What to Serve with Sausage Casserole
We love sausage casserole in our house, and if I’m honest, I’m quite proud of my sausage casserole recipe. I’ll cook this tasty dish regularly throughout the year. Sometimes I’ll prepare it in the slow cooker in the morning so that it’s ready by the evening and other times I’ll cook it in the oven. If you enjoy this dish, then you might be wondering what to serve with sausage casserole. The simple answer is, you can cook whatever you like to go with it!
Choosing the right side dishes to serve alongside a sausage casserole can greatly enhance the dining experience, allowing the family to enjoy a well-rounded, satisfying feast. With so many delicious side options available, the possibilities are truly endless.
In true British fashion, a simple sausage casserole pairs exceptionally well with classics such as creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. On the other hand, serving a crisp and refreshing salad can lend some lightness to the meal – especially during the warmer months.
One of the things I love best about creating family meals and deciding what to serve with our family favourites is that there’s no wrong answer. You can serve whatever you want to with your sausage casserole.
Here are some ideas for what to serve with sausage casserole in case you’re looking for some inspiration for your weekly meal plan.
Classic Side Dishes
Sometimes, the classics are the best. Why mess around with something when you know it tastes good together?
Mashed Potato
Mashed potato is a perfect companion for sausage casserole. It’s simple to make and has a warm, comforting texture that complements the flavours of the dish. I love soaking up the juices of the casserole with the mash, it tastes so good! To prepare, just boil peeled and chopped potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter and a splash of milk for a creamy consistency. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper for seasoning, and you’ve got a delicious and easy side dish.
Jacket Potato
Another classic side dish for sausage casserole is the jacket potato. Baked potatoes are filling, easy to prepare, and taste incredible. Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6); clean and prick the potatoes with a fork, then rub a little oil and sprinkle some salt on their skin. Bake for around 1-1.5 hours or until they are soft inside. Split open the hot potatoes and add a dollop of butter or your favourite topping to enhance the flavour. You can either serve your potato on the side or spoon your sausage casserole over the top of your potato – yum!
Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower cheese is a tasty and nutritious option to accompany sausage casserole. Cook the cauliflower florets in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then drain well. In a separate saucepan, make a cheese sauce by melting some butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk while stirring constantly. Enhance the sauce with grated cheddar cheese, a touch of salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of mozzarella for a smooth finish. Pour the sauce over the cooked cauliflower and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, coleslaw is a great choice. It adds a healthy, crunchy texture to the hearty sausage casserole. To make coleslaw, thinly slice cabbage, grate some carrots, and chop a small onion. Toss the vegetables together in a bowl and add a mix of mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper for the creamy dressing. Combine well and serve chilled alongside the casserole for a vibrant and tasty contrast.
Vegetable Complements
If you’ve already used vegetables in your sausage casserole recipe, then try to choose different veggies for your side dishes. That way, you’re adding more flavours to your plate and adding extra nutrients too.
Roasted Cabbage
Roasted cabbage is a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with sausage casserole. This hearty vegetable has a natural sweetness when roasted, making it a perfect contrast to the rich flavours of the casserole. To prepare roasted cabbage, simply slice it into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender. As an added bonus, roasting elevates the nutritional value of cabbage, making it a great choice for incorporating more green veg into a meal.
Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage is another excellent option to pair with sausage casserole. The tangy flavours of red cabbage create a lovely balance against the savoury taste of sausage. To prepare braised red cabbage, thinly slice the cabbage and cook it gently with a mixture of balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and a touch of butter. Adding apples to the braised red cabbage can make the dish even more appealing, as the sweetness of the fruit enhances the natural flavours of the cabbage.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are such a simple side dish and in my opinion, they are highly underestimated. If you’ve cooked up a tasty sausage casserole from scratch, maybe in the slow cooker, then it’s so simple to just heat up a can of baked beans to go with it.
Green Salad
A fresh and crisp green salad is a light and refreshing addition to sausage casserole’s rich flavours. Mixing a variety of green leaves, such as rocket, spinach, and kale, creates a delightful base for the salad. To add more depth to the salad, incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and carrots, as well as beans for an added source of plant-based protein. A simple dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice brings the salad together well, giving it a zesty kick that really complements the casserole.
Bread Options
Sometimes, only bread will do, and bread works perfectly with a juicy dish such as sausage casserole. You can use the bread to soak up the gravy – it tastes amazing!
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is an excellent choice to serve alongside a sausage casserole, adding a delightful hint of garlic flavour that complements the richness of the dish. A simple yet tasty option, garlic bread can be found in most supermarkets or even made at home. To prepare homemade garlic bread, all you need is a baguette, butter, oil, and garlic. Slice the baguette into pieces, mix softened butter with minced garlic and a bit of oil, then spread the mixture onto the bread slices. Toast the slices in the oven until golden brown and perfectly crispy.
Crusty Bread
Crusty bread, such as a freshly baked baguette or a rustic sourdough, pairs wonderfully with sausage casserole. The slightly chewy texture and crisp crust complement the tender sausages and rich, savoury sauce in the casserole. Additionally, crusty bread can help to mop up any remaining sauce from the plate, ensuring that none of the delicious flavours go to waste. Be sure to pick up a loaf or two from your local bakery or supermarket, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at making crusty bread at home. Serve it slightly warm with plenty of butter.
Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
When it comes to sausage casserole, breakfast and brunch are perfect times to serve this delicious and hearty dish.
Breakfast Casserole
A breakfast casserole is a scrumptious and satisfying way to start the day. Combining sausage with other classic breakfast ingredients will create a meal that fills you up with energy for the day ahead.
First, consider the type of sausage to use. Pork sausage is a popular choice for breakfast casseroles due to its rich flavour and high protein content. You could even try turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option if you fancy.
Eggs are a key ingredient in any breakfast casserole, adding both protein and flavour to the dish. Create a layer of whisked eggs to pour over the other ingredients, allowing the casserole to set and hold together as it bakes. Here’s a simple recipe to give you an idea:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4).
- In a large skillet, cook your chosen sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked sausage to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add crumbled bacon, another breakfast favourite, to the sausage mixture for an extra burst of flavour and satisfying crunch.
- Cook and chop vegetables of your choice (such as peppers, onions, and tomatoes) and layer them over the sausage and bacon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sausage, bacon, and vegetables.
- Finally, sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking the casserole for 30-40 minutes or until the centre is fully set.
While breakfast casseroles are typically enjoyed during breakfast and brunch hours, they can also be an excellent option for a comforting weekend dinner. The versatility and deliciousness of a hearty, protein-packed sausage casserole is sure to delight your family and friends no matter when you choose to serve it.
Flavour Enhancements
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to a hearty sausage casserole. The natural sweetness of the apples helps to balance the rich flavours of the meat and seasoning, while the addition of thyme and onion brings out the best in the dish. To make a quick and delicious applesauce, simply combine peeled and chopped apples with a little sugar and water, then simmer until tender.
To enhance the flavour further, consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the applesauce. This will create balance and add depth to the overall taste. For an extra touch of warmth, why not try adding a sprinkling of cinnamon too? This classic spice tastes delicious with the sweet apples and savoury sausage casserole.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is another great option for elevating a sausage casserole. Its tangy, creamy taste and texture work brilliantly with the rich flavours found in a sausage casserole, providing contrast and cutting through the heaviness of the dish. For added zing, mix some onion and seasoning into the sour cream. This combination is perfect for cutting through the strong flavours commonly found in a sausage casserole.
When serving the dish, simply dollop a generous spoonful of the seasoned sour cream on top of the casserole. This will provide a delightful contrast in colour and taste, as well as a cooling, tangy element to the meal.
Recipe Variations
One popular variation is to experiment with different types of sausages. For instance, Italian sausage can bring a whole new dimension to the dish, adding a unique blend of herbs and spices. Or, swapping in vegetarian sausages makes the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Another way to change up the sausage casserole is by trying out different combinations of herbs and spices. Mixing in chilli flakes can add a spicy kick, while a sprinkle of brown sugar can create a sweet and savoury balance. The choice is up to your palate!
When it comes to the casserole base, using chopped tomatoes can provide a classic and comforting flavour. However, feel free to swap in vegetable or chicken stock to achieve a lighter yet still flavoursome dish. Adding water or milk can also help to adjust the thickness and creaminess of the sauce.
Leftovers from the sausage casserole can easily be transformed into a whole new meal by incorporating them into a pasta bake or a hearty soup. Also, the casserole freezes well, so portion and store it in an airtight container to enjoy at a later date.
International Flavours
Sausage casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of international flavours.
In Spain, patatas bravas is a popular dish made from crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. To make the sauce, combine tomato sauce, smoked paprika, and a splash of wine. This hearty side dish pairs well with sausage casserole, as it complements the rich flavours of the dish. You may also want to season the patatas bravas with salt and black pepper to taste.
Italian-inspired polenta serves as a great side dish to sausage casserole, too. Made with coarsely ground cornmeal, this creamy yet firm accompaniment can be seasoned with salt and black pepper. To make it even more delicious, you can add sautéed mushrooms and a touch of butter for a luxurious finish.
Butter bean salad offers a fresh burst of flavour to pair with the rich casserole. This Mediterranean-inspired salad consists of butter beans, chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a zesty dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. This refreshing salad creates a delightful contrast with the hearty flavours of sausage casserole.
For a French twist, consider serving sausage casserole with a side of ratatouille. This vegetable medley typically consists of onions, bell peppers, courgettes, aubergines, and tomatoes, all cooked together with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Seasoned with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper, ratatouille adds a dose of colourful vegetables to the meal while complementing the meaty flavours of the casserole.
These international side dishes can elevate your sausage casserole to new heights, giving you and your guests an unforgettable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good side dishes for sausage casserole?
Sausage casserole can be accompanied by a variety of delicious side dishes. Some favourites include creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, and a fresh garden salad. These options provide a balance of flavours and textures that complement the hearty casserole.
Which vegetables pair well with sausage casserole?
Vegetables that provide a nice contrast to the richness of sausage casserole include green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, and steamed broccoli. These can all be seasoned with herbs, garlic, or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance their flavours.
Is rice a suitable accompaniment for sausage casserole?
Yes, rice can be a simple and filling accompaniment for sausage casserole. Basmati or jasmine rice is particularly popular, as their fluffy textures soak up the flavours of the casserole. Brown rice is also a nutritious option for a whole-grain choice.
Do pasta and sausage casserole go well together?
Pasta such as egg noodles, linguine, or fettuccine can work well with sausage casserole, especially if the sauce has a rich base. Remember to consider the textures of both the pasta and the casserole, ensuring that they complement each other and are not too heavy.
Can sausage casserole be made in a slow cooker?
Certainly, sausage casserole can be prepared in a slow cooker. This method is particularly convenient for busy days, as it allows for a flavoursome meal with minimum hands-on time. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and enjoy a delicious casserole at the end of the day.
What additions can be made to enhance a sausage casserole?
To elevate a sausage casserole, consider adding various herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, paprika, or chilli flakes for added depth of flavour. You can also experiment with different types of sausages, such as spicy or smoked, to suit your taste preferences. Adding ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of red wine can provide interesting flavour and textural variations.