If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s comforting, colorful, and incredibly simple, Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner is about to become a regular on your menu. This recipe brings together juicy roasted sausages, a tangy-sweet honey mustard glaze, and a crisp, refreshing slaw that balances everything beautifully.
It’s the kind of dinner that feels a little special but requires very little effort—perfect for busy evenings, casual family meals, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner
There are plenty of reasons this dish works so well, especially for home cooks who want big flavor without a long ingredient list or complicated steps.
First, it’s oven-based, which means minimal cleanup. Everything roasts on a sheet pan, freeing you from standing over the stove. Second, the sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze pairs perfectly with savory sausage, creating a balance that both kids and adults enjoy. Finally, the fresh slaw adds crunch, acidity, and brightness, keeping the meal from feeling heavy.
This dinner is:
- Easy enough for weeknights
- Flexible with ingredients and substitutions
- Great for family-friendly eating
- Naturally customizable for different diets
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a reliable go-to.
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner
For the Roasted Sausages
- 1½ pounds sausage links (chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Honey Mustard Glaze
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
For the Fresh Slaw
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sausage options:
If the original sausage is pork-based, feel free to substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, beef sausage, or a plant-based alternative. Smoked turkey sausage works especially well and keeps the dish hearty while staying family-friendly.
Honey substitutes:
You can swap honey with maple syrup for a slightly deeper sweetness or use agave nectar if preferred.
Mustard choices:
Dijon gives a smooth, sharp flavor, but whole-grain mustard adds texture, and yellow mustard makes the dish milder and kid-friendly.
Extra veggies:
Roast sliced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli alongside the sausages to make this an even more complete one-pan meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly grease if needed.
Step 2 – Arrange the Sausages
Place the sausage links on the baking sheet, spacing them out so they roast evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Mix the Honey Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth and glossy.
Step 4 – Glaze and Roast
Brush half of the honey mustard glaze over the sausages. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
Step 5 – Flip and Finish Roasting
Remove the pan from the oven, flip the sausages, and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 10–15 minutes, or until the sausages are browned and cooked through.
Step 6 – Make the Slaw
While the sausages roast, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss with the vegetables until evenly coated.
Step 7 – Serve
Let the sausages rest for a few minutes, then serve them hot alongside the fresh slaw. Spoon any extra pan juices over the sausages for added flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space helps the sausages brown instead of steam.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the glaze before using and add more honey or mustard to your preference.
- Slice after roasting: Keeping sausages whole during roasting helps retain juices.
- Make slaw ahead: The slaw can be made up to 4 hours in advance for even better flavor.
- Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Herb-Forward: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the glaze for an herby twist.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap Dijon for mild mustard, add a splash of rice vinegar, and finish with sesame seeds.
- Autumn Style: Add roasted apples or sweet potatoes to the pan for seasonal warmth.
- Creamy Slaw: Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the slaw dressing for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides if you want to stretch the meal:
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
- Brown rice or quinoa
- A light soup for a cozy dinner spread
It’s also great sliced and served in wraps or sandwiches the next day.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store cooked sausages and slaw separately in airtight containers. Sausages will keep for up to 4 days, while slaw is best within 2 days.
Freezing:
The sausages freeze well for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. The slaw is not freezer-friendly and should be made fresh.
Reheating:
Reheat sausages in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | ~780 mg |
Values are estimates and will vary based on sausage type used.
FAQ About Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the sausages in advance and reheat them before serving. The slaw can also be prepped a few hours ahead, which actually helps the flavors meld.
What’s the best sausage for this dish?
Chicken or turkey sausage works especially well, but beef or plant-based sausages are also great. Choose a variety with mild seasoning so the honey mustard glaze can shine.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The sweetness of the honey balances the mustard, making the flavor mild and approachable. You can always reduce the mustard slightly for very young eaters.
Can I cook this at a lower temperature?
You can roast at 375°F, but the sausages may take a bit longer and won’t brown quite as deeply. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before serving.
How can I make this meal healthier?
Use lean chicken or turkey sausage, add extra roasted vegetables, and reduce the honey slightly. The slaw is already light and nutrient-rich.
Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner
Equipment
- large baking sheet
- parchment paper or foil
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- basting brush
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb sausage links (chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for slaw)
- 1 tsp honey (for slaw)
- salt and pepper, to taste (for slaw)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the sausage links on the baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Brush half of the honey mustard glaze over the sausages and roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Flip the sausages, brush with the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While the sausages roast, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot in a bowl. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, then toss with the vegetables.
- Let the sausages rest briefly, then serve hot alongside the slaw, spooning pan juices over the top if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Honey Mustard Sausage & Slaw – Easy Oven Dinner is proof that simple ingredients and straightforward cooking can still deliver big flavor. With its sweet-savory glaze, juicy roasted sausages, and crisp slaw, this dish checks all the boxes for an easy, family-friendly meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to get dinner on the table without stress, this recipe is a dependable, delicious choice.