Whole30 Breakfast Sausage With Braised Greens

When your morning craving veers from toast and jam toward something savory, hearty and still health-forward, this Whole30 breakfast sausage with braised greens answers the call. Built around homemade turkey sausage patties seasoned with sage, thyme, fennel seed and garlic powder, this dish elevates breakfast into a bold, flavor-rich meal. Alongside it, deeply braised Swiss chard leaves tossed with onion, tomato paste and garlic create a vibrant green base that balances the richness of the sausage.

What makes this dish particularly appealing is how approachable it is, yet how far it goes beyond standard breakfast fare. You’ll find the whole-grain cereal sidelined by this protein-packed, veggie-heavy dish: the sausage patties require no breadcrumbs or fillers, and the greens give color, texture and nutrient power. Because all components skip wheat-based fillers and rely on whole ingredients, the recipe is inherently gluten-free, keto, paleo as well as Whole30.

Whether you’re making brunch for guests, prepping ahead for weeknight meals, or simply want a flavorful breakfast shift, this dish hits high marks. From the spice-layered sausage to the slow-tender greens, it’s breakfast done with purpose.

Whole30® breakfast sausage is guaranteed to make for a satisfying meal. Our Serve these patties alongside braised greens to start the day, or add roast butternut squash for a simple dinner.

---

Whole30 Breakfast Sausage with Braised Greens

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Whole30 Breakfast Sausage Ingredients

For the sausage patties:

• 1 pound ground dark turkey meat
• 1 large shallot, grated
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon




• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 4 to 6 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking)

For the braised greens:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt, divided
• 2 bunches Swiss chard, leaves removed and torn into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup water

How to Make Whole30 Breakfast Sausage

1. Make the sausage patties: Preheat oven to 375°F. Add all sausage ingredients except oil to a large bowl; mix with your hands until combined.
2. Scoop ¼ cup of mixture into your hands and form into a patty; repeat with remaining mixture.
3. Heat 4 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 patties and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden; remove to a sheet tray.
4. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil as needed. Warm in oven for 5 minutes.
5. Make the braised greens: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons avocado oil over medium heat. Add onion and ½ teaspoon salt; sauté until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Add Swiss chard and toss until wilted; season with remaining teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
7. Add tomato paste and water; stir. Place lid on pan and reduce heat to medium low; braise greens 5 to 7 minutes.
8. To serve, plate sausage patties with braised greens alongside.

---

Whole30 Breakfast Sausage Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 4 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
Calories	≈ 350 kcal
Protein	≈ 20 g
Carbs	≈ 20 g
Sugar	≈ 5 g
Fiber	≈ 5 g
Fat	≈ 20 g

---

Breakfast Sausage & Greens Variations & Tips

• Meat alternative: Use ground pork or ground chicken instead of dark turkey for a different texture and flavor.
• Herb switch: Swap sage or thyme for fresh rosemary or tarragon to shift the aromatic profile.
• Nut-free version: If seeds are desired for crunch, use roasted pumpkin seeds rather than nuts to keep the dish paleo-friendly.
• Greens variation: Replace Swiss chard with kale, collard greens, or spinach—adjust braising time accordingly.
• Make ahead sausage mix: Form and freeze the patties raw; cook from frozen for an easy weekday breakfast.
• Finish with brightness: Add a squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving to cut richness and lift flavors.

---

Best Breakfast Sausage & Greens Pairings

• Smashed sweet potatoes: Add a creamy, comforting side that complements the sausage and greens.
• Soft-boiled egg or poached egg: The runny yolk blends into the greens for extra richness and visual appeal.
• Gluten-free toast or flatbread: A slice of warm bread helps scoop up the greens and sausage for a satisfying bite.
• Pickled vegetables: Quick-pickled cucumbers or red onions add tangy contrast to the savory components.
• Iced herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee: A simple drink pairing that keeps the morning pace relaxed but refined.

---

When to Make Whole30 Breakfast Sausage

• Weekend brunch: Bring this dish to the table for a slightly elevated but still comfortable breakfast or brunch gathering.
• Weeknight protein-rich dinner: For nights when you want something quick, nutritious, and flavorful outside of typical dinner fare.
• Gluten-free / paleo menus: Serve when guests have dietary restrictions but you don’t want to compromise on flavor or substance.
• Meal prep batches: Cook the sausage and braise the greens ahead of time; reheat and assemble for a fast morning or reheated dinner.
• Holiday mornings: A thoughtful alternative for special mornings (Mother’s Day, holiday stay-in breakfasts) where you want something beyond pancakes.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines