This one-pan Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect answer to a busy weeknight, bringing together savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, hearty dish that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aroma.
My Dad, James, believed in simple, hearty meals. The sound of a skillet sizzling with sausage and sweet potatoes meant he was home from a long day. He’d stand by the stove, smiling, always sneaking the first perfectly caramelized piece right from the pan.
Why This Simple Skillet Dinner is a Keeper
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your evening.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory glaze is a hit with both kids and adults.
- Hearty & Satisfying: A complete meal that is both comforting and filling.
What You’ll Need for This Hearty Meal
- 1 lb smoked chicken or turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
A Note on My Favorite Skillet
Before we begin, I have to mention that a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast-iron, is my go-to for this dish. It’s the secret to getting a beautiful brown crust on everything.
Bringing It All Together, Step by Step
Step 1: Giving the Sausage a Golden Sear
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and let them cook until they’re nicely browned on both sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step, that browning is where so much flavor comes from! Once they’re done, scoop them out and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Tumble in the Sweet Potatoes
In the very same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and your cubed sweet potatoes. Sprinkle them with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let them cook for 10–12 minutes until they become tender. I like to check them with a fork; it should slide in easily.
Step 3: Wake Up the Aromas with Garlic
Now, stir in your minced garlic. You only need to cook it for about a minute, just until you can smell that wonderful, fragrant aroma fill your kitchen. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4: A Happy Reunion in the Pan
It’s time to bring it all together! Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything gently to make sure each piece of sausage and sweet potato is coated in that lovely glaze.
Step 5: Let the Glaze Work Its Magic
Let it all simmer together for another 2–3 minutes. This is the magic moment where the sauce will thicken up and caramelize, clinging to every bite. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: A Final Flourish of Green
Take the skillet off the heat and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley. The touch of green adds a bit of freshness that brightens up the whole dish. Serve it up hot and enjoy!
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values are calculated per serving for your convenience.
For a Lighter Touch
- Lower the Sodium: Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add a cup of broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers in with the sweet potatoes to increase the fiber and vitamin content.
- Mind the Sugar: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of honey by a tablespoon. The dish will still be delicious, just a little less sweet.
My Favorite Ways to Serve
- Over Grains: This dish is wonderful served over a bed of fluffy quinoa or nutty brown rice to soak up any extra sauce.
- With a Simple Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad is a perfect contrast to the rich, savory main course.
- A Dollop of Creaminess: For a little something extra, a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top adds a lovely, cooling contrast to the warm spices.
A Few Gentle Tips for Success
- Give Everything Some Room: Make sure your skillet is large enough to hold everything in a single layer. If you overcrowd the pan, the sausage and potatoes will steam instead of browning, and you’ll miss out on that delicious caramelized flavor.
- Keep Your Cubes Consistent: Try to cut your sweet potato cubes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they all cook through at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some pieces that are mushy and others that are still hard.
- Watch the Glaze Carefully: Honey and soy sauce can burn if the heat is too high. Once you add the glaze ingredients, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
For Enjoying Later
Leftovers are a treat! Simply store any remaining Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This is one of those humble meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it reminds me of the love that can be shared over a home-cooked meal. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones around the table and create your own warm memories with this recipe.
You Might Be Wondering…
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love smoked chicken or turkey sausage here, a good quality pork sausage, like kielbasa or andouille, would also be delicious and would add a different, smokier flavor profile.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Not at all! Leaving the skin on the sweet potatoes adds extra fiber and nutrients, and it can give the dish a more rustic texture. Just be sure to scrub them well before you cube them.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, it certainly can. You can substitute the sausage with a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or use your favorite plant-based sausage. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for the substitute you choose.
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Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan Honey Garlic Sausage and Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect busy weeknight dinner, combining savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked chicken or turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add cubed sweet potatoes, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return sausage to the skillet. Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently to coat everything.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until the glaze thickens and caramelizes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast-iron) for best browning and caramelization. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: honey garlic sausage, sweet potatoes, one pan dinner, quick skillet meal