Sweet Potato Harvest Hash—A Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner to Satisfy Cravings and Stay on Track

Winter weeknights call for a dinner that’s nourishing and healthy—and let’s be honest, that comes together in less than 30 minutes. This Sheet Pan Harvest Hash checks every box, and it also happens to be low-carb, paleo, whole30, grain-free, gluten-free, and whatever other dietary train you’re on right now. January is a time when many of us are looking to clean up our diets—but as we near the end of the month, our best intentions often fade (and the ease of pizza delivery is tempting.) Which is why I love this simple sheet pan dinner: it comes together faster than takeout, and if you’re lucky, there’ll be leftovers. Scroll on for a few keys to success on whipping up this simple dinner. Bonus points for the lack of dishes to clean at the end at the end of the night! You’re welcome.

Why you’ll love this Sheet Pan Harvest Hash:

  1. It’s incredibly easy. With just a few readily available ingredients, you can create a tasty and satisfying dinner in less time than it takes to order takeout.
  2. It fits (almost) ever diet. Whether you’re following a paleo, whole30, or grain-free diet, this recipe fits right in. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to embrace a healthier way of eating without compromising on a really delicious dinner. And if you’re eating vegetarian? Just swap the sausage for vegetarian sausage, tofu, or tempeh.
  3. Customizability. You can easily experiment with this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes culinary creativity.
sheet pan harvest hash with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and sausage - ingredients - vegetables - winter produce
sheet pan harvest hash with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and sausage - ingredients - vegetables - winter produce

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sheet Pan Harvest Hash

  • Sweet potato: my favorite root veg adds natural sweetness
  • Brussels sprouts: they get crispy and delicious when roasted at a high heat
  • Bell peppers and red onion: they get really sweet when roasted and add gorgeous color
  • Garlic salt: easy way to add tons of flavor
  • Italian seasoning: infuses the dish with aromatic herbs.
  • Italian sausage: I love that it’s preseasoned so half the work is done for you
sheet pan harvest hash with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and sausage - ingredients - vegetables - winter produce

Simple hacks and shortcuts

  1. Pre-cut Vegetables: When I’m really in a time crunch, I’ll grab pre-cut veggies at the grocery to save some prep time. Choose colorful veggies like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, onions, and zucchini to add variety and visual appeal to your sheet pan hash. Then all that’s left to do is literally throw them on a sheet pan and let the oven do its job.
  2. Use Parchment Paper: Line your sheet pan with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. It also prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
sheet pan harvest hash with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and sausage - ingredients - vegetables - winter produce
sheet pan harvest hash with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and sausage - ingredients - vegetables - winter produce

Ingredient swaps to customize your sheet pan harvest hash:

  • Switch up the sausage: Switch up the Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • Omit the goat cheese based on your diet: If you’re dairy-free or following a strict paleo diet, substitute goat cheese crumbles with avocado slices or a dollop of compliant paleo mayonnaise.
sheet pan harvest hash with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and sausage - ingredients - vegetables - winter produce

Health benefits that make this harvest hash so nourishing:

  1. Nutrient-Rich: The colorful array of vegetables in this recipe provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contribute to a well-balanced diet and support overall health and well-being.
  2. High-Protein: Italian sausage is a great source of protein, which plays a key role in muscle development, repair, and overall satiety.
  3. Paleo, Whole30, and Grain-Free Friendly: This recipe aligns with various diets due to its exclusion of grains, processed ingredients, and added sugars. It focuses on wholesome, natural ingredients that promote optimal health and well-being. It prioritizes real, whole foods that nourish and serve as a true reset for your body.
  4. Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free since it excludes grains, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  5. Low-Carb: With its focus on vegetables and protein-rich sausage, this recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those sticking to a low-carb or keto diet.

Scroll on to grab the recipe to this Sheet Pan Harvest Hash. It’s a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s low on effort and high on deliciousness—I think you’ll love it as much as we dol!

Print

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Description

This sheet pan harvest hash with sausage and sweet potatoes is a simple and healthy dinner that’s low-carb, paleo, whole30, and gluten-free.


  • 1 sweet potato
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts
  • 2 yellow bell peppers, ribs and seeds removed
  • 1 red onion
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic salt
  • Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • For garnish: goat cheese crumbles and Italian parsley

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Chop vegetables in 1 – 2” pieces and place on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and italian seasoning, then spread out in an even layer and roast for 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
  3. Meanwhile, sauté Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high until cooked through. Use the back of a wooden spoon to break it up into large chunks.
  4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the Italian sausage over the top, then make 4 indentations in the vegetable mixture. Crack an egg into each indentation, season each egg with salt and pepper, and place back in the oven for 10 minutes until eggs are cooked to your liking.
  5. Remove pan from oven and top with Italian parsley and goat cheese crumbles. Serve!

Notes

*Ingredients swaps to try: Switch up the sausage: Switch up the Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.

Omit the goat cheese based on your diet: If you’re dairy-free or following a strict paleo diet, substitute goat cheese crumbles with avocado slices or a dollop of compliant paleo mayonnaise.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: dinner

Keywords: sheet pan dinner, whole30, paleo, gluten-free, grain-free

25 Desserts That Satisfy Cravings—Minus the Sugar Crash

When I’m really craving a sweet treat, sometimes indulging in store-bought cookies and desserts packed with preservatives can kill the vibe. I’m more for sweets that don’t leave you feeling overly full or with a sugar-induced hangover, especially when the holidays roll around, and healthy eating isn’t always on the table. If a lighter option sounds up your alley, you’re in for a treat—both figuratively and literally.

This collection of recipes might just change the way you formulate desserts. From fruit-filled to creamy concoctions, these light dessert recipes will satisfy your taste buds without the tummy trouble. They’re sweet escapes that prove you don’t have to compromise on indulgence to feel your best.

25 Light Desserts for Every Craving

Most of us tend to go for light desserts during the hot summer months—think popsicles, sorbet, and granita—but these recipes do the trick beautifully all year long. Sometimes, you just need something on the refreshing side, no matter the season. Be sure to bookmark these tasty treats, because each is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. (Even if the crowd in question is simply you and a good book.)

Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why We Love It: With flecks of dark chocolate and sea salt, these chewy pumpkin cookies boast the perfect amount of sweetness without going overboard. While I love these cookies paired with a PSL, they’re perfect for any time of year.

Hero Ingredient: Pumpkin puree is the hero here.

healthy oatmeal cookies_light desserts

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Why We Love It: Oatmeal cookies are one of the first recipes that come to mind when I’m craving a lighter dessert option—sometimes, I even grab one of these for breakfast! What’s a better way to start your morning?

Hero Ingredient: Coconut flakes give these cookies a unique texture and sweetness.

cinnamon baked apples

Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples

Why We Love It: The ease of these baked apples makes it hard to resist baking on a chilly evening. Simply toss together the ingredients and let the goodness bake away. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert or over yogurt and granola for a light breakfast.

Hero Ingredient: These apples bake in a healthy serving of honey, creating a delicious caramelized sauce that isn’t overly sweet.

chocolate chip tahini shortbread cookies_light desserts

Chocolate Chip Tahini Shortbread Cookies

Why We Love It: This recipe was shared with us by Daphne Oz—who may have just nailed the best light dessert recipe. Shortbread cookies are a year-round favorite, but when combined with savory ingredients like tahini and sesame seeds, they’re a whole different level of indulgence.

Hero Ingredient: Tahini is the star of this show.

no bake white chocolate lemon cardamom slices

No Bake White Chocolate Lemon Cardamom Slices

Why We Love It: No-bake desserts are some of my absolute favorites, and these lemon cardamom slices are no exception. Bound together by the rich flavor of white chocolate and the warmth of cardamom, these bite-sized slices are perfectly balanced and not too heavy.

Hero Ingredient: This no-bake dessert wouldn’t be the same without the added cardamom spice.

no bake pumpkin pie bars light desserts

No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars

Why We Love It: This may be a controversial opinion, but pumpkin pie shouldn’t only be eaten during the fall months. If you’re not a fan of the pie-baking process, these no-bake pumpkin pie bars are a tasty and simple alternative with the same great flavors.

Hero Ingredient: The pumpkin butter filling adds a light and sweet taste to each bite.

gluten-free pumpkin pie

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

Why We Love It: If you do love the pie-baking process, this gluten-free pumpkin pie is a great way to enjoy a classic dessert without some of the heavier ingredients included in traditional recipes.

Hero Ingredient: Cashews form the base of this recipe’s whipped cream. It’s a vegan trick that I can’t get enough of.

apple crumble_light desserts

Healthy & Easy Apple Crumble

Why We Love It: This apple crumble is the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Apple and cinnamon are a great flavor combo, and adding those flavors to a healthy dish creates a delicious make-ahead dessert.

Hero Ingredient: Pumpkin pie spice emphasizes the fall flavors.

summer fruit fools light desserts

Summer Fruit Fools

Why We Love It: This fruit fool is a great summer dessert with light and fresh flavors. The fruit is up to your discretion—anything from cherries to mangoes can make a show-stopping dessert. The whipped cream filling is a great complement to the bursting fruit flavors.

Hero Ingredient: Mixing in some lemon zest balances out the sweet fruit with a little citrusy tang.

gluten-free, dairy-free brownies light desserts

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Brownies

Why We Love It: As a kid, boxed brownies were always a staple dessert in my household (no shame there). These gluten-free brownies are worth the little added effort and can be made in just one bowl!

Hero Ingredient: The almond butter calms the sugar rush you’d get from traditional brownies.

plum lavender clafoutis

Plum Lavender Clafoutis

Why We Love It: This beautiful baked dessert is the perfect way to live out your French countryside dreams wherever you are. Not to mention the flavors are light with a hint of sweetness that differs from your typical chocolate and sugar-heavy recipes.

Hero Ingredient: Without question, the crushed lavender petals are the beauty of this dish.

grilled peaches with honey_light desserts

Grilled Peaches with Honey

Why We Love It: Grilled desserts aren’t something you see on every menu, but the peaches’ natural sweetness contrasted by a sprinkle of salt creates the best summery dish.

Hero Ingredient: A drizzle of honey is the perfect sweet finish.

mango lassi popsicles

Mango Lassi Popsicles

Why We Love It: These mango lassi popsicles look and taste ten times better than your typical freezer popsicles, and they only take six steps! Drizzle with melted white chocolate and decorate with rose petals for a pretty finish.

Hero Ingredient: The coconut milk and mango pairing brings out all of the tropical flavors.

rhubarb meringue cake light desserts

Rhubarb Meringue Cake

Why We Love It: Rhubarb is one of my top ingredients to work with during the warmer months. This meringue cake utilizes the bold flavors of this fresh fruit in the best way possible. Stunning doesn’t even begin to explain how we feel about this dessert.

Hero Ingredient: Plain, whole milk yogurt gives your light, fluffy cake a nice little tang.

gluten-free strawberry shortcake

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Why We Love It: The nostalgia that comes with baking strawberry shortcake is unmatched. This cake is fluffy and filled with fresh fruit flavors, and the sweetness isn’t overwhelming. It’s also a bit lighter and flakier than your traditional shortcake.

Hero Ingredient: Opting for maple syrup is a great way to tone down the sweetness in this recipe without eliminating it entirely.

raspberry tiramisu_light desserts

Raspberry Tiramisu

Why We Love It: Tiramisu in any form is the way to my heart. Pairing with a sweet and flavorful fruit like raspberries is a great way to be the star of any summer party.

Hero Ingredient: A light dusting of bittersweet chocolate over top makes this a must-have dessert.

Shrikhand_light desserts

Shrikhand

Why We Love It: If you’ve never had Shrikhand (or even if you have) this recipe is a must-try, and it only requires five ingredients! The yogurt’s creaminess pairs perfectly with fruit, nuts, or anything your heart (er, stomach) desires.

Hero Ingredient: This recipe would not be complete without Greek yogurt as its base.

spiced sweet potato cake with cream cheese frosting_light desserts

Spiced Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why We Love It: Nothing pairs better than sweet potato desserts and cream cheese frosting. Fortunately for you, this dish contains both—and in cake form! Who could say no?

Hero Ingredient: The tanginess of grated orange zest beautifully supports these sweet, warm flavors.

carrot cake cupcakes

Gluten-Free, Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Why We Love It: Making an entire carrot cake usually doesn’t fit into my busy schedule, but these cupcakes are the perfect alternative. They’re gluten-free and vegan, sweetened by natural flavors, and moistened by coconut oil and flax egg.

Hero Ingredient: The texture in these cupcakes is all due to the walnuts and shredded carrots.

Almond and Blackberry Cream Pavlova

Almond and Blackberry Cream Pavlova

Why We Love It: If you’re intimidated by a pavlova, try this scrumptious recipe as an entry point. It’s as easy as it is delicious, promise!

Hero Ingredient: Orange zest and juice in the berry cream bring all kinds of fresh, citrusy goodness to the table.

Blueberry Ginger and Coconut Cream Parfait

Blueberry Ginger and Coconut Cream Parfait

Why We Love It: Take this as confirmation that parfaits aren’t just for breakfast. They’re a perfect light dessert any time of the year—a refreshing cool-off in the summer and something light amidst all the winter holiday indulgence.

Hero Ingredient: Gingersnap cookies bring just the right amount of texture and crunch to these creamy concoctions.

Lavender PIstachio Madeleines, light desserts

Lavender Pistachio Madeleines

Why We Love It: Lavender and pistachio add a bit of summer flair to these classic French cakey cookies. Make them for school lunches, after-dinner desserts, or anytime-snacking. They truly are a madeleine of all trades.

Hero Ingredient: A simple lemon glaze sends these over the edge.

Blood Orange Amaretto Mascarpone Trifles

Blood Orange Amaretto Mascarpone Trifles

Why We Love It: Once you try this absolutely decadent dessert, you’ll be shocked to find that A) it is surprisingly light, and B) it was born of a cake disaster. You have to taste it to believe it!

Hero Ingredient: Three words: whipped amaretto mascarpone.

Raspberry and Pistachio Cake with Lemon Glaze, light desserts

Raspberry and Pistachio Cake With Lemon Glaze

Why We Love It: If you think a cake can’t be light, think again! This gorgeous option has a seriously light vibe.

Hero Ingredient: I just love it when cakes are infused with pistachio flavor. The nut will give your cake a distinctly buttery bite with just the right amount of crunch.

Gluten-Free Lemon Bars, light desserts

Gluten-Free Lemon Bars

Why We Love It: With only ten steps, this lemon bar recipe is absolutely perfect in every way. It uses a thicker crust, which I’ve always preferred, and boasts a perfectly zesty lemon flavor to complement the buttery base. It’ll make your taste buds tingle in the best way possible.

Hero Ingredient: The great thing about powdered sugar is that it’s capable of covering mistakes. But how many mistakes can a dessert really have? Either way, it’s sweet and pillowy and just plain delicious. Plus, it’s so fun to sift over the top.

This post was last updated on February 11, 2023.

15 Delicious Pumpkin Pasta Recipes That Will Satisfy All Your Fall Cravings

Pasta is the quickest way to nourish your soul while devouring lots of fresh, seasonal ingredients. You just can’t go wrong with a warm bowl of satisfying carbs combined with colorful veggies—it sets off all the pleasure receptors in the brain. Because we find ourselves in October—the true start of cozy season—let’s cruise into fall with these absolutely delectable pumpkin pasta recipes.

Though I love pasta during every season, there’s something extra special about making an indulgent pasta dish as the weather starts to get crisp and cozy. And what ingredient says fall more than pumpkin? The creamy consistency and savory-meets-sweet flavors of roasted pumpkin are a feast for the senses. It’s practically autumn on a plate.

15 Pumpkin Pasta Recipes

You’ll want to bookmark these pumpkin pasta dishes, whether you’re planning a dinner party or looking to treat yourself to a seriously delicious weeknight dinner for one. Consider this your “fall eats bucket list,” and enjoy them before the season is over. We’ve included vegan and vegetarian options as well, so that everyone can enjoy this utterly delicious flavor combination.

Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi

Why We Love It: This pumpkin gnocchi is my idea of a perfect fall meal. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with beautiful, herby flavor. And out of all the pumpkin pasta recipes on this list, this one is the sauciest—spooning up almost like an indulgent soup. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes. So the next time you want to whip up something special on a weeknight, make this your go-to.

Hero Ingredient: Nutmeg is a seriously underrated spice when it comes to creamy, rich pastas. In this dish? It’s perfect.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Pasta

Why we love it: It couldn’t be easier to make this warming, too-good-to-be-true pasta. Put a new twist on the classic fall pumpkin flavor by peeling it, roasting chunks with honey, and tossing it into the pasta. The nutty brown butter sauce takes less than five minutes to make and packs a flavorful punch.

Hero ingredient: Don’t skip the fresh sage.

Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Pasta Bolognese Bake from Half Baked Harvest

Why we love it: Can’t you practically smell this pasta bake through the screen? It doesn’t get much cozier than his dish. Jumbo shells are stuffed with pumpkin, cheese, and fresh sage then baked in a spicy bolognese-style sauce. Yum!

Hero ingredient: The sauce is spicy, creamy, and damn delicious.

Vegetarian Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna from Ambitious Kitchen

Why we love it: It’s a cheesy, squashy, savory, saucy delight sprinkled with parsley and sage. What a dream! This dish is easy to portion out and loaded with delicious flavors like ricotta, parmesan, and sage that are layered with pumpkin, more cheese, and crunchy/creamy lasagna noodles.

Hero ingredient: The trifecta of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta blends together for some serious indulgence.

Creamy Pumpkin Spaghetti with Garlic Kale from Pinch of Yum

Why We Love It: There are countless pumpkin pasta recipes, but what really sets them apart is the unique spin they each bring to the table. This recipe makes it happen with a side of garlicky kale, perfectly offsetting the creamy, tomato-y pasta sauce. Served together in a bowl, it’s a complete meal that needs nothing else.

Hero Ingredient: I love the use of sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe. They add a rich, briny flavor that rounds out the pumpkin pasta sauce.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage from Platings and Pairings

Why We Love It: For the non-vegetarians among us, this hearty pasta dish is an ideal fall dish. When it’s rainy, gray, and the air outside is crisp, I can’t imagine twirling my fork around anything cozier. Not only is the sauce silky and smooth but this pasta is laced with rich, crispy bits of sausage—and it goes from pot to table in only a half-hour.

Hero Ingredient: The tiniest bit of cinnamon adds a touch of sweetness that’s quintessentially fall.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta from Jar of Lemons

Why We Love It: Alongside soup, pasta is synonymous with fall. And when pumpkin—plus garlic, sage, parmesan, and roasted pepitas—joins the mix, perfection ensues. It’s rich, crunchy, creamy, and totally autumnal. There’s nothing better.

Hero Ingredient: I love the mix of walnuts and roasted pepitas tossed over top. It’s the crunch for me.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Caramelized Hazelnut Mushrooms from Full of Plants

Why we love it: This ultra-comforting pumpkin pasta recipe is a rustic feast. Soy-glazed mushrooms and caramelized hazelnuts are mixed with creamy pumpkin fusilli to make a perfect fall meal.

Hero ingredient: Golden brown and crunchy caramelized hazelnuts.

Vegan Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese from Minimalist Baker

Why we love it: Is there anything more comforting than macaroni and cheese? This grown-up take on the classic only requires 10 ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. You can easily roast the pumpkin yourself or buy a canned pumpkin to save time.

Hero ingredient: A pinch of pumpkin pie spice adds warmth and depth of flavor.

Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese from Ambitious Kitchen

Why we love it: This is the best dinner to come home to on a chilly fall evening. It’s cozy, is full of fall flavors and nourishing ingredients, and is pretty easy to whip together on a busy weeknight! Treat yourself.

Hero ingredient: Has bacon ever not been a hero ingredient?

Why We Love It: When we’re between the months of September and November, it’s non-negotiable: I need my marinara with a hefty dose of pumpkin. With plenty of the classic herbs (oregano, tarragon, garlic, and cinnamon), it’s clear the Italian classic plus pumpkin is a perfect pairing. Honestly, it’s so good, I plan to make this well into the winter.

Hero Ingredient: The balsamic vinegar adds a complex sweetness with notes of fig and chocolate that are a tasty complement to every pumpkin-y bite.

Pumpkin Cauliflower Gnocchi with Nutty Browned Butter and Whipped Ricotta from Half Baked Harvest

Why we love it: Making this gnocchi is much easier than it looks, trusts us. It’s a cozy, and delicious recipe that uses mashed cauliflower, pumpkin puree, flour, parmesan, and eggs. Simple enough! Light, pillowy gnocchi is the perfect thing to eat on a cozy night in.

Hero ingredient: The delicious, nutty hazelnut and sage browned butter sauce.

Pumpkin & Chickpea Pasta with Creamy Miso Sauce from Full of Plants

Why we love it: Warm your soul with this sumptuous pumpkin pasta dish. Roasted pumpkin, crispy chickpeas, and fettuccine in a creamy white miso sauce make for a seriously joy-inducing dinner.

Hero ingredient: Crispy chickpeas dusted in aromatic spices.

Pumpkin Cacio e Pepe from How Sweet Eats

Why we love it: If you thought that a traditional cacao e Pepe couldn’t be improved upon, then think again! This is a simple, flavorful, and unexpected twist on the classic Roman dish that you’ll come back to again and again.

Hero ingredient: A few grates of nutmeg help to bring out the mild pumpkin flavor.

Pumpkin and Pancetta Pasta Bake from Stuck in the Kitchen

Why we love it: Indulge in this cheesy, flavorful pasta recipe next time you’re stuck inside on a stormy night. The taste of pancetta, pumpkin, garlic, sage, and toasted walnuts come together for an almost over-the-top delicious flavor profile.

Hero ingredient: Salty pancetta can’t be beaten.

This post was originally published on September 20, 2021, and has since been updated.