Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole

Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole is a comforting and tasty one-pot meal that’s so simple to make. It’s full of flavour, economical, filling and perfect for bringing warmth to your table on cooler days.

Why make Cider Apple and Sausage Casserole?

The combination of cider, apples, and sausages in a casserole is a classic in British cuisine. The tangy cider cuts through the richness of the sausages, while apples add a natural sweetness. You can tailor the recipe to suit your taste, using different types of sausages, apples and vegetables.

Less washing up!

I’m always very happy to make a recipe where everything goes into one pot and no additional side dishes are needed. Make it in an oven to table casserole dish and you will only have that dish and the tableware to wash up. this makes it ideal for busy families.

What ingredients do I need to make Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole?

All the ingredients that you need for this dish are readily available in stores and supermarkets. Here is what you need:

• Sausages
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Apples
• Sage
• Plain (all purpose flour)
• Apple Cider

Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients and instructions.

What kind of sausages should I use?

I use good quality pork sausages with 75% pork content. However, you can use your own favourite pork sausages in this casserole.

Can I use other meat sausages?

Yes, you can use beef or chicken sausages if you prefer. However, you may wish to change the herb that you pair with the sausages. Pork pairs well with sage due to the herb’s earthy, slightly peppery flavour, this goes well with the savoury richness of the meat. Try using thyme with both beef and chicken sausages.

Can I use vegetarian sausages in the Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole?

Yes, good quality vegetarian sausages work well in this casserole.

What kind of apples should I use?

I like to use a sharp apple, so either a cooking apple like Bramley Seedling or Granny Smiths. You can use any type of apple, a mixture of dessert apples and sharper cooking apples work well adding a difference in flavour and texture.

What other herbs can I use?

Pork and sage are natural partners, however you can use thyme or rosemary. Thyme goes particularly well if you are using chicken or beef sausages.

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs but you will need to reduce the quantity by half. Dried sage is particularly pungent and must be used sparingly or it will overwhelm the other ingredients.

What other vegetables could I use in the Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole?

I use carrots and potatoes because they are easily available and inexpensive. I also like the sweetness that carrots bring to the casserole. However you could add any of the following:

• Add parsnips for an earthy flavour.
• Replace the onions with leeks for a more gentle onion flavour.
• Celery or celeriac for a fresh, grassy note.
• Swede or turnip always work well in a casserole.
• Diced butternut squash or sweet potato also complement the sweet apples.

Simply chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them to the casserole at the same time as the sausages and apples, this allows them to cook together and absorb the delicious flavours.

What kind of cider should I use in the casserole?

Use a dry or medium-dry still apple cider (alcoholic hard cider) this will give you a lovely tangy sauce without making it too sweet.

I don’t want to use alcohol, what can I substitute?

You can buy some excellent alcohol free ciders or use apple juice diluted half and half with stock.

Can I make Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole in my Slow Cooker?

This casserole is ideal to make in a slow cooker. Brown the sausages and onion then put in all the ingredients into your slow cooker with 150 millilitres (3/4 cup) cider and cook on LOW for 6 hours or or HIGH for 4 hours.

Can I make Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole ahead of time?

All casseroles benefit from being made ahead of time as the flavours can combine. Once the dish has been cooked let the casserole cool and then store it in the fridge.

I just put the dish directly into the fridge, but if you have a smaller fridge you may need to transfer the contents into a lidded container. It will keep for 2 days in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until the casserole contents are piping hot before serving.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes really well. Let it cool then put into freezer bags or boxes and store for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat until piping hot before serving.

Vegetarian

This recipe can be vegetarian if you use vegetarian sausages.

Gluten Free

The recipe as written is not gluten free. However, it is fairly easy to make it suitable for a GF diet. Use gluten free sausages and replace the plain (all purpose) flour with cornflour or gluten free flour. Please remember to check all packaged ingredients to ensure that they are suitable for your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Cider, Apple and Sausage Casserole?

You can simply serve it as it is perhaps with some crusty bread or soda bread to soak up the cidery juices.

Add greens

If you’d like to add some green vegetables on the side then peas, green beans, tenderstem broccoli or cabbage will all go well with the sausage casserole.

Garnish

Finish the dish with a little finely chopped sage or parsley and some crispy fried onions.

More Casserole Recipes

This recipe is adapted from a recipe by Isabella King of Coriander Queen, and posted in memory of her indomitable spirit. First published 2017.