Turkey Sausage, Potato, Brussels Sprouts, and Apple Hash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)
- 2 medium russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 pound bulk turkey sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 red apple, cored and chopped
- 4 fried eggs
Directions
Step 1: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the Brussels sprouts and potatoes. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes until they are browned and nearly tender. Transfer the Brussels sprouts and potatoes to a medium bowl using a slotted spoon.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the turkey sausage and chopped onion. Stir frequently, breaking up the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook for around 6 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned.
Step 3: Add the chopped sage, black pepper, and salt to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Return the Brussels sprouts and potatoes to the skillet. Add the chopped apple and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apple becomes crisp-tender.
Step 5: While the vegetable and sausage mixture is cooking, prepare the fried eggs. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet, and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks begin to thicken.
Step 6: Once the vegetable and sausage mixture is done, serve it on plates and top each serving with a fried egg.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 507
- Total Fat: 25g (33% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
- Cholesterol: 296mg (99% DV)
- Sodium: 1030mg (45% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g (12% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% DV)
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 38g (75% DV)
- Vitamin C: 47mg (52% DV)
- Calcium: 101mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 4mg (24% DV)
- Potassium: 1158mg (25% DV)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
History and Origins of Turkey Sausage, Potato, Brussels Sprouts, and Apple Hash
This hearty hash has roots in the evolution of breakfast dishes in North America, where combining proteins, vegetables, and starches into a single skillet meal became popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally, breakfast hashes were simple ways to use leftover meat and potatoes, but over time, they evolved into thoughtfully balanced dishes featuring seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. Turkey sausage emerged as a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, reflecting modern dietary preferences for lower-fat proteins while retaining bold flavors.
Regional Variations and Characteristics
While this hash is distinctly American, it draws influence from various regional traditions. In New England, similar recipes often include apples or cranberries to introduce a tart sweetness that complements savory components. In the Midwest, hearty potatoes and sausages dominate, reflecting the regions agricultural abundance. The addition of Brussels sprouts, popularized in the Pacific Northwest, adds a slightly bitter, earthy dimension, making the dish both nutritious and flavor-rich. Each region adapts the balance of sweet, savory, and herbal notes based on local produce and culinary heritage.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Unlike a traditional corned beef hash or a classic potato hash with bacon, this recipe uses turkey sausage, which is leaner and milder in taste. The combination of Brussels sprouts and apple introduces both bitterness and sweetness that is uncommon in standard breakfast hashes. The inclusion of fresh sage distinguishes it from simple skillet potato dishes, while the topping of a fried egg elevates it from a casual side dish to a complete, protein-rich meal. This layering of flavors and textures sets it apart from simpler or more homogeneous hash recipes.
Typical Serving Contexts
This hash is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It is often featured in brunch menus at cafes and bistros, particularly those that focus on farm-to-table ingredients. It also serves as a hearty breakfast at home, suitable for both weekday mornings and leisurely weekend meals. The combination of protein, vegetables, and fruit makes it a balanced option that can replace heavier, more indulgent breakfast fare. Restaurants may pair it with artisan bread, fresh juice, or specialty coffee to create a complete brunch experience.
Interesting Facts and Nutritional Highlights
The inclusion of Brussels sprouts and apples not only adds flavor complexity but also provides significant nutritional benefits, such as fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Turkey sausage offers a high-protein, lower-fat alternative to pork, appealing to health-conscious diners. Interestingly, the concept of hash comes from the French word hacher, meaning to chop, which reflects the dishs rustic origins. Another fun fact: topping hash with a fried egg is not just for presentationthe runny yolk acts as a natural sauce, enriching the flavors and textures. The dish exemplifies how traditional comfort foods can evolve into modern, nutrient-rich meals.