Hearty Autumn Sausage and Apple Skillet
This hearty autumn skillet features savory Italian sausage, sweet Honeycrisp apples, and tender onions, all simmered in apple cider for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot
- 2 Honeycrisp apples large
- 1 yellow onion large
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Optional
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional (for spicy variation)
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the sausage into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Core and slice the apples into 1/2-inch wedges; peel and slice the onion into thin half-moons.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook sausage slices for 5-7 minutes until browned, then remove from pan and set aside, leaving drippings.
- Add apples and onions to the same skillet; cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and caramelized, adding optional thyme or red pepper flakes.
- Pour in apple cider, scraping up browned bits, then return seared sausage to the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize apples.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage. This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.