Rustic Apple & Sausage Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're in the mood for something comforting that fills the kitchen with the warm smell of autumn, look no further than this Rustic Apple & Sausage Casserole. It's a delightful blend of savory and sweet, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.

Ingredients for Rustic Apple & Sausage Casserole

Pork sausages bring a hearty, savory flavor that forms the backbone of this dish. Choose a quality sausage for the best results. Tart apples add a sweet-tart contrast that complements the richness of the sausages beautifully. I love using Granny Smiths, but any tart variety will do. Onion and bell pepper provide a savory base and a touch of sweetness. Garlic adds depth and a bit of zing. Chicken broth and heavy cream create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops everything in deliciousness. Baby spinach adds a pop of color and freshness. Dried thyme is the herb of choice here, bringing a warm, earthy note. Cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top make for a crispy, cheesy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your sausages are particularly fatty, drain some fat off after browning to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
  • For a deeper flavor, consider using a sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For something a bit heartier, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer. Just make sure they're flavorful enough to hold their own in the dish.
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're putting it in the oven cold.

Rustic Apple & Sausage Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it's ready when you are. Grab a skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the pork sausages and brown them on all sides. You don't need to cook them through; just get a nice color going. Once done, set them aside.

In the same skillet, throw in the onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they're soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let them mingle for about a minute, releasing their wonderful aroma.

Next, add your sliced apples to the skillet. Cook them until they're slightly caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let it all come to a gentle simmer.

Add the baby spinach and stir until it's wilted. This should only take a couple of minutes. Transfer this delicious mixture to a casserole dish. Nestle the browned sausages on top.

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over everything. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet apples and savory sausages.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Quick to prepare, with only about 15 minutes of active cooking time.
  • Bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Rich, creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

1 lb pork sausages
2 tart apples, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups baby spinach
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown sausages on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
5. Add sliced apples and cook until slightly caramelized.
6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
7. Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
8. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, top with sausages.
9. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

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