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Mediterranean Sausage Tray Bake

This vibrant and hearty Mediterranean sausage tray bake is packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onions, and red peppers, along with a fragrant punch from garlic and basil. The addition of homemade croutons made with fougasse adds a rustic touch, soaking up all the delicious juices from the sausages and roasted vegetables. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a midweek dinner or casual gathering.

INGREDIENTS
  • 8 pork sausages (or your preferred variety)
  • 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced into strips
  • 2 red onions, cut into wedges
  • 250g cherry tomatoes, left whole
  • 4 garlic cloves, left whole with skins on
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 Mini fougasse (or other rustic bread), cut into large croutons
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
METHOD

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
  • In a large roasting tray, arrange the sausages, red pepper strips, red onion wedges, whole cherry tomatoes, and garlic cloves.
  • Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using).
  • Toss everything together in the tray, making sure the sausages are on top so they crisp up nicely. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes.
  • While the sausages and vegetables are roasting, prepare the croutons. Toss the fougasse croutons in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated.
  • After 20 minutes, take the tray out of the oven, scatter the croutons over the vegetables, and give everything a gentle toss. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the sausages are cooked through and the croutons are golden and crispy.
  • Remove the tray from the oven, scatter over the torn basil leaves, and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to mingle.
  • Serve directly from the tray for a relaxed, rustic style.

Here are some great sides and variations that would pair beautifully with your Mediterranean sausage tray bake:

Sides:

  • Lemon and herb couscous: Light and fluffy couscous seasoned with fresh parsley, mint, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It soaks up the juices from the sausages and vegetables perfectly.
  • Roasted new potatoes: Toss new potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then roast them until crispy. Their earthy flavour will complement the sweet roasted vegetables.
  • Grilled halloumi: The salty, firm texture of halloumi pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions. Grill until golden and serve alongside.
  • Greek-style salad: A simple salad of cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with an olive oil and oregano dressing adds freshness and a tangy contrast to the roasted tray bake.
  • Chargrilled vegetables: Aubergine, courgette, or asparagus lightly charred on the grill would add a smoky dimension to the dish.
  • Garlic and lemon yogurt dip: A creamy, cooling yogurt dip flavoured with minced garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of olive oil is perfect for spooning over the sausages or as a dipping sauce for croutons.

Variations:

  • Add chorizo: For a more intense flavour add some chorizo slices. These will infuse the tray bake with rich, smoky, and spiced flavours.
  • Vegetarian version: Swap the sausages for plant-based options like vegetarian sausages or add extra vegetables like aubergine, courgette, or portobello mushrooms. You could also include hearty legumes like chickpeas or butter beans for added protein.
  • Add feta or goat’s cheese: Crumble some feta or goat’s cheese over the top in the last 5 minutes of cooking. The salty, tangy cheese will melt slightly and blend with the roasted vegetables.
  • Olive and caper addition: Scatter some kalamata olives and capers over the tray bake before roasting. They’ll add a briny, salty kick to the dish.
  • Spice it up: For a bit of heat, add some chilli flakes or fresh red chillies to the tray before roasting. You could also add a drizzle of harissa or a pinch of smoked paprika for a North African twist.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Hot Tips

  • To intensify the garlic flavour, you can remove the skins and mash the roasted garlic into the vegetables before serving.
  • Fougasse croutons can be substituted with ciabatta or any crusty bread you have on hand.
  • Add some olives or artichoke hearts to the tray for extra Mediterranean flair.