I absolutely love this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe because it brings together bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. When I first tried this dish, I was hooked by how the sweet honey and tangy mustard create this irresistible sticky glaze that coats every bite perfectly. It’s one of those recipes that’s foolproof yet feels special enough for a cozy weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
You’ll find that this tray bake works wonders when you want something hearty but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen babysitting a bunch of pans. Everything roasts together, soaking up all those amazing flavors while you relax or prep a simple side. Trust me, once you try this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Prep: Toss all the ingredients together in one tray and let the oven do the magic—no complicated steps needed.
- Perfect Balance: The honey mustard sauce hits the perfect sweet and tangy spot that pairs beautifully with savory sausages and roasted veggies.
- Versatile and Filling: With potatoes, fennel, apples, and herbs, this dish offers a complete meal that’s both hearty and fresh.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: My family goes crazy for this one—and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here come together to create that sticky, flavorful punch this tray bake is known for. I recommend getting good-quality sausages and fresh herbs to really elevate the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth—don’t skip the Dijon for that right sharp punch.
- Honey: This brings the perfect sweetness that helps form the sticky glaze coating the sausages and veggies.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and adds richness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances out the sweetness with a subtle acidity.
- Garlic: Finely diced so it infuses the sauce without overpowering.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; add more to taste after cooking.
- Pork Sausages: Juicy and meaty—the star of the show! Choose your favorite kind, but I find slightly fatty sausages work best here.
- Baby Potatoes: Halved to roast perfectly alongside the sausages and soak up the sauce.
- White Onions: Quartered to add sweetness and texture.
- Apples: Thick wedges that soften but don’t turn mushy, adding a lovely fruity note.
- Fennel Bulb: Thinly sliced for an aromatic, slightly licorice flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: The herbs bring out an earthy freshness and brighten the rich flavors.
Variations
I love how flexible this Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe is—you can switch up ingredients or add extras to fit your mood and what you have on hand. Here are a few ways I like to mix it up:
- Make it Spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a little heat; it adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Use Different Sausages: Trying spicy Italian sausages or chicken sausages offers a new flavor twist that keeps it interesting.
- Seasonal Veggies: Swap the baby potatoes and fennel for sweet potatoes or carrots in colder months—they roast just as well.
- Vegan Version: Swap sausages for plant-based alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
How to Make Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Sticky Sauce
Start by whisking together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, finely diced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. I find that combining these early lets all the flavors marry and makes it easier to toss everything later. Don’t worry if it looks a bit runny—that’s perfect for coating everything evenly.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Tray
Lay out your baby potatoes, quartered onions, sausages, sliced fennel, and fresh herbs in a large roasting tray. Pour over your honey mustard sauce and use your hands or tongs to make sure everything is well coated. This is where the magic starts—the sauce seeps into the potatoes and sausages as they roast.
Step 3: Roast and Toss
Pop the tray in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes, or until the sausages start to brown. Take it out and give everything a good toss to recoat with the sauce—that sticky goodness is what makes this dish irresistible! Then, back into the oven for another 20 minutes to let the flavors deepen and the veggies soften.
Step 4: Add Apple Wedges and Finish Roasting
After the initial roasting, add your thick apple wedges to the tray and give it another gentle toss so they get coated in the sauce. Roast for a final 15 minutes or until the sausages are gloriously browned and the sauce is sticky and caramelized. Keep an eye on things so the honey doesn’t burn—lowering the temp if needed is better than rushing it with higher heat.
Pro Tips for Making Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Giving everything some room helps it roast evenly instead of steaming—your sausages will brown better this way.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Adding rosemary and thyme fresh instead of dried gives a noticeable pop of freshness.
- Toss Midway Through: Stirring the tray partway through roasting helps redistribute the sauce and encourages maximum stickiness.
- Watch Your Heat: Honey burns fast, so avoid cranking up the temp to speed cooking and be patient for perfect caramelization.
How to Serve Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I like finishing this tray bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra rosemary leaves for a burst of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce on top just before serving takes it up a notch and makes everyone ask for seconds.
Side Dishes
While this tray bake is a meal on its own, I often pair it with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to add a crisp, fresh contrast. Crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes also work beautifully to soak up any extra sticky sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged this tray bake on a large platter, garnished with extra herbs and thin apple slices fanned around the edges. It makes a rustic statement and invites everyone to dig in family-style. You can also serve it alongside a small bowl of extra honey mustard sauce for dipping, which is always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating slowly in the oven helps keep the sausages juicy and the sauce from drying out. If you want to revive some of the stickiness, add a small spoonful of honey mustard sauce or drizzle a little olive oil before warming.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. I freeze the cooked tray bake in portions inside airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, uncovered to refresh the crispy edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture—that lovely sticky caramelized coating is best in the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork sausages work wonderfully because of their fat content and flavor, you can easily swap in chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the sausage size and type.
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What can I substitute for fennel if I can’t find it?
If fennel isn’t available, try using celery or leeks as a substitute. They won’t replicate the subtle licorice flavor, but they provide a nice aromatic texture and caramelize beautifully in the roast.
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How do I keep the honey mustard sauce from burning?
Keep your oven temperature moderate (around 190°C/375°F) and avoid increasing it to speed cooking. Honey caramelizes quickly and high heat can cause burning. Tossing the ingredients midway through roasting also helps distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the baking tray and cover it with cling film in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before roasting. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven for best results.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This sticky sausage tray bake reheats well and keeps its flavors, making it a satisfying and convenient option for meal prep lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe truly feels like a hug from the oven—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I love how it balances simplicity with deliciousness, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing without a lot of hassle. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as my family and I do; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
PrintSticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This Sticky Sausage Tray Bake in a Honey Mustard Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring juicy pork sausages, tender baby potatoes, sweet apples, and aromatic fennel all roasted together in a sticky and tangy honey mustard sauce, it combines sweet and savory notes for a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
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 of Fennel, sliced
- Few sprigs fresh Rosemary and Thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, finely diced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients form a smooth, sticky honey mustard sauce. Set this aside for later use.
- Initial roasting: Place all the main ingredients—pork sausages, halved baby potatoes, quartered onions, sliced fennel, and fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs—into a large baking tray. Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over everything and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Arrange the ingredients evenly, then place the tray in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes, allowing the sausages to start browning.
- Midway toss and roast: Remove the tray from the oven after 15 minutes. Toss the ingredients again thoroughly to redistribute the sticky sauce and ensure maximum flavor coverage. Return the baking tray to the oven and roast for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the sausages to cook through and the veggies to begin softening.
- Add apples and final roasting: After the 20 minutes, remove the tray once more, toss the ingredients to mix, then nestle the apple wedges amongst the other ingredients in the tray. Place the tray back into the oven for a final 15 minutes, or until the sausages are nicely browned, the sauce has become luscious and sticky, and the apple wedges have softened slightly. Avoid increasing the oven temperature to prevent the honey from burning.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and plate up immediately. Enjoy this beautifully sticky, sweet, and savory sausage tray bake as a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week.
Notes
- This tray bake is ideal for a delicious and effortless dinner that combines sweet and savory flavors in one pan.
- Slicing the apples and fennel as described ensures they cook evenly and meld perfectly with the sticky honey mustard sauce.
- Keep the oven temperature consistent to avoid burning the honey in the sauce.
- Feel free to use different herbs according to what you have on hand; sage or parsley could also complement this dish well.
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