ cup) low-sodium soy sauce, all the finely minced garlic, and 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In a small separate bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by thoroughly mixing the 5 grams (1 teaspoon) cornstarch with 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened to a syrupy consistency. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- After the initial 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the sliced smoked sausage and the broccoli florets to the pan, distributing them around the partially roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzle approximately half of the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over all the ingredients on the pan. Gently toss everything together using tongs or spatulas to ensure a good, even coating.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The dish is ready when the sweet potatoes are thoroughly fork-tender, the broccoli is crisp-tender with slightly charred edges, and the sausage is heated through and slightly caramelized.
- Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Drizzle the remaining honey garlic sauce over the hot ingredients. Give it one final gentle toss to ensure every piece is coated in the irresistible glaze. Serve the Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet (approx. 45 cm x 30 cm or 18 inches x 13 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or spatulas for tossing
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure sweet potatoes are cut into uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes to promote even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster, larger pieces take longer.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. If your pan is too full, the vegetables will steam instead of roast, leading to a less desirable texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Give the sweet potatoes a 15-minute head start. Their density requires more cooking time than the sausage and broccoli, ensuring all ingredients finish cooking simultaneously.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps. Add it slowly while whisking the simmering sauce for the smoothest result.
- For extra crispness on the broccoli, consider finishing the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor depth, briefly sauté the minced garlic in a tiny bit of oil before adding the other sauce ingredients. This mellows the raw garlic bite and enhances its aromatic qualities.
- For a truly sticky, caramelized glaze, after tossing with the final sauce, return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce reduces and clings more firmly to the ingredients.
- If you want to introduce a smoky element without using smoked sausage, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce or tossed with the sweet potatoes can achieve a similar effect.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. Adjust cooking times as needed for different vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat, or a dash of sriracha for a more pronounced spicy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken sausage or another protein instead of smoked sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken sausage, pre-cooked turkey sausage, or even tofu cubes would work wonderfully. If using raw protein like chicken breast or thighs, ensure they are cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces and add them to the pan with the sweet potatoes for sufficient cooking time.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as a substitute, though apple cider vinegar adds a distinct fruity tang. In a pinch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also provide the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Chop the sweet potatoes and broccoli up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also mix the honey garlic sauce ingredients (minus the cornstarch slurry) and store it in the fridge; just whisk well and add the slurry when ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 550, Protein: 35g, Fat: 25g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fiber: 7g (estimated per serving)
Allergy Information
Contains soy. For individuals with gluten sensitivities or allergies, ensure to use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Some smoked sausages may contain sulfites or other common allergens; check product labels carefully.
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