Sheet Pan Sausage with Roasted Broccoli and Apples

Too tired for dishes tonight? This sheet pan sausage and broccoli with apples saves dinner with cozy flavor and zero fuss.

Okay, so I’m just being honest, but sheet pan sausage and broccoli has saved my sanity on so many chilly evenings it’s almost embarrassing. Like, you know those days when the thought of dirtying even one more dish makes your eye twitch a little? Been there. Toss that in with apples (trust me), and you’ve got a meal that actually feels like something special, even when you’re running late. Oh, and weirdly, this quick dinner checks just about every box for weeknight chaos, picky eaters, and also anyone who forgot to buy fancy ingredients (guilty). You want to see how it’s done? You might also like our easy dinner recipes or check out helpful meal prep tips for busy nights.

Why this Sheet Pan Sausage with Roasted Broccoli and Apples Belongs on Your Fall

Let’s just admit it. Fall turns normal vegetables into rockstars. But this recipe? It’s the headliner. The sausage gets all crispy and snappy around the edges (mouth is watering just thinking about it), and the broccoli picks up this roasty, almost nutty thing. And the apples? Wow. They caramelize just enough to be soft and sweet with some tang.

Main reason this is a repeat at my house? It’s got that “cozy hug” vibe, barely uses any utensils, and honestly, everyone eats it… including my apple-hating cousin from Texas, who actually asked for seconds. Plus, you dump everything on a single pan and let the oven do its magic. If you want a dinner that makes the kitchen smell like you tried really hard (you didn’t), this is the one.

Ingredients and US Measurements for Reliable Results Every Time Tonight

Don’t get hung up on weird, hard-to-find things. Here’s what you need for this sheet pan sausage and broccoli magic, US style:

• 1 lb smoked sausage (turkey, chicken, pork pick your favorite)
• 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala are ace, but use what you’ve got), sliced
• 1 small red onion, peeled and chunked up
• 3–4 tbsp olive oil (whatever’s in the pantry)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt, a little more if you like it salty
• 1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you’ve got it sitting around)

That’s it. Nothing wild. You could add red pepper flakes, too, if you want heat, but totally skip for kiddos.

Prep Steps to Build Flavor and Maintain Great Texture for Cozy Fall Dinners

Let’s get real nobody likes mushy broccoli. Quick pro tip: keep the florets dry before tossing with oil. If your apples bruise easy, just cut ’em thick so they keep some texture after baking. I like cutting the sausage on the diagonal because it gets more crispy corners, but you do you.

Line that sheet pan or just give it a quick oil rub if you’re brave. Toss broccoli, apples, onion, and sausage together with olive oil and seasonings right on the pan for less fuss. Make sure everything’s in a single layer, even if you have to squish a little. That’s it. The oven really does the work here.

Simple Method with Timing and Doneness Checks That Work For Cozy Fall Dinners

Pop your loaded pan into an oven set to 425°F. That’s my sweet spot for roasted happiness. Start a timer, because you’re going to ignore it otherwise (admit it). Roast for 25 minutes, then stir things up a bit once halfway so nothing sticks or burns.

You’ll know it’s done when the sausage edges are crispy, the broccoli is dark in some spots but still has some snap, and the apples are fork-tender. If anything looks too soft, next time cut things a little bigger, or try a few minutes less. Keep an eye out, because ovens, like cats, have their own personalities.

Make-Ahead Notes, Storage Guidance, and Reheating Instructions Tonight

Stuck on prep ahead? No sweat. Chop the sausage, broccoli, and apples in the morning, stash each in their own little containers (they’re happier that way), and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just toss and roast.

Leftovers? Cool ‘em down, pop into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven if you want things crispy 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave if you’re in a rush, though you lose a little crunch. You can even eat it cold out of the fridge (tried it, not bad).

Easy Variations and Swaps to Match Your Pantry and Season for Cozy Fall Dinners

Maybe you’re not into apples. No problem. Swap pears or even grapes for something different. Hate broccoli? Cauliflower works. All out of sausage? Try pre-cooked chicken or those veggie sausages. The seasoning is the real MVP here, so add rosemary or Italian herbs if you’re in an adventurous mood.

This recipe really bends for whatever you’ve got. Out of onions? Skip ‘em. Want squash? Toss it in. I’ve even thrown in sweet potatoes for a little extra heartiness. Again, let the oven do its thing.

Serving Ideas for Busy Weeknights, Holidays, and Potlucks for Cozy Fall Dinners

Not gonna lie, this dish works for just about anything. Try these tricks:

• Serve with crusty bread to mop up any extra juices.
• Pile over a bed of rice or even quinoa for a filling meal.
• Top with a sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling a little bit fancy.
• Bring to a potluck and watch it disappear (seriously, it always goes fast).

Common Questions

You Gotta Try This Sheet Pan Magic

Okay, not to sound dramatic, but if you haven’t already set out to make this sheet pan sausage and broccoli, you’re truly missing that one weeknight meal that just clicks. It’s not only ridiculously easy, but the flavor from a hot oven turns ordinary sausage and broccoli into five-star restaurant territory. Want more inspiration? Check out this Quick Broccoli + Sausage Sheet Pan | Clean Food Crush for another spin on the combo, and find more practical ideas on Eat Well 101’s sheet pan dinner guide or dig into Food Network’s sausage sheet pan tips if you need backup plans. Seriously, bake this once everyone will ask when you’re making it again, and you’ll feel a weird sense of pride. Let me know in the comments if you try it. I bet you’ll be hooked!

Tired of forgettable sides?

Let’s change that. Dive into our Lazy Bites Recipes quick, cheesy, and full of that homemade comfort everyone craves. No fuss, no fancy tricks, just real food that tastes like love