The Perfect Sausage & Apple Dish

When I think of sausage and apple, I think of a perfect blend of sweet and savory, scratching my dinner and dessert itches at the same time. This crumble is exactly that.

Thinly slice 3 pounds of apples. Tart ones like Granny Smith are best for holding their shape, but this recipe is forgiving. Toss them with 3 tablespoons oil or melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup fruit juice (I like orange, but use any kind), and 1 teaspoon salt.

Take 1 pound of apple-sage sausage or bangers and remove the casings, then gently cook them over medium heat in a non-stick pan until no longer brown. I also love this recipe with vegan sausage; if that’s your jam, you can brown it or just chop it into small pieces since it’s not in need of cooking beyond the bake.

While it’s cooking, mix 1 cup oats, 3/4 cup whole grain flour (any kind), 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Rub in (or cut with a pastry cutter) 8 tablespoons butter until no longer sticky and kind of sandy in texture. Grate in 4 ounces Pepper Jack cheese and stir.

When the sausage is done, mix it into the apples and toss the whole thing into a 13x9 brownie pan. Top with the crumble. Bake at 375 Fahrenheit for 40 minutes.