Hearty Sausage And Apple Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Crafting a hearty sausage and apple casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Autumn’s crisp flavors dance through this classic dish, combining savory meat with sweet fruit.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warming meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Juicy apples complement rich sausage in ways that surprise and delight hungry companions.

Seasonal spices add depth and character to each perfectly balanced bite.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises to become a new favorite for cozy evenings.

You’ll want to bookmark this delicious creation and make it again and again.

How To Store James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQ Section For James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

• Can I use different types of sausages?

Yes, you can use bratwurst, Italian, or even chicken sausages to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. The flour used for thickening makes it contain gluten, but you can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• How spicy is this casserole?

The recipe is mild with black pepper, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat if desired.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and reheat it gently before serving, which can actually enhance the flavors.

Why James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole Is A Family Favorite

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish that combines rich sausages with sweet apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors for cozy meals.
• Master Quick Cooking: Simple step-by-step process allows even novice cooks to prepare a delicious meal without complicated techniques or advanced skills.
• Customize Your Feast: Flexible recipe welcomes variations like different sausage types, bread choices, or side dish options to suit personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking method make this casserole an ideal solution for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner with minimal kitchen fuss.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

• Sausages: Hearty protein that forms the core of the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a savory and aromatic foundation.

• Garlic: Brings a warm and intense depth to the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.

• Apples: Introduces a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory meats.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a rich consistency.

• Oil: Used for initial browning of meats and vegetables.
• Liquids: Provides moisture and helps create the sauce base.
• Sauce Ingredients: Adds additional layers of flavor to the casserole.

How To Prepare James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle and Caramelize Proteins

Heat oil in a large skillet. Toss in chopped sausages, crispy bacon pieces, and diced onions. Cook until meats turn golden brown and onions become translucent, releasing delicious caramelized flavors.

Step 2: Introduce Aromatic Elements

Add minced garlic, cracked black pepper, and chopped apples to the skillet. Let everything dance together over medium heat, allowing the apples to soften and absorb the savory meat juices for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce Base

Remove the meat and apple mixture from the pan. Sprinkle flour into the remaining pan drippings. Gradually pour in chicken broth, white wine, and Dijon mustard. Whisk continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce without any lumps.

Step 4: Reunite and Simmer

Return the sausage, bacon, apple, and onion mixture back to the pan. Gently stir to coat everything with the rich sauce. Let the casserole simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Final Flavor Refinement

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Continue simmering uncovered for another 5-10 minutes to concentrate the sauce and deepen the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming hot casserole into deep plates. Accompany with creamy mashed potatoes or serve alongside crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delectable sauce.

Tips That Work For James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

• Sizzle Sausages Perfectly: Pat sausages dry before browning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in flavor.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith to contrast with rich sausage and create a complex taste profile.
• Thicken Sauce Smoothly: Whisk flour slowly to prevent lumps, creating a silky, rich sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Control Moisture Wisely: Simmer uncovered during final stage to reduce sauce and concentrate flavors without making dish too dry.
• Swap Ingredients Easily: Replace pork sausages with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version that still delivers delicious results.

Fun Variations Of James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace sausage and bacon with plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based liquids for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour for cornstarch or rice flour. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially sauces and seasonings.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute apples with low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower. Use almond flour for thickening and serve over cauliflower mash instead of traditional potato mash.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Use chorizo-style sausage, replace apples with roasted bell peppers, and finish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.

Pairing Ideas For James Martin Sausage And Apple Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this hearty sausage and apple casserole with a crisp, medium-bodied Riesling that balances the dish's richness with its bright acidity.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying textural contrast.
• Wine Alternative Kick: Swap Riesling for a light-bodied Pinot Noir, which complements the savory sausage and sweet apple notes with its subtle fruit and earthy undertones.
• Mashed Potato Magic: Choose creamy, buttery mashed potatoes as the perfect base, allowing the casserole's robust flavors to shine while providing a smooth, comforting backdrop.

Sausage And Apple Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 69-74 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage and apple casserole delivers comfort straight from rustic kitchens, blending savory meat with sweet orchard fruit. Warm spices and rich textures create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 8 large sausages
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) streaky bacon, chopped

Produce:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cooking apples, peeled and sliced
• 12 cloves garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic puree

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons oil
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) stock
• 400 grams (14 ounces) canned chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, sear sausages, bacon, and onions until golden brown and caramelized, releasing their rich flavors.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, cracked black pepper, and diced apples, sautéing for approximately 3-4 minutes to develop a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.
3. Transfer the aromatic meat and vegetable mixture to a separate plate, leaving behind the flavorful pan drippings.
4. Sprinkle flour into the hot skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
5. Gradually pour in liquid ingredients and complementary sauces, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, consistent texture.
6. Reintroduce the sausage, bacon, onion, and apple mixture back into the skillet, allowing the ingredients to meld together over gentle heat.
7. Reduce temperature and let the casserole simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and the sauce to reduce slightly.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your preference.
9. Serve piping hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty artisan bread to soak up the delectable sauce.

Notes

• Swap traditional pork sausages with chicken or turkey sausages for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Select tart apples like Granny Smith for a bright, acidic balance against the rich, savory meat flavors.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of wheat flour and checking that sausages are gluten-free certified.
• Add depth by incorporating fresh thyme or rosemary during the cooking process to enhance the aromatic profile of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 59-64 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg