Are you staring at a package of chicken apple sausage in your fridge and wondering what to serve alongside it? You’re not alone! This uniquely sweet and savory protein is super versatile, but finding the perfect companion dishes can sometimes be a challenge
As someone who cooks with chicken apple sausage regularly, I’ve experimented with countless side dishes over the years. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite pairings that beautifully complement the sweet-savory profile of this special sausage.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or a gathering with friends, these side dishes will elevate your chicken apple sausage to the next level!
Why Chicken Apple Sausage Deserves Thoughtful Pairings
Chicken apple sausage offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that makes it unique among protein options, The subtle sweetness from apples and often maple syrup creates a flavor profile that begs for complementary sides that either
- Balance the sweetness with savory or acidic notes
- Enhance the apple flavor with complementary ingredients
- Provide contrasting textures to the juicy sausage
Let’s dive into the best options for creating a well-balanced, delicious meal around your chicken apple sausage!
Vegetable Sides that Shine with Chicken Apple Sausage
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts provide the perfect bitter contrast to the sweetness in chicken apple sausage When roasted until caramelized and slightly crispy, they develop a wonderful depth that balances the sausage beautifully.
Pro tip: Toss your Brussels sprouts with a bit of balsamic vinegar before roasting for an extra layer of flavor that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
2. Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Asparagus brings a fresh, springy element to your plate while the garlic and Parmesan add savory notes that complement the sausage. Simply roast until tender-crisp and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and lemon zest for brightness.
3. Sautéed Spinach
For a quick and nutritious side, sautéed spinach is hard to beat! The leafy green wilts down in minutes and can be flavored with garlic, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon to create a light counterpoint to the hearty sausage.
I personally love adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg to my sautéed spinach when serving it with chicken apple sausage – it really enhances the sweet-savory balance!
4. Honey Glazed Carrots
The natural sweetness of carrots glazed with honey creates a side dish that echoes the sweet notes in the sausage while adding vibrant color to your plate. A hint of cinnamon brings warmth that plays well with the apple flavor.
5. Grilled Zucchini
Light and nutritious, grilled zucchini provides a mild canvas that lets the sausage shine. Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before grilling for maximum flavor.
6. Steamed Green Beans
Crisp steamed green beans offer freshness and a satisfying crunch. Toss with a bit of butter and sliced almonds for an elegant but simple side.
Starchy Sides for a Hearty Meal
7. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
The earthy sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes creates a wonderful harmony with chicken apple sausage. A touch of cinnamon and a pat of butter make this side irresistibly comforting.
One of my friends swears by adding a tiny splash of bourbon to her sweet potatoes when serving with chicken apple sausage – it’s surprisingly amazing!
8. Creamy Polenta
Velvety polenta provides a luscious base that soaks up the juices from the sausage. The subtle corn flavor is a perfect backdrop that doesn’t compete with the star of the show.
9. Baked Mac and Cheese
For pure comfort food indulgence, nothing beats the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese alongside slices of chicken apple sausage. The rich sauce provides a wonderful contrast to the slightly sweet sausage.
10. Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty wild rice with aromatics like onion and celery creates a hearty side with interesting texture. The earthiness of the rice complements the sweeter notes in the sausage beautifully.
11. Couscous with Herbs
Light and fluffy couscous flecked with fresh herbs makes for a quick and easy side dish. Its subtle flavor allows the sausage to take center stage while providing a satisfying base.
Fresh and Vibrant Salad Options
12. Apple and Fennel Slaw
Embrace the apple theme with a crisp slaw featuring julienned apple, thinly sliced fennel, and a light vinaigrette. The crunch and acidity provide the perfect contrast to the sausage.
13. Garden Salad
A simple garden salad with crisp vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich sausage. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots add color and nutrients.
14. Quinoa Salad
For a protein-packed side, try a quinoa salad with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette. The varied textures and flavors complement the sausage while adding nutritional value.
A Creative Pasta Pairing
15. Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Pasta
If you want to transform your chicken apple sausage into a complete meal, consider this delicious pasta dish! Slice the sausage and sauté it with shallots, garlic, fresh apple, spinach, and white beans. Toss with cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water for a creamy consistency, then finish with Parmesan cheese.
This 20-minute meal is a family favorite in our house – the combination of tender pasta, sweet apples, and savory sausage creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting!
Sauces and Condiments to Elevate Your Meal
While not sides per se, these accompaniments can take your chicken apple sausage to new heights:
- Apple chutney: Double down on the apple flavor with a chunky, spiced chutney
- Whole grain mustard: The slight spice cuts through the sweetness beautifully
- Honey mustard: Embraces the sweet-savory profile
- Maple syrup: A light drizzle works wonderfully for breakfast servings
- Balsamic glaze: Adds sophisticated sweetness and acidity
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread goes well with chicken apple sausage?
Crusty sourdough, ciabatta, or pretzel rolls are excellent choices. The firm texture stands up to the juicy sausage, while sourdough’s slight tang balances the sweetness.
Is chicken apple sausage good for breakfast?
Absolutely! It pairs wonderfully with eggs (any style), pancakes, waffles, or a simple fruit salad. Try creating a breakfast bowl with quinoa, chicken apple sausage, a poached egg, and avocado.
What vegetables pair best with chicken apple sausage?
Brussels sprouts, asparagus, spinach, and root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes all complement chicken apple sausage beautifully. Focus on vegetables that offer a balance of sweetness and slight bitterness.
What kind of wine pairs well with chicken apple sausage?
A crisp Riesling or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully with chicken apple sausage. Their acidity cuts through the richness while complementing the sweet notes. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir is an excellent choice.
Building a Complete Meal with Chicken Apple Sausage
When planning your meal, think about creating balance across your plate. Since the sausage already provides protein with sweet-savory notes, consider:
- Adding something acidic or bitter to cut through richness
- Including a starchy component for satisfaction
- Incorporating fresh vegetables for nutrition and color
- Considering texture contrasts (crispy, creamy, crunchy)
For example, a perfect dinner might include sliced chicken apple sausage, roasted Brussels sprouts, and creamy polenta. For lunch, try the sausage with a quinoa salad and sautéed spinach.
Final Thoughts
Chicken apple sausage is such a versatile protein that can work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The sweet-savory flavor profile creates unique pairing opportunities that can turn an ordinary meal into something special.
Happy cooking!
Make dinner delicious and gluten-free with these Chicken & Apple Sausage Pasta Bowls.
This post is brought to you courtesy of Aidells® Sausage & Barilla® Pasta, but all the opinions and content are mine.
Being gluten-free can obviously be a challenge but it can also be simple when you can find ingredients like Barilla® Gluten Free Pasta and Aidells® Sausage. I decided to combine these two products along with my favorite white sauce to create Chicken & Apple Sausage Pasta Bowls, which is completely gluten-free too!
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One thing my family truly loves is pasta, so when I had to go gluten-free we still needed a good pasta option. Thankfully, we found one with Barilla®. They offer a wide variety of pasta noodles that are gluten-free and they cook just like regular noodles would. I was able to whip up this meal in just under 30 minutes!
I decided to add in some fresh peppers that we had picked up along with parsley too. I like the combination of fresh foods in this dish, the peppers complimented the noodles and sausage too giving it a delicious flavor.
The pasta is a combination of corn and rice with the classic taste and texture, then the sausage is a no nitrate and no hormone product that comes fully-cooked. I put these in our toaster oven actually and just baked them for a few minutes and they were ready to go! We’ve enjoyed these several times now as a stand alone item too.
These pasta bowls are perfect for the whole family from picky eaters to seasoned eaters! My family enjoyed them with a touch of garlic to the sauce too. I would pair these with garlic bread as well, gluten-free of course. They would also pair well with a delicious green salad.
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Be sure to enjoy these pasta bowls but also get a great deal at Target on the products with these Cartwheel offers, get this offer or this offer! Now it’s time to Embrace Your Foodie!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla® & Aidells®. The opinions and text are all mine.
