Dinner doesn’t have to be a stressful, time-consuming affair! Imagine this: savory sausage, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, all bathed in a luscious, sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce. This Sheet pan sausage and sweet potatoes with honey garlic sauce recipe is your ticket to a ridiculously easy, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under an hour. Get ready for a new weeknight favorite that the whole family will devour – trust me, I’ve seen it happen!
Gathering Your Golden Ingredients
Alright, let’s get organized! Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!
For the Sausage & Sweet Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs Sausage: I like Italian sausage (sweet or hot!), but any kind works – even chicken or turkey sausage!
- 2 large Sweet Potatoes: Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 1 Red Onion: Cut into wedges.
- 2 Bell Peppers (any color): Cut into 1-inch pieces.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For tossing and roasting.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Honey: Adds sweetness and that beautiful glaze.
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: For savory depth and umami.
- 2 tablespoons Garlic: Minced. Trust me, don’t skimp on the garlic!
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: For a little tang.
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little kick!
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce (optional, but recommended).
- 1 tablespoon Water: To mix with the cornstarch.
Step-by-Step to Sheet Pan Bliss
Here comes the fun part! Don’t be intimidated; this is seriously easy. I’ll walk you through it.
Prepping is Key:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, red onion, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
Roasting to Perfection:
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Add the sausage links to the sheet pan as well.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the sausage and vegetables.
- Roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sausage is cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).
Whipping Up the Honey Garlic Magic:
- While the sausage and vegetables are roasting, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This prevents clumps!
The Grand Finale:
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, pour the honey garlic sauce over the sausage and vegetables on the baking sheet. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for the remaining 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and is nice and sticky.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Okay, so what makes this sheet pan sausage and sweet potatoes with honey garlic sauce so darn amazing? It’s more than just the delicious flavors. It’s the simplicity! One pan, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. But here’s a breakdown:
- Easy Cleanup: Let’s be honest, nobody likes doing dishes. Parchment paper is your best friend here!
- Customizable: Don’t like bell peppers? Swap them out for broccoli or zucchini. Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Healthy-ish: Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, and the honey garlic sauce is a healthier alternative to many store-bought sauces. You can also opt for leaner sausage options.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sausage, sweet potatoes, and that irresistible honey garlic sauce is simply divine.
Sweet Potato Secrets: Getting Them Just Right
Sweet potatoes are the star of the show next to the sausage. Here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly cooked, every time:
- Cut them evenly: Uniformly sized cubes ensure even cooking. No one wants some pieces mushy and others hard!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Don’t be afraid to brown them: A little browning adds so much flavor. That’s why we roast at a higher temperature.
Sausage Selection: Picking Your Perfect Protein
The type of sausage you choose will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Here are a few options to consider:
- Italian Sausage: My personal favorite! Sweet Italian sausage adds a touch of sweetness, while hot Italian sausage adds a kick.
- Chicken or Turkey Sausage: A leaner option that’s still packed with flavor. Look for varieties with herbs and spices.
- Kielbasa: A smoky and savory sausage that pairs well with sweet potatoes. If you enjoy Kielbasa, be sure to also try the KIELBASA BROCCOLI SKILLET!
- Chorizo: For a spicy and bold flavor.
Honey Garlic Sauce: The Star of the Show (Tips & Tricks)
That honey garlic sauce is what really elevates this dish. Here are a few tips to make it even better:
- Use good quality honey: The better the honey, the better the sauce.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so keep a close eye on it when you add the sauce to the pan in the last few minutes.
- Adjust the sweetness and spice: Add more honey if you like it sweeter, or more red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry. If not, you can skip it.
- Consider other variations: Try this sauce with other proteins, like in HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN or even HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP!
Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Culinary Creation
While this sheet pan sausage and sweet potatoes with honey garlic sauce is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
- Serve it over rice or quinoa: This is a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Add a side salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
- Make it a wrap: Wrap the sausage and sweet potatoes in a warm tortilla for a quick and easy lunch. You could even try something like CHEESY GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPS.
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions: For a pop of color and flavor.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to customize this recipe to your liking:
- Add other vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini would all be delicious additions.
- Use different sauces: Try a teriyaki sauce, a sweet chili sauce, or even a simple balsamic glaze. Maybe something like HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN could inspire you!
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese: Feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese would be a delicious addition. For a heartier dish, think along the lines of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage.
Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers
This dish is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through. I prefer reheating in the oven to keep the sweet potatoes from getting too mushy.
So, there you have it! Sheet pan sausage and sweet potatoes with honey garlic sauce – a ridiculously easy, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you love it as much as I do! Now go forth and conquer your kitchen!
What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends Italian sausage (sweet or hot), but you can use any kind you like, including chicken or turkey sausage. Kielbasa and Chorizo are also good options for different flavor profiles.
Can I substitute any of the vegetables in the recipe?
Yes! The recipe is customizable. If you don’t like bell peppers, you can swap them out for broccoli or zucchini, or add other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy?
To prevent mushy sweet potatoes, cut them into evenly sized cubes, avoid overcrowding the pan, and roast at a higher temperature to encourage browning instead of steaming. When reheating leftovers, consider using the oven instead of the microwave.
How long can I store the leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Honey Garlic Sausage Perfection
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Sausage Italian, chicken, or turkey
- 2 large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 Red Onion, cut into wedges
- 2 Bell Peppers any color
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Honey
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Water
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, red onion, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Add the sausage links to the sheet pan as well.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the sausage and vegetables.
- Roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sausage is cooked through. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).
- While the sausage and vegetables are roasting, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, pour the honey garlic sauce over the sausage and vegetables on the baking sheet. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for the remaining 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and is nice and sticky.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.