Welcome autumn with an incredibly easy and flavor-packed Harvest Vegetables and Sausage meal, all prepared and baked on a single sheet pan. This hearty, fall-inspired dish is elegantly finished with a delightful sprinkle of sweetened dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, transforming simple ingredients into a truly memorable dinner.

Harvest Vegetables and Sausage: Your Ultimate One-Pan Fall Dinner

Following the tremendous success of our original one-pan sausage and veggies and its Italian-inspired counterpart, we received countless requests for a dedicated fall version. And here it is – the much-anticipated Harvest Vegetables and Sausage! This recipe embodies everything you adore about effortless one-pan meals, elevated with the rich, comforting flavors of autumn.

One-pan recipes are more than just a trend; they’re a lifestyle choice for busy individuals and families seeking wholesome, delicious food without the fuss. Our Harvest Vegetables and Sausage recipe perfectly encapsulates these benefits, making it an ideal choice for any home cook:

• Minimal Clean-Up: The dream of every home cook! With only one sheet pan required for cooking, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying your meal or relaxing. This simplicity is a major time-saver on busy weeknights.
• Nutritionally Balanced: This dish is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Loaded with colorful vegetables like sweet potatoes (rich in vitamins A and C) and Brussels sprouts (packed with fiber and vitamin K), along with lean turkey or chicken sausage, it provides a healthy dose of vitamins, fiber, and protein to fuel your body and keep you satisfied.
• Surprisingly Kid-Friendly: Forget the battles over steamed greens! Roasting vegetables transforms their flavor and texture, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating deliciously caramelized edges. Many kids who usually shy away from Brussels sprouts or broccoli will surprisingly devour them when roasted to a tender-crisp perfection. My own children can’t get enough of them prepared this way!
• Explosion of Flavor: This isn’t just about throwing ingredients onto a pan. We meticulously layer flavors, coating our vibrant produce and savory sausage in quality olive oil and a thoughtfully curated blend of aromatic fall-inspired seasonings. Fresh rosemary infuses the dish with an irresistible fragrance, while the cranberries and pecans add delightful bursts of sweetness and crunch. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and earthy notes.
• Time-Saving: From prep to plate, this meal is designed for efficiency. Active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to multitask or simply unwind while your dinner bakes to perfection in the oven.
• Incredibly Versatile: While we offer a specific combination, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making it a flexible staple in your meal rotation for any time of year.

Mastering Your One-Pan Harvest Vegetables and Sausage: Tips for Perfection

Achieving perfectly roasted vegetables and succulent sausage on a single sheet pan is an art form, but one that’s easily mastered with a few key techniques. Follow these essential tips to ensure your Harvest Vegetables and Sausage dinner is consistently delicious, with every ingredient cooked to its ideal texture and flavor:

• Embrace the Extra-Large Sheet Pan: This is arguably the most critical tip for superior roasting. Using a very large sheet pan (ideally a 15×21-inch half-sheet pan, like this one we use and highly recommend) ensures that your Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and sausage have ample space. When ingredients are crowded or overlap, they release moisture, leading to steaming rather than true roasting. Steamed vegetables lack the desirable caramelized edges and deep, rich flavor that make roasted dishes so appealing. Proper spacing allows for efficient moisture evaporation and direct contact with the hot pan, promoting the Maillard reaction – the chemical process responsible for that irresistible golden-brown crust and complex savory flavors. If you don’t have an extra-large pan, it’s always better to use two smaller sheet pans to avoid overcrowding and achieve optimal results.
• The Finishing Touch: Parmesan or Pecorino: Elevate the dish with a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. We suggest using a microplane to achieve a fine, airy grate. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully into the hot vegetables and sausage, adding a salty, umami depth that perfectly complements the earthy and sweet fall flavors. For a slightly sharper, more piquant note, Pecorino Romano, another hard, salty Italian cheese with a robust flavor, is an excellent alternative. If you’re seeking a creamy counterpoint, explore our “serving suggestions” section below for delectable homemade sauce ideas that pair wonderfully with this meal.
• Precision in Cutting for Even Cooking: The secret to uniformly cooked vegetables lies in consistent knife work. Ensure all your vegetables are cut into similar sizes as indicated in the recipe. Specifically, sweet potatoes should be diced into roughly 1/2-inch cubes, and Brussels sprouts should be trimmed and halved (or quartered if they are exceptionally large). This uniformity guarantees that all ingredients cook at approximately the same rate, preventing some from becoming mushy and overcooked while others remain undercooked and firm. Uneven cuts disrupt the cooking process, leading to inconsistent textures and flavors that detract from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
• Optimal Oven Temperature: A high oven temperature (400°F or 200°C) is crucial for effective roasting. This heat rapidly caramelizes the exterior of the vegetables and sausage while ensuring the interior cooks through without drying out. This direct, high heat is what creates the desirable crispy texture.
• Don’t Skip the Toss: Midway through baking, tossing the ingredients on the sheet pan ensures even browning on all sides. This simple step prevents one side from becoming too dark while the other remains pale, distributing the delicious seasonings and promoting uniform caramelization.

Selecting the Perfect Sausage for Your Harvest Feast

The choice of sausage plays a pivotal role in defining the flavor profile of your Harvest Vegetables and Sausage. We aim for a balance of deliciousness and health, and there are several excellent options to consider, each bringing its unique characteristics to the dish:

• Smoked Turkey Sausage: This is our top recommendation for Harvest Vegetables and Sausage. Its mild, savory, and subtly smoky flavor harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes and the earthy, slightly bitter notes of the Brussels sprouts. Opting for turkey sausage also keeps the meal on the healthier side, providing lean protein without excessive fat, making it an ideal choice when paired with a bounty of nutritious vegetables.
• Chicken & Apple Sausage: For a touch of subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the cranberries and pecans in this recipe, chicken and apple sausage is a fantastic choice. The slight fruitiness from the apple enhances the overall “harvest” theme and adds another layer of intriguing, complex flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Smoked Beef Sausage: If you prefer a richer, more robust flavor profile, smoked beef sausage works wonderfully in this dish. Its deeper, more intense smoky notes provide a hearty contrast to the vegetables and make for a particularly satisfying and filling meal, especially on a chilly autumn or winter evening.
• Other Options: Feel free to experiment with other varieties of pre-cooked, smoked sausages you enjoy, such as a savory pork & apple sausage or even a flavorful vegetarian/vegan sausage for a plant-based version. The key is to choose a sausage that is already cooked, as raw sausages would require a different cooking time and method to ensure safety and proper texture. Always check the packaging for cooking instructions if you deviate from the recommendations.

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Harvest Vegetables and Sausage

Harvest Vegetables and Sausage is a remarkably versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and meal inspirations. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a specific dietary need, here are several delicious ways to enjoy your flavorful sheet pan creation:

• Enjoy It As Is: This meal is wonderfully complete and satisfying straight from the oven. The combination of savory sausage, tender-crisp roasted vegetables, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that requires no embellishment. Served this way, it naturally makes for an excellent keto-friendly or low-carb dish, packed with lean protein and healthy fats without excess carbohydrates. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal requiring no additional sides, perfect for a straightforward and healthy option.
• Over a Flavorful Grain: For those who appreciate a more substantial meal, serving Harvest Vegetables and Sausage over a bed of cooked and seasoned grain is a fantastic option. The grain acts as a perfect canvas to soak up all the delicious juices and seasonings from the roasted ingredients.
  • White Rice: A classic and universally appealing choice that provides a neutral base, allowing the vibrant flavors of the main dish to shine without competition.
  • Brown Rice: Offers a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, along with added fiber, making the meal even heartier and more satisfying.
  • Quinoa: A superfood known for being a complete protein, quinoa adds a fluffy texture and earthy notes, significantly enhancing the nutritional profile of the dish.
  • Cauliflower Rice: If you’re looking to maintain a low-carb profile, cauliflower rice is an excellent, low-calorie substitute for traditional grains, absorbing the delicious juices and seasonings from the roasted ingredients beautifully.

  Consider seasoning your chosen grain with a touch of olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps some fresh herbs like parsley or chives to complement the main dish.

• With a Complementary Sauce or Dressing: While delicious on its own, a drizzle of a well-chosen sauce can introduce an exciting layer of creaminess, tang, or extra savory depth, elevating the entire culinary experience.
  • Ripe Avocado: For a burst of healthy creaminess and a slightly nutty flavor, a few slices of ripe avocado or a dollop of mashed avocado is a simple yet incredibly effective addition.
  • Dijonaise Sauce: A creamy and slightly tangy sauce that beautifully cuts through the richness of the sausage and perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
  • Maple-Dijon Sauce: This irresistible sweet and savory combination is a perfect match for the overall fall flavors of the dish, enhancing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and cranberries.
  • Mustard Dressing: A zesty, herbaceous mustard dressing adds a bright, invigorating contrast that awakens the palate.
  • Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce: For a fun and universally loved flavor, a homemade copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce offers a unique sweet and smoky tang that’s surprisingly delicious and adds a playful element to this harvest meal.

  You’ll find easy recipes for the Dijonaise, Maple-Dijon, and Mustard dressing in the “quick tip” section immediately below.

• As a Hearty Salad Topper: For a lighter, yet still satisfying meal, allow the roasted vegetable and sausage mixture to cool slightly. Then, serve it warm over a bed of fresh mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. This makes for a wholesome and incredibly flavorful autumn salad.

Explore More Effortless One-Pan Meal Ideas

The beauty of one-pan cooking lies in its simplicity and efficiency, making it a beloved method for busy home cooks who crave delicious, homemade food without the extensive cleanup. If you’ve enjoyed the ease and robust flavors of our Harvest Vegetables and Sausage, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic one-pan recipes that minimize cleanup without ever compromising on taste:

• One Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies: A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired twist featuring colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini, and sweet onions, all tossed in a fragrant Italian seasoning blend with savory Italian sausage. This is a wonderfully quick and healthy option for any weeknight dinner.
• One Pan Jambalaya: Bring the lively flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen with this simplified Jambalaya. Packed with succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, fluffy rice, and a medley of classic vegetables, it’s a wonderfully aromatic and satisfying meal that cooks entirely in one go, making it perfect for entertaining or a flavorful family dinner.
• Mini Meatloaves with Mashed Potatoes: Comfort food reimagined for ultimate convenience! Individual mini meatloaves bake alongside perfectly creamy mashed potatoes on a single sheet pan, creating a complete and cozy dinner with minimal fuss. This recipe truly redefines easy comfort food.
• One Pan Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon: Start your day the easy way! Crispy potatoes and savory bacon cook together on one sheet pan, making breakfast or brunch prep a breeze. Add some perfectly baked eggs for a complete and delicious morning feast that feeds a crowd with ease.
• One-Pan Potatoes and Sausage with Asparagus and Carrots: A fresh and vibrant option featuring tender roasted potatoes and savory sausage complemented by crisp-tender asparagus spears and naturally sweet baby carrots. It’s a colorful and balanced meal, ideal for spring or any time you crave fresh, wholesome flavors.
• One Pan Chicken Fajitas: Craving Mexican? Simply slice chicken breast and colorful bell peppers, toss them with robust fajita seasoning, and roast for a sizzling, vibrant, and incredibly easy Mexican-inspired meal. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• One Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Asparagus: For a light, healthy, and elegant dinner that comes together effortlessly, try this combination. Flaky salmon fillets and tender asparagus spears are seasoned with fresh lemon and aromatic herbs, then baked together for a quick and incredibly nutritious option that’s perfect for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.

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Harvest Vegetables and Sausage

By

Chelsea Lords

One-pan Harvest Vegetables and Sausage bake with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans—a hearty, healthy fall favorite!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Video

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)

Ingredients

• 13 ounces smoked sausage (I use smoked turkey sausage or chicken-apple sausage)
• 4 cups chopped sweet potatoes (2–4 sweet potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
• 1 pound (3 cups) Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3/4 tablespoon dried oregano
• 3/4 tablespoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup dry roasted pecans (coarsely chopped)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your ingredients: Slice the sausage into 1/2-inch thick coins. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes (aim for consistent sizing to ensure even cooking). Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts, remove any damaged or browned outer leaves, and then slice them in half. Quarter any extra-large Brussels sprouts.
2. On your large sheet pan (or two standard pans if needed), add the prepared sausage, sweet potato cubes, and halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, thyme, basil, paprika, garlic powder, seasoned salt (adjust to your preference, starting with 1/2 teaspoon), and freshly cracked pepper (starting with 1/2 teaspoon). Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the vegetables and sausage. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-coated in the oil and spices. Spread the mixture out into a single, even layer on the pan, avoiding overcrowding (see “Recipe Notes” for crucial details on pan space).
4. Lay the 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary on top of the mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the sheet pan from the oven, carefully toss all the ingredients to promote even browning, and then return to the oven to bake for another 10–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through.
6. Once cooked, remove from the oven and toss one final time. Discard the rosemary sprigs. Stir in the dried cranberries and coarsely chopped pecans. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious fall feast!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Importance of Pan Space: The key to beautifully roasted, caramelized vegetables is proper spacing on the sheet pan. The more room your ingredients have to roast, the quicker and more effectively they will cook, developing those desirable crispy edges. If vegetables are crowded or overlapping, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture and less intense flavor. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure everything is in a single layer.

Storage: Store any leftover Harvest Vegetables and Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

Serving:

1 serving

Calories:

531 kcal

Carbohydrates:

32 g

Protein:

25 g

Fat:

34.2 g

Saturated Fat:

12 g

Cholesterol:

0.8 mg

Sodium:

1109.56 mg

Fiber:

6.91 g

Sugar:

11.08 g

Vitamin C:

-3 mg

Calcium:

-2 mg

Iron:

6 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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