Introduction
Remember those cozy nights in, the ones where the aroma of something delicious fills the air and the biggest decision is whether to have seconds? This Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly that kind of magic. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, bursting with flavor and coming together so easily, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Perfect for a busy weeknight or even a casual weekend meal, it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: On the table in under 40 minutes – perfect for when hunger strikes!
- Easy: Minimal fuss, maximum flavor. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up.
- Giftable: While this is a main dish, the delicious sauce is so good you might want to bottle some up (just kidding… mostly!).
- Crowd-pleasing: The sweet and savory combination is a winner with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
Ingredients
- 14 oz chicken or turkey sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces: I love using a good quality chicken or turkey sausage here – it’s lighter and pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: For that lovely green crunch and a boost of freshness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of our flavor! Don’t skimp on this – it makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh finish that really elevates the dish.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes: Sweet, earthy, and oh-so-satisfying. They roast up to tender perfection.
- 1/4 cup honey: For that irresistible sweet note that balances the savory.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The savory backbone of our amazing sauce. Low-sodium keeps it from getting too salty.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A little tang to cut through the sweetness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: To get that lovely golden sear on the sausage and start our sauce base.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: The simple essentials that bring out all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For roasting those sweet potatoes to caramelized bliss.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! This is going to be so much fun.
- Prep Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes: First things first, let’s get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab your cubed sweet potatoes. Toss them in a bowl with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. We want them to roast beautifully, not steam! Pop them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and have those lovely caramelized edges. Mmm, the smell alone is worth it!
- Sear the Sausage: While those sweet potatoes are doing their thing, let’s move to the stovetop. Grab a large skillet (your favorite one will do!) and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add your sliced sausage to the hot skillet and let it get nicely browned on both sides. This step is key for amazing flavor! Once they’re golden, take them out of the skillet and set them aside for a moment.
- Aromatic Garlic and Crisp Broccoli: Don’t wipe out that skillet! That little bit of browned goodness is flavor gold. Add your minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for just about 30 seconds until you can smell its fragrant magic. Then, toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to turn a vibrant green and be crisp-tender – still with a nice bite.
- Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This is our flavor powerhouse! It’s so simple, but trust me, it’s incredible.
- Bring It All Together: Now, return the browned sausage to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour that glorious honey garlic sauce all over everything. Give it a good stir to coat everything beautifully. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, just long enough for the sauce to thicken up a little and become wonderfully glossy.
- The Grand Finale: Gently add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet. Give everything a final, gentle toss to combine all those amazing flavors and textures.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with your fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be afraid to make it your own.
- Sausage Swap: Feel free to use pork sausage if that’s your preference. For a vegetarian option, you could use plant-based sausage links.
- Veggie Variety: Bell peppers (any color!), snap peas, or even some chopped onion would be delicious additions. Just add them to the skillet with the broccoli and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sauté them with the garlic.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice at the end can add an extra bright note.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to make this dish absolutely perfect every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting your sweet potatoes, make sure they’re in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to steaming, and we want those lovely roasted bits!
- Taste and Adjust: Before you add the sweet potatoes, taste the sauce. Does it need a little more sweetness? A touch more tang? Adjust it to your liking!
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your sweet potatoes and broccoli, and mince your garlic a day in advance to save even more time on busy evenings. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it into the simmering sauce in step 7.
How to Store It
Leftovers are always a good thing, especially with this dish!
Let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors often meld even more overnight, making it just as delicious the next day!
FAQs
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the sausage and broccoli a day in advance. Reheat everything together in a skillet with the sauce just before serving.
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Is this dish freezer-friendly?
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the texture of the sweet potatoes and broccoli after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
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What kind of sausage is best?
Chicken or turkey sausage is recommended for a lighter option, but any fully cooked sausage you enjoy will work beautifully. Just be mindful of salt content if using a very salty sausage.
Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet
A quick and easy skillet dish featuring honey garlic sausage, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Large skillet
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 14 oz chicken or turkey sausage sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.25 cup honey
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- While sweet potatoes roast, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and brown on both sides. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant green.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to make the sauce.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Gently add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
This recipe is fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing, perfect for weeknights. It can be adapted with different sausages and vegetables. For a thicker sauce, a cornstarch slurry can be added. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.