Slow Cooker Devilled Sausages (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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I was first introduced to devilled sausages by a vegetarian friend, when he made the dish for me using meat-free sausages. I was in my 20s at the time, and couldn’t believe I’d never before experienced the combination of sausage with a sweet and salty tomato sauce. The dish I was served was made with a meal-base from the supermarket, but it’s such an easy recipe and uses simple ingredients your likely to already have in your fridge and pantry, that the meal-base isn’t really necessary.

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What are devilled sausages?

Devilled sausages are a delicious dish featuring sausages cooked in a flavourful sauce made with sweet, spicy and tangy ingredients including tomatoes, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. They’re often cooked in one pan, making them convenient for weeknight dinners.

Why use a slow cooker for devilled sausages?

If devilled sausages are so easy to prepare, why bother using a slow cooker? I’m so glad you asked!

1. Convenience: Slow cookers allow for hands-off cooking, making it easy to prepare the dish without constant attention. Once everything is added to the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it until it’s ready to serve. I love throwing everything in the slow cooker in the morning and knowing dinner is almost ready when I walk in the door after a busy day. All I need to do is microwave some vegetables or steam some rice in the rice cooker…and voila! An easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.

2. Tenderises meat: Simmering sausages in the slow cooker helps to tenderise the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Infuses flavours: Slow cooking allows the flavours of the sauce and ingredients to meld together over a longer period, resulting in a more complex and richly flavoured dish.

4. Time-saving: While slow cookers require a longer cooking time compared to stovetop or oven methods, they allow you to prepare the dish ahead of time and have it ready when you’re ready to eat, making them ideal for busy days.

5. Versatility: Slow cookers are great for cooking larger quantities, so you can quickly scale up the recipe to feed a crowd or have leftovers for future meals.

Are devilled sausages gluten-free?

Most recipes for devilled sausages will include gluten containing ingredients, but this can be easily overcome using gluten-free alternatives. In the recipe below we use gluten-free soy, Worcestershire and BBQ sauces. Also check the ingredient label on your tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and sausages to ensure they’re gluten-free too.

What kind of sausage do I need?

The type of sausage you use for devilled sausages can vary based on personal preference and availability, but traditionally, pork sausages are used. You can also use other types of sausages, such as beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages; just make sure they’re gluten-free.

It’s essential to choose sausages that are of good quality and have a balanced flavour profile to complement the sauce. Additionally, consider the level of spiciness or seasoning in the sausages, as this can impact the dish’s overall taste. Ultimately, feel free to experiment with different types of sausages to find the perfect match for your devilled sausages recipe. In our house, we regularly use gluten-free chicken sausages as a substitute for pork in the below recipe.

Gluten-free chicken sausages from Woolworths in their packaging. — These gluten-free chicken sausages from Woolworths are a delicious alternative to pork sausages and are delicious in our Slow Cooker Devilled Sausages.

Do I need to brown the sausages first?

In the below recipe, we opted to save time popped the sausages, onion and apple straight into the slow cooker. If you prefer, you can brown the sausages first.

What can I serve with my gluten-free devilled sausages?

Devilled sausages pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their savoury and slightly spicy flavours. Here are some delicious options:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances the bold flavours of the sausages and sauce perfectly.

2. Steamed Rice: Fluffy steamed rice is a simple and versatile option that absorbs the flavorful sauce of the devilled sausages.

3. Gluten-Free Garlic Bread: Add a flavourful twist to your meal with gluten-free garlic bread, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. We love Jase’s Kitchen Garlic Bread available from Woolworths in the freezer section.

5. Buttered Green Beans: Lightly steamed or sautéed green beans tossed in butter make a refreshing and colourful side dish.

6. Steamed Vegetables: Steamed vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin, add sweetness and texture to the meal.

7. Side Salad: A crisp side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty sausages.

Help! I don’t have a slow cooker

Well the good news is that this recipe for gluten-free devilled sausages can easily be prepared on your stove top.

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat on the stove top.
Add the gluten-free sausages to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausages and set them aside.
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and apple. Cook them until they are softened, about 5 minutes.
While the onion and apple are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients until well combined.
Once the onion and apple are softened, return the sausages to the pan.
Pour the sauce mixture over the sausages, onion, and apple slices in the pan.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer over low to medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Serve the devilled sausages with mashed potato and steamed greens.

If you’re thinking about buying a slow cooker. You can read the latest Choice reviews here.

Not sure you’ll use the slow cooker enough to justify the bench/cupboard space it will take up? We recommend the Phillips All-In-One Cooker. It’s a slow cooker, but it’s also a pressure cooker, steamer and more! Want to whip up some Mac & Cheese for the family? This nifty device can have it on the table in JUST 4 MINUTES! And that’s allowing for the extra cooking time needed for gluten-free pasta. Don’t believe us? Check out the recipe here. It’s a savour for busy families.

Devilled