Chicken Sausage with Apple and Gouda: A Tasty Treat
Chicken sausage with apple and gouda is a delicious dish that many people love. It combines the savory taste of chicken sausage, the natural sweetness of apples, and the creamy texture of gouda cheese. There are various ways to prepare this meal, making it perfect for pasta, skillet dishes, or sandwiches.
Whether someone is looking to whip up a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, this dish fits the bill. Keep reading to discover tasty recipes and step-by-step instructions to create this delightful meal at home.
Key Takeaway
- Chicken sausage with apple and gouda is easy to prepare.
- It can be used in various recipes.
- This dish is healthy and delicious.
Key Ingredients
Credits: Jeni’s Scratch Made Kitchen
Chicken sausage with apple and gouda features a few key ingredients that enhance its flavor.
- Chicken Sausage: Made from ground chicken and seasoned with various spices, chicken sausage offers a leaner alternative to traditional sausage. Brands like Applegate and Al Fresco provide options, including apple chicken sausages that are already cooked. They just need reheating for a quick meal.
- Apples: Apples bring a delightful sweetness to the dish. Varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices, as they balance sweetness with a hint of tartness.
- Gouda Cheese: This cheese is known for its creamy and rich flavor. Smoked gouda is especially favored for its bold taste, which enhances the overall dish.
- Vegetables: Adding vegetables like onions and garlic boosts flavor and nutritional value. Seasonal veggies, such as sweet potatoes or spinach, also work well and make the meal even heartier.
Together, these ingredients create a wonderful dish that many can enjoy.
Popular Recipes
There are many ways to enjoy chicken sausage with apple and gouda. Here are three popular recipes:
1. Creamy Apple Gouda Sausage Pasta
This dish warms up any meal with its creamy goodness. It combines cooked pasta with seasoned chicken sausage, sweet apples, sautéed onions, and a rich gouda sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sweet or mild Italian chicken sausage
- 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup smoked gouda cheese (plus more for topping)
- Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper
Instructions
:
- Cook Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Save a bit of the pasta water for later.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the chicken sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and cook until soft. Next, add minced garlic and the chopped apples, cooking until they are also tender.
- Create Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of flour to thicken the mixture. Slowly add chicken broth and fresh thyme. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and add gouda cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Everything: Toss the sausage and cooked pasta into the sauce. Mix well, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Serve warm, topping with extra gouda and fresh thyme for a tasty finish. This comforting pasta dish is perfect for any day of the week and is sure to please everyone’s palate.
2. Apple Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
This one-pan meal bursts with flavor and is a great option for a busy weeknight. It highlights the natural sweetness of apple chicken sausage paired with seasonal vegetables, making it both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz apple chicken sausage
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the apple chicken sausage, browning it for about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and halved Brussels sprouts. Cook until they are tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Apples and Kale: Once the veggies are soft, add the chopped Honeycrisp apple and kale to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle with apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Allow everything to simmer until the greens are wilted and the apples soften, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to warm the sausage through.
This delicious dish is perfect for fall and winter months. It’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and can easily be customized with favorite seasonal vegetables. Grab a plate and enjoy! (1)
3. Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Pasta
This recipe offers a quick and simple way to bring together delicious flavors. It combines pasta with sautéed apple chicken sausage, sweet apples, fresh spinach, and creamy white beans for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz sweet apple chicken sausage
- 1 sweet apple, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz pasta of choice (like penne or rotini)
- 1 shallot, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve about half a cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Ingredients: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sweet apple chicken sausage, cooking until the sausage is golden and heated through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Apples and Garlic: Stir in the diced apple and minced garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the apples to soften slightly.
- Mix in Spinach and Beans: Add the fresh spinach and white beans to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld, around 3–4 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix everything together, adding a splash of reserved cooking water if the dish seems dry.
This sweet and savory dish is perfect for busy nights. It’s not only simple but also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Enjoy a comforting bowl that’s sure to please any crowd! (2)
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken sausage with apple and gouda isn’t just delicious; it also offers several health benefits. Here’s why it can be a great addition to a balanced diet:
- Lean Protein: Chicken sausage is a solid source of lean protein. Compared to pork sausage, it typically has less saturated fat, making it a healthier option for those looking to manage their fat intake.
- Vitamins from Apples: Apples are packed with dietary fiber and vitamin C. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion, while vitamin C supports the immune system and skin health. Eating apples also helps to promote a feeling of fullness.
- Nutrients from Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables into the meal increases fiber content and adds essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetables like spinach, onions, and sweet potatoes provide nutrients important for overall health.
Including chicken sausage with apple and gouda in meals can offer a fun and nutritious way to enjoy flavorful food while also supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Chicken sausage with apple and gouda is a flavorful and nutritious dish. It’s simple to prepare and versatile, making it suitable for various meals. Whether added to pasta, included in a skillet dish, or served in a sandwich, this meal delights the taste buds.
With its balance of protein, vitamins, and tasty ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for home cooks looking to create something delicious and healthy.
FAQ
Is this chicken sausage fully cooked?
Yes, this recipe typically uses fully cooked chicken sausage, meaning it’s safe to eat without further cooking. However, always check the package instructions of the specific brand you use, just to be sure.
What kind of cheese is in this recipe?
Gouda cheese is the star cheese in this recipe, offering a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the apple and chicken sausage.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
Whether or not the recipe is gluten free depends entirely on the ingredients you use. Make sure to check the labels on your chicken sausage and any other ingredients to confirm that they are gluten free.
What are the total fat and saturated fat contents?
The total fat and saturated fat content will vary depending on the specific chicken sausage and the amount of gouda cheese used. Nutritional information can be found on the packaging of the ingredients. It’s always best to check the labels.
How much dietary fiber is in this dish?
The amount of dietary fiber will depend on the ingredients you use. Apples provide some dietary fiber, but the chicken sausage and gouda cheese will contribute less. Check the nutritional information on the ingredient packages for a more precise answer.
Does this recipe contain trans fat?
Most chicken sausages available today are made without trans fats. Check the nutrition label of the chicken sausage you are using to confirm.
What kind of apples work best?
Sweet apple varieties pair well with the gouda cheese and chicken sausage in this recipe. The sweetness of the apple balances the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are chicken sausage, sweet apple, and gouda cheese. These three create a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
References:
- https://www.alfrescoallnatural.com/recipe/sweet-apple-chicken-sausage-and-gouda-sandwich/
- https://www.smartchicken.com/sheet-pan-sausage-and-veggies/tag/apple+gouda+sausage
Related Articles:
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-with-gouda/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-jalapeno/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-shrimp-sausage-gumbo/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
