Introduction
Welcome to a cozy culinary adventure that marries savory and sweet in the most delightful way! This Skillet Cheesy Apple & Sage Sausage Gratin is the perfect dish for a comforting brunch or a simple weeknight dinner. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, lush cheese, and caramelized apples combined with flavorful sage sausage, all baked to golden perfection in a skillet. The dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it offers a tantalizing balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
The addition of sautéed apples and fragrant sage elevates this hearty gratin, making it a deliciously unique take on traditional fare. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, this gratin serves up warmth and deliciousness in every bite. So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb sage sausage, casing taken off
- 2 medium apples, skin removed, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (about 2-3 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tbsp sage, dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
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- Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, incorporate the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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- Introduce the sage sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it and cook until browned and thoroughly done, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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- Once the sausage is fully cooked, arrange the sliced potatoes uniformly over the sausage mixture in the skillet. Then layer the apple slices on top of the potatoes.
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- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, and any extra seasoning if you desire. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the skillet.
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- Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses on top.
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- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it simmer on low heat for around 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
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- Afterward, remove the cover and switch the broiler to high. Broil the gratin for an extra 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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- Carefully take the skillet out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few moments before serving. Relish this warm, cozy meal with an extra sprinkle of sage if you wish!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Apple: 2 medium-sized firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- Sage Sausage: 1 pound of sage-flavored sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy base
- Potatoes: 2 large Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced for added sweetness and depth
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves minced garlic for flavor
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich texture
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for greasing and flavor enhancement
- Salt & Pepper: To taste for seasoning
- Fresh Sage: A handful of fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped for garnish and additional sage flavor
- Bread Crumbs: Optional, for a crunchy topping if desired
These key ingredients will create a savory and satisfying dish that combines the warmth of sage, the sweetness of apples, and the creaminess of melted cheese. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful gratin!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your skillet gratin bakes evenly and develops that perfect bubbly top.
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Prepare the Ingredients: While the oven is heating up, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Chop the fresh sage leaves and grate the cheese. You’ll want everything at hand for a smooth cooking process.
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Cook the Sausage: In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add your apple and sage sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once golden and cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed, and toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Apples: Next, incorporate diced apples into the skillet. Cook them until they soften slightly, approximately 5 minutes. The sweetness of the apples will balance beautifully with the savory sausage.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the apples are tender, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Make the Gratin Mixture: To the sausage and apple mixture, add heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in fresh sage, salt, and pepper to taste. For an extra layer of flavor, mix in half of the grated cheese.
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Top with Cheese: Before baking, spread the remaining grated cheese evenly on top of the mixture. This will create that deliciously cheesy, bubbly crust as it bakes.
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Bake in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, browned, and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent any burning.
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Cool Before Serving: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven, and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the gratin to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
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Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch, you can garnish your Skillet Cheesy Apple & Sage Sausage Gratin with additional fresh sage leaves. Serve warm, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Serving Suggestions
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Fresh Salad: Pair your Skillet Cheesy Apple & Sage Sausage Gratin with a light, crisp green salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette will add a refreshing balance to the rich and savory gratin.
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Crusty Bread: Serve the gratin with slices of crusty bread or a warm baguette. This is perfect for scooping up the cheesy goodness and adds a delightful texture to the meal.
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Apple Cider: Complement the dish with a glass of warm apple cider or a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc. The apple flavors in both the dish and the drink create a harmonious pairing.
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Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, consider roasting some seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, tossed in olive oil and herbs. The earthy flavors will enhance the overall experience.
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Herbed Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of herbed yogurt or sour cream on the side can provide a creamy tang that cuts through the richness of the gratin.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an unexpected twist, finish your serving with a light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the gratin. The sweetness accentuates the apples and creates a delightful contrast to the savory sausage.
These suggestions will elevate your dining experience and enhance the flavors of your Skillet Cheesy Apple & Sage Sausage Gratin! Enjoy!
Conclusion
The Skillet Cheesy Apple & Sage Sausage Gratin is a delightful dish that perfectly marries savory and sweet flavors, bringing a comforting warmth to any table. The earthy notes of sage complement the richness of the sausage, while the crispness of the apples adds a refreshing brightness that balances the entire dish. This gratin not only serves as a crowd-pleasing main course but also makes for an excellent side dish for gatherings and holidays.
With its easy preparation and the option to customize with your favorite cheeses and vegetables, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this gratin will surely become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and indulge in this comforting and cheesy delight. Happy cooking!
