Sheet Pan Apple Sausage and Root Vegetables

I love finding meals that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to clean up. This sheet pan dinner is one of my absolute favorites for those busy weeknights. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and earthy root vegetables, creating a balanced and comforting flavor profile. Plus, with everything cooking on one pan, dinner is served with minimal fuss and even less washing up, making it perfect for any home cook, even if you're just starting out.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, parsnips, apple chunks, and red onion wedges.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and apple. Add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
4. Spread the seasoned vegetables and apple in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the root vegetables are starting to soften.
6. Add the cut sausage pieces to the baking sheet, distributing them evenly among the vegetables.
7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and heated through, and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
8. Serve hot directly from the pan.