Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Smoked Sausage and Apples Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, consider browning the sausage rounds in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step creates a caramelized crust on the meat that adds complexity to the final sauce. However, this is optional and the dish will still be delicious if you choose to skip it for the sake of convenience. If you do brown them, let them cool slightly before placing them into the slow cooker to maintain food safety.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the sausage and apples with a slotted spoon and simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. This concentrated glaze can then be poured back over the dish before serving. Adjusting the seasoning with a pinch of salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar can also help brighten the final flavors right before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Dijon: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the maple Dijon mixture before pouring it over the ingredients for a subtle, warming heat that cuts through the sweetness.
• Herbed Sausage and Apples: Stir in two teaspoons of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme when adding the pork seasoning. These woody herbs pair perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and the smokiness of the sausage.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or a saucepan over low heat until steaming hot throughout.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing them in an airtight container. Proper cooling is essential to maintain food safety and prevent the growth of bacteria.

Once cooled, store the container in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh for up to three days. When reheating, ensure the dish is heated thoroughly until it is steaming hot throughout, which helps restore the original texture and flavor of the glaze and ingredients.

This dish is excellent for preparation ahead of time, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking process. This makes it a perfect option for planning ahead, ensuring you have a hot dinner ready with minimal effort when you return home.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm, ideally in shallow bowls that can hold the flavorful maple Dijon sauce. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad, which help balance the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the apples.

The sauce is the highlight of the meal, so ensure everyone gets a generous portion of it drizzled over their serving to fully appreciate the complex blend of savory and sweet notes.

For a more complete meal, consider serving the sausage and apples alongside a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, which are perfect for soaking up any remaining glaze. If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, a bed of cooked quinoa or rice works well to absorb the extra sauce.

The contrast between the smoky meat and the tender, glazed fruit makes for a versatile main course that satisfies a variety of palates and works well for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Smoked Sausage and Apples

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into rounds
• 3 apples, cored and sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 packet pork seasoning
• 1/2 cup maple Dijon mixture

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage rounds into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure the sausage is distributed in an even layer to allow for consistent heating during the cooking process.
2. Scatter the sliced apples and red onion slices over the sausage in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the packet of pork seasoning evenly over the top of the fruit and vegetables to ensure the flavors penetrate the mixture.
3. Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the contents of the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the apples are tender.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.