Are you looking for a simple, easy, and delicious dinner idea? These meals are not only easy to make, but they are also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any night of the week. In this post, we’ll explore the beauty of sheet pan dinners and share some of my favorite recipes and tips.
What is a Sheet Pan Dinner?
Simply put, a sheet pan dinner is a meal that is cooked on a single sheet pan in the oven. It typically consists of a protein (such as chicken, fish, tofu, steak, sausage and so much more) and a variety of vegetables. The ingredients are seasoned and then roasted in the oven, resulting in a flavorful and healthy meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Why are Sheet Pan Dinners so Popular?
There are several reasons why sheet pan dinners have become so popular in recent years. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make. All you have to do is chop up your ingredients, toss them with some oil and spices, and then pop them in the oven. The oven does all the work, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
You can use almost any combination of ingredients that you have on hand, making them a great way to use up leftover vegetables and proteins. They are also a great way to experiment with new flavor combinations and spices. Additionally, these recipes are wonderful for when you’re trying to get rid of any leftover unused veggies before your next grocery shopping spree.
Sheet pan dinners are typically healthy which is always a plus in my book. By roasting your ingredients, you are able to bring out their natural flavors without adding a lot of extra fat or calories. Plus, by using a variety of vegetables, you can ensure that you are getting a good mix of vitamins and nutrients in every meal.
Tips for Making Sheet Pan Dinners
Now that you know what sheet pan dinners are and why they are so great, let’s talk about how to make them. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect sheet pan dinner every time:
- Use the Right Pan
The key to a successful sheet pan dinner is using the right pan. Look for a sturdy, heavy-duty sheet pan that is large enough to hold all of your ingredients without overcrowding them. A pan with raised edges is also a good idea, as it will prevent any juices or oils from spilling over and causing a mess in your oven.
- Cut Your Ingredients to Size
When preparing your ingredients, be sure to cut them into pieces that are roughly the same size. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are all done at the same time. For this recipe, I kept the sausages whole to keep them moist and keep them packed with their flavors and natural juices. When everything is cooked I cut the sausage right before serving. I have found that cutting them before baking sometimes leaves them dry losing their moisture and flavor.
Also, for the sausage, I say use whatever you like. For this recipe, I used an Italian sausage that I bought at a local butcher shop.
3. Sausage
There are many types of sausage that would work well for a sheet pan dinner, depending on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve. Here are a few options:
- Italian sausage: This sausage is flavorful and often comes in mild or spicy varieties, making it a versatile choice for a sheet pan dinner. It pairs well with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
- Chicken sausage: Chicken sausage is a leaner option than traditional pork sausage, but still adds great flavor to a sheet pan dinner. It comes in a variety of flavors, including apple, spinach, and feta, and is great with roasted vegetables like Brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes.
- Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage is a classic in Cajun and Creole cuisine and has a spicy, smoky flavor that pairs well with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and okra.
- Chorizo sausage: This Spanish sausage has a bold, spicy flavor and is often made with smoked paprika, which adds a deep, smoky flavor to a sheet pan dinner. It pairs well with vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
Ultimately, the best type of sausage to use for a sheet pan dinner depends on your personal preference and the flavors you want to incorporate into the dish.
4. Season Generously
Don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning your ingredients. Use a variety of spices and herbs to bring out the natural flavors of your vegetables. If you are using a marinade, be sure to let your protein soak in it for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to allow the flavors to fully develop. The best approach for seasoning in this recipe is to eyeball it and use your judgment. Feel free to also use your preferred seasonings. There is no right or wrong way to do it.
5. Preheat Your Oven
Before you put your sheet pan dinner in the oven, be sure to preheat it to the correct temperature. This will ensure that your ingredients cook evenly and that your meal is done in a timely manner.
6. Watch Your Cooking Time
Every oven is different, so be sure to keep an eye on your sheet pan dinner as it cooks. Check it regularly to make sure that everything is cooking evenly and adjust the cooking time as needed.
7. Leftovers and Meal Prepping
Using sheet pan dinners as leftovers or meal prep is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. With sheet pan dinners, you can easily make a large batch of food that can be portioned out for multiple meals throughout the week.
Simply store the cooked food in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll have a quick and easy meal ready to go whenever you need it. Sheet pan dinners also allow for easy customization based on individual preferences and dietary restrictions, making them a versatile and convenient option for meal planning.
Plus, since they are made all in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, making them a stress-free option for busy weeknights. So, whether you’re looking to save time, reduce waste, or simply enjoy delicious and healthy meals at home, sheet pan dinners are a great option to consider for your next meal prep or leftovers and those quick and easy-needed dinners.
Have fun with this recipe. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious meal!
Bom apetite! Enjoy your meal!
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Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggie Delight
Equipment
- 1 12×17 sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 whole cauliflower chopped
- 4 sweet potatoes medium sized, peeled and cubed
- 2 red peppers cored and chopped
- 1 bunch of asparagus cut into 2” pieces
- 1 whole onion peeled and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4-5 sausage links of your choosing
Seasoning
- Sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Parsley freshly chopped, or dry
- Italian seasoning
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Rinse and peel all vegetables needed and set aside.
- Break or cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. To do this, hold a cauliflower quarter by the stem and use a knife to cut off the florets at the base. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower.
- Peel sweet potatoes if desired and cut into cubed sized pieces. Regular potatoes are fine too.
- Cut aspargus into 2" pieces. Hold an asparagus spear at both ends and bend it gently until it snaps. The asparagus will naturally break at the point where the tough, woody stem ends and the tender part begins where the color turns from white to green. Discard the tough ends. Repeat with rest of the asparagus stalks.
- Chop onion and peppers into bite sized pieces.
- Mince garlic.
- Place all vegetable in a large mixing bowl.
- Season with all seasonings and mix well. (For seasonings sprinkle over the vegetables by eye-baling it and using your judgement.) I don’t use an exact measurement for this type of recipe.
- Take vegetables and place them on a sheet pan. For easy cleanup, feel free to line your sheet pan with a sheet of parchment paper.
- Take the sausage links and place on sheet pan in between the vegetables.
- Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until all vegetables are fork tender.
- Bom apetite!
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