Hazelnut Free Whole30 Chicken Apple Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage that actually tastes like something special is hard to come by, and this chicken and apple version delivers a savory-sweet punch that makes mornings worth getting up for. Ground chicken gets mixed with finely grated apple, fresh sage, thyme, warm cinnamon, and a whisper of nutmeg — the kind of spice combination that smells incredible the moment it hits a hot pan. The trick of squeezing the grated apple nearly dry before mixing is what separates a beautifully browned patty from a sad, steamed one, and chilling the formed patties for thirty minutes helps them hold together perfectly during cooking. Because every ingredient here is straightforward and whole — fresh herbs, ground spices, avocado oil — there's no need to scan labels for hidden nut-based fillers or flavorings that can sneak into store-bought breakfast sausage. The result is a golden, juicy patty with crispy edges that pairs just as well with scrambled eggs as it does on its own straight from the skillet. Whether you're following a Whole30 reset or just trying to eat cleaner in the mornings, this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup apple, peeled and finely grated (about 1 small apple)
- 2 tsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- 1
Grate the apple on the fine holes of a box grater, then squeeze the grated apple firmly in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel until most of the liquid is removed — the apple should feel nearly dry. This keeps the patties from steaming instead of browning.
- 2
Combine the ground chicken, squeezed apple, sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed, about 30 seconds — do not overwork the mixture.
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