Spiced Pork Sausage with Apple and Fennel
Hand-rolled sausage links infused with warm spices and tart apple, served with a light herb sauce. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs pounds ground pork, teaspoon fennel seeds, Granny Smith apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground pork
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 cup Granny Smith apple
- 1 medium shallot
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1.5 pounds ground pork, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/2 cup grated Granny Smith apple, 1 minced shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Mix with hands until just combined, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Form mixture into 8 equal links and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: While sausages cook, heat 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme until thickened into a smooth sauce, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Slice sausages and serve with the warm thyme sauce drizzled over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Pork Sausage with Apple and Fennel take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Pork Sausage with Apple and Fennel?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds ground pork from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pork Sausage with Apple and Fennel?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Pork Sausage with Apple and Fennel for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Pork Sausage with Apple and Fennel?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A new favorite! The spiced pork and sweet apple made for a wonderful meal.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my kids and they devoured it. Perfect balance of spices.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The apple and fennel really complemented the sausage.