I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Tray Bake with just five ingredients. It was a rainy weekend, and I was craving something comforting yet simple. At first, the idea of such a simple recipe seemed too good to be true. But after following his instructions, I found myself sitting down to a meal that was not only ridiculously easy but also delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in how five humble ingredients come together to create something flavorful and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that turns any night into a cozy family dinner.
Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Tray Bake 5-ingredients Recipe
Jamie’s 5-ingredient sausage tray bake is a perfect weeknight dinner. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity-five core ingredients, a one-pan bake, and almost no prep time. I’ve made this so many times, especially when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen but still want a tasty meal. The sausages cook to perfection, while the potatoes roast up golden, with a crispy texture that’s irresistible.
But what really stands out for me is the ease with which you can throw everything together. You don’t need any fancy skills, just a baking tray and an oven. This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a pro, even if you’ve never touched a skillet in your life.
Ingredients Needed
- Sausages: Go for a high-quality sausage for the best flavor. I personally like using pork sausages because they have a rich, juicy taste that works so well when roasted.
- Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with good, starchy potatoes. I prefer using a waxy variety for that perfect balance of soft inside and crispy outside.
- Olive oil: A generous drizzle of olive oil helps the sausages and potatoes crisp up and develop a lovely golden-brown finish.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme really elevates the flavor. I always pick up fresh herbs from the local market-it adds that home-cooked touch.
- Veggies: Typically, Jamie uses a simple veg like peppers or onions. I often swap in whatever’s in my fridge-carrots or zucchini work wonders too.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Tray Bake 5-ingredients
- Preheat the oven: You’ll want your oven hot-about 200°C (or 400°F)-so the sausages and potatoes roast evenly and develop that nice golden color.
- Prepare the ingredients: Cut your potatoes into bite-sized chunks and your veggies (peppers, onions, etc.) into wedges. I like to make sure everything is about the same size so it cooks evenly.
- Arrange everything on a tray: Lay the sausages, potatoes, and veggies out on a baking tray. Don’t overcrowd the tray-space is key for everything to crisp up. Drizzle with olive oil, and don’t be shy with it.
- Season: Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, you can toss a bit of garlic powder in as well.
- Roast: Pop the tray in the oven and let the magic happen. Check after about 25 minutes to make sure everything’s cooking evenly. Give the sausages a quick turn or toss the veggies around. After 40-45 minutes, your meal should be golden and ready to serve.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I find it fascinating how something so simple can come together so perfectly. Here’s a breakdown of why these ingredients work so well:
- Sausages: The fat in sausages melts while roasting, making them juicy and flavorful. It also helps to crisp up the potatoes, which is why sausages are perfect in a tray bake.
- Potatoes: When you cut potatoes into chunks and roast them at a high temperature, the starches break down and caramelize. This gives them that irresistible golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside, while staying fluffy inside.
- Olive oil: Olive oil not only helps with roasting but also contributes to that crispiness and rich flavor. The fat coats everything, ensuring the sausages and potatoes cook evenly while infusing them with a warm, earthy taste.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme releases aromatic oils when heated, adding that herbal fragrance to the dish. These oils are also full of antioxidants, which help balance the richness of the sausages and potatoes.
Expert Tips
- Searing the sausages: If you want to level up the flavor, you can sear the sausages in a hot pan before adding them to the tray. This helps lock in some extra flavor and gives them a nice crisp exterior before roasting.
- Don’t skip the oil: A light drizzle goes a long way. The oil isn’t just for flavor-it helps with texture. Without it, the potatoes might end up dry or soggy. Always make sure the surface of the potatoes is glistening.
- Flavor boost: If you’re craving a bit more kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the seasoning. It gives the dish a subtle heat that complements the richness of the sausages.
- Perfect timing: Make sure to check the sausages and potatoes halfway through cooking. You can rotate the tray for even cooking, ensuring everything gets that golden finish.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the sausages: Don’t feel tied to one kind. Chicken sausages or even vegetarian sausages work here. You could even try adding chorizo for a spicy, smoky twist.
- Change the veggies: I’ve used everything from carrots and parsnips to Brussels sprouts in this recipe. Even sweet potatoes work really well, giving the dish a nice balance of sweet and savory.
- Add some greens: You could toss a handful of spinach, kale, or peas at the end of cooking. The greens add a pop of color and a nice fresh contrast to the rich sausages and potatoes.
Final Words
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-tray meal like this. It’s the kind of recipe I go back to over and over because it’s easy, quick, and versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for yourself, this tray bake is bound to hit the spot. And the best part? It’s practically impossible to mess up!
FAQs
What Are The 5 Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Tray Bake?
The 5 key ingredients are sausages, potatoes, onions, olive oil, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Tray Bake Take To Cook?
It takes about 45 minutes in the oven, but the prep is super quick-just 10 minutes.
Can I Customize Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Tray Bake With Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add other veggies like peppers or carrots.