I absolutely love this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe because it’s the kind of meal you can throw together quickly but tastes like you’ve spent hours fussing. The combination of savory sausages with that luscious, sticky honey mustard glaze is pure comfort food magic. It’s perfect for those weeknights when you want something satisfying without too much cleanup—just one tray and you’re almost done!
When I first tried this recipe, what really won me over was how the apples and fennel add a subtle sweetness and freshness that balances the richness perfectly. You’ll find that this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe works beautifully as a hearty dinner on chilly evenings or even for feeding a hungry crowd at casual get-togethers. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one tray, making clean-up a breeze.
- Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey mustard sauce is sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive.
- Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Family Favorite: My kids go crazy for the sticky sausages and tender roasted apples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in such harmony because each one adds its own unique flavor or texture. Plus, I’ll share some tips to help you pick the freshest and best versions for this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe.
- Dijon Mustard: Choose a good-quality Dijon for that perfect tangy depth.
- Honey: Use a floral or mild honey to complement without overpowering.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin is great here for richness and flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly diced garlic amps up the savory notes beautifully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season well to bring out all the flavors.
- Pork Sausages: I always go for good-quality, natural casing sausages for that nice snap when baked.
- Baby Potatoes: Halved for quicker roasting and buttery softness inside.
- White Onions: Quartered to add sweetness and a bit of crunchiness.
- Apples: Thick wedges from firm apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work best for roasting.
- Fennel Bulb: Sliced thinly for that sweet, licorice-like undertone.
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: I like to toss these in for an aromatic herbal lift.
Variations
I like to switch things up with this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my mood calls for. Feel free to personalize it to suit your taste – you can’t really go wrong with this combo!
- Variation: I sometimes swap pork sausages for chicken or turkey sausages when I’m craving something a bit leaner, and it still turns out delicious.
- Vegetarian Option: Try using halloumi or roasted tofu chunks and double up on the veggies for a meat-free twist.
- Seasonal Veggies: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or even brussels sprouts make great additions if you’re aiming to bulk it up.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes gives a lovely warmth without overpowering the honey mustard glaze.
How to Make Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Sticky Honey Mustard Sauce
This is the magic behind the dish. In a bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, finely diced garlic, salt, and black pepper. I like to taste it here and adjust the honey or mustard to get that perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Set this aside while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Toss Everything in Your Baking Tray
Grab a large baking tray and add the halved baby potatoes, quartered white onions, fennel slices, fresh rosemary, thyme, and your sausages. Pour the honey mustard sauce over everything and use your hands or tongs to toss it all together until everything is nicely coated. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it’s going to caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Bake and Toss Midway for Even Cooking
Place the tray bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes. When the sausages start browning, take the tray out and give everything a good toss to re-coat all the ingredients in that sticky sauce. This step is key to getting that evenly caramelized finish, so don’t skip it! Then, back in the oven for another 20 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Apple Wedges and Finish Baking
Once the sausages are nearly cooked and nicely browned, pull the tray out again and tuck in the apple wedges among the other ingredients. Pop it back into the oven for a final 15 minutes. The apples should soften but still keep their shape, and the sauce will become wonderfully sticky and glossy. Just remember, don’t crank up the oven to speed things up; the honey can burn quickly.
Step 5: Plate Up and Enjoy!
Once everything looks golden and irresistible, take the tray out and give it one last gentle toss. Plate it up while it’s hot, and you’re ready to enjoy this heartwarming meal that pulls double duty as comfort food and a feast. I promise you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Pro Tips for Making Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Choose Quality Sausages: I learned that using sausages with natural casing helps them crisp up beautifully and gives a satisfying snap when you bite in.
- Don’t Rush the Roasting: I used to crank up the temperature to speed things along but learned that moderate heat helps the honey mustard sauce caramelize without burning.
- Toss Halfway Through: Giving everything a good toss once or twice ensures every ingredient is glazed evenly, creating that irresistible sticky coating.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh rosemary and thyme at the start gives the bake a lovely aromatic layer that dries herbs just can’t match.
How to Serve Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love sprinkling a little extra fresh chopped thyme or rosemary on top right before serving to add a pop of herbal freshness and make it look extra inviting. A handful of chopped flat-leaf parsley also adds a vibrant touch that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but I occasionally serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add some crunch and color to the plate. If you want something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery new potatoes on the side complement those sticky sausages perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve this bake in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins – it makes for a cozy presentation. Pair with crusty artisan bread to soak up every bit of that sticky honey mustard sauce, and you’ll have guests swooning over your thoughtful plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to three days. The sauce intensifies in flavor after resting overnight, so sometimes I find the next day even better for enjoying leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, I recommend packing the sausages and veggies separately from the apples to avoid mushiness. Freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to keep the sausages juicy and the sauce sticky without drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some of that crispy texture and glaze shine.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausages for this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausages work wonderfully here due to their fat content and flavor, you can substitute with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages. Just adjust the cooking time as leaner varieties might cook faster.
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How do I prevent the honey from burning during baking?
Keeping the oven temperature around 190°C (375°F) and tossing the ingredients halfway through cooking helps prevent the honey from burning. Avoid increasing the heat to speed cooking because honey caramelizes quickly and can turn bitter if overheated.
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Can I prepare this tray bake in advance?
You can assemble the ingredients and sauce in the tray the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes for a fantastic stress-free dinner option.
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What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape when roasted and add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes I recommend to friends who want simple, tasty food with minimal fuss. The way the sauce clings to every bite, and the cozy mix of potatoes, apples, and fennel makes it extra special. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation too—just like I did. So, roll up your sleeves, get that oven warming, and dig in!
PrintSticky Sausage Tray Bake in Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Sticky Sausage Tray Bake features juicy pork sausages roasted in a luscious honey mustard sauce with baby potatoes, white onions, fennel, and apples. Infused with fresh rosemary and thyme, this hearty and comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 cup (60g) Honey
- 2.5 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic, very finely diced
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Main Ingredients
- 12 Pork Sausages
- 1.6 lb (750g) Baby Potatoes, halved
- 4 small White Onions, quartered
- 2 Apples, sliced into thick wedges
- 1 bulb Fennel, sliced
- Few sprigs fresh Rosemary and Thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, finely diced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set this sticky and flavorful sauce aside.
- Combine ingredients: Arrange the pork sausages, halved baby potatoes, quartered white onions, sliced fennel, and fresh herbs in a large baking tray. Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over everything and mix gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- First bake: Place the baking tray in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) and bake for 15 minutes or until the sausages start to brown.
- Mix and continue baking: Remove the tray from the oven and toss all the ingredients to redistribute the sauce. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the sausages to cook through.
- Add apples and final bake: Take the tray out again, add the thick apple wedges to the mixture, and toss gently. Place back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the sausages are nicely browned, the sauce is sticky, and the apples have softened.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, season with extra salt and pepper if desired, then plate up immediately and enjoy this hearty and delicious tray bake.
Notes
- This recipe makes a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a fuss-free meal packed with flavor.
- The apples add a subtle sweetness and soft texture that pairs beautifully with the savory sausages and vegetables.
- Be careful not to increase the oven temperature as the honey in the sauce can burn easily, ensuring the sauce remains sticky and delicious.
- Feel free to swap pork sausages with your preferred variety or substitute with vegetarian sausages to adapt the recipe.
- The fennel adds a lovely aromatic flavor—if you can’t find fennel, you can substitute with celery or omit it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 959 kcal
- Sugar: 35.58 g
- Sodium: 1989 mg
- Fat: 59.05 g
- Saturated Fat: 16.587 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 36.555 g
- Trans Fat: 0.207 g
- Carbohydrates: 75.95 g
- Fiber: 9.9 g
- Protein: 36.9 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg