Half pieces of vegetables in the refrigerator and partial packages of frozen meat are an inevitable part of living by yourself. Things just don’t come in single person sizes. You may very good at planning out menus and using everything up or you may be like me and save the unneeded portions until it is a question of toss it or use it.

Leftovers from three meals come together to make one more!
Today is a use-it day. I really didn’t feel like going to the store so I went to my fridge instead. And I found half a butternut squash, half an onion, some apples, and some frozen bratwurst. And carrots. (I always have carrots).
This calls for a sheet pan!
First peel and chop all the vegetables into roughly the same size. I am sticking with root vegetables so they all cook at the same time.

Sticking to food which cook at about the same speed and dicing them to similar sizes will help them cook
Mix together some spices and/or herbs. I am going with a sweet spicy flavor to complement the apples and squash. Brown sugar, cumin and a little chili powder.
Toss the veg in a little olive oil then add the spice mixture. Salt and pepper it well and toss them all together until they are evenly covered with the mixture. I think the spice mixture may need another note so I throw in a handful or two of cranberries.

Looks like the best of Autumn in a bowl!
Arrange the vegetables on a foil lined sheet pan and put the bratwurst on top. Drizzle a little oil on the Bratwurst and then put it all in the oven.
Roast it at a high temperature until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are softened with browning edges.
The sugar caramelizes the vegetables, the cranberries pop and spread their juices and the bratwurst browns. It’s like everything Fall on a plate.
Too good to be called leftovers!

The sugar and spices mix together with the flavors and juices of the fruits to make a warm and comforting meal

BRATWURST, BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLE SHEET PAN DINNER
Ingredients
- ½ butternut squash
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large apple
- ½ large onion
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 bratwurst sausages
- ¼ c brown sugar
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a large sheet pan with foil.
- Peel and dice the vegetables to similar sizes.
- In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, cumin, chili powder and salt.
- Place the diced vegetables in a bowl and toss in olive oil. Add the brown sugar mixture and toss again until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables on the prepared sheet pan and top with the bratwurst. Brush a little olive oil over the bratwurst.
- Place the tray in the center of the preheated oven and cook for 30-35 minutes until the sausage is done and the vegetables are browned and soft.
Absolutely delicious! It tasted like autumn. Thank you for this great recipe.
I am so glad you liked it!
I made this for dinner tonight… absolutely fabulous!!! My hubby said it was a keeper!!!
I am so glad you enjoyed it. An easy dinner is always a great thing to have in your pocket!
Great recipe! So easy by full of flavor. Will definitely make it again.
Also enjoyed reading about your journey. We live in NC and we love Asheville too!
Thank you! It’s one of my favorite Fall recipes. Perfect for a rainy day like today!
I have made this 3 times now and each time my family is shocked at how good it is! I am glad you combined foods I would have never thought to combine. we love this recipe! thank you.
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it