There is nothing more simple, delicious, and nutritious than a high-protein AIP breakfast hash for your first meal of the day! This hash is packed with protein to leave you satiated and energized for the day ahead! The best part? That sweet and savory breakfast taste!
If you’re following an autoimmune protocol diet and looking for an easy, egg-free breakfast to prep ahead of time for the week, this is for you.
I’m Abby Grimm, a board-certified functional dietitian who has successfully guided dozens of individuals through an AIP diet to reduce inflammation and autoimmune symptoms.
This high protein AIP breakfast hash is simple ingredients and easy to prep! Let’s get to it!
Benefits of High Protein AIP Breakfast Recipes
- This AIP breakfast hash is made with only 11 ingredients!
- The combination of turkey, orange sweet potatoes (or yams), spices, and apples is delicious. You get a savory taste with a hint of sweetness.
- Once the work is done, your breakfast is prepped and ready for the week!
- This AIP sweet potato hash is not only AIP but also Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and free of added sugars! So, even if you’re not following an autoimmune protocol, it’s still a great option.
Additional Highlights of this AIP Breakfast Hash
- Protein: Ground turkey provides ~30 grams of protein in a 4 oz serving. Most turkey breakfast hash or casseroles use eggs for protein, but eggs are not acceptable on an AIP diet since this high-allergen food can be a source of inflammation for people. Following an AIP diet does not mean protein should be skimped on, because high protein foods contain various vitamins and minerals that are essential. Immunity, metabolism, and digestive function are reliant on adequate levels of protein. Increases in dietary protein are also effective for managing blood glucose levels.[1]
- Vitamins and Minerals: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, brussels, apple, and spices like rosemary, cinnamon, and garlic provide many essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, magnesium, potassium, and provide gut health and healing benefits!
- Sustained Energy Levels: An AIP breakfast hash provides a sufficient amount of protein, which is fantastic for stabilizing blood sugar levels, minimizing fatigue throughout the day, and keeping you fuller for longer between meals and snacks. When blood sugar is stable throughout the day, it greatly reduces cravings for sugar and salty snacks throughout the day, which is many people’s kryptonite! You don’t have to just fight through the day avoiding chocolate, you can do better by preparing a high-protein breakfast! Protein protein protein is one of the best ways to maintain natural energy that does not contain caffeine.
- Digestive Support: AIP-approved foods are usually high in fiber and high in antiinflammatory ingredients, which improves the health of the gut microbiome. These foods feed the healthy microbes in the gut, which produce bioactive components called short chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFAs influence health in many ways by impacting immunity, blood sugar regulation, protecting against pathology such as cancer, and more! Not to mention, an imbalance in microbiota in the gut may result in the reduction of immune function and increased risk of developing autoimmunity.[2]
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some research shows that consuming whole grains and legumes can negatively increase the risk of developing autoimmune conditions. [3] In an AIP-friendly diet, these food components are removed, potentially decreasing the risk of developing autoimmunity in susceptible individuals. This is why this AIP breakfast hash, which is packed with anti-inflammatory fruits, veggies, and quality animal protein, is a great option for individuals worried about the effects of grains and legumes on their autoimmune condition or autoimmune activity.
- Saves Time: Many people always ask us, “what should I eat for breakfast?” and when given the suggestions, do not end up following the recommendations due to time restraints. In other words, the conventional go-tos for breakfast, including cereal, toast, and yogurt, are not what we usually recommend and especially not ideal when it comes to following an autoimmune protocol. This egg-free option can be prepped quickly on a weekend, making the weekday mornings seamless and free of excuses. Not eating breakfast or choosing something quick that will not satisfy hunger and nutritional needs can be avoided by prepping this AIP breakfast hash.
High Protein AIP Breakfast Hash Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this delicious AIP breakfast hash!
- Coconut or avocado oil – either will work!
- Ground turkey – aim for organic if possible
- Yellow onion – a sweet onion or red onion would also taste great. (Some like to garnish with green onions)
- Butternut squash or sweet potato – we used sweet potato since the butternut squash did not look very fresh in the store. Make sure to dice this up super finely to ensure quick and even cooking of each piece.
- Brussels sprouts—you can buy these shredded or slice them into multiple pieces for even and quick cooking. Feel free to swap in or add another non-starchy veggie like broccoli or asparagus.
- Apple – we used gala apples, but any type of apple would do the trick!
- Spinach – the spinach cooks easily, but feel free to swap in another leafy green such as kale or swiss chard if you prefer those
- Spices: we used fresh rosemary, garlic powder, cinnamon, and sea salt, but you could also add basil and parsley if you have those on hand!
Are There Any Other Swaps For This AIP Breakfast Hash?
Ground pork or bacon are other additions or substitutions you could make for this recipe. Just ensure you are purchasing organic pork and/or uncured bacon that does not contain preservatives.
If you don’t like ground turkey, feel free to swap it for grass-fed ground beef!
Looking For More AIP Recipes?
Another breakfast option to add to your rotation is one of our FIVE AIP Breakfast Smoothies!
We also recommend our Easy Lemon Garlic AIP Salmon for a simple and delicious lunch or dinner.
Share This Recipe!
If you happen to give this AIP breakfast hash recipe a try and enjoy it, do us a favor, snap a picture of your final product, and tag us on Instagram to get this recipe into the mouths of others following an AIP protocol. Sharing is caring!
This recipe will yield 4 servings and can be prepared in less than 45 minutes. It can be prepped easily on the stovetop in one large cast iron skillet.
AIP Breakfast Hash – Paleo Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Start your morning with a bang by diving into a high-protein AIP breakfast hash! This tasty and nutritious meal is the perfect way to fuel your day. Loaded with protein, it keeps you satisfied and energized for hours. But the real highlight? The mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors that make every bite a delight!
Ingredients
- tbsp coconut oil beef talo and avocado oil also work well
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 whole yellow onion diced
- 1 cup butternut squash or sweet potato thinly sliced
- 1 cup brussels sprouts sliced
- 1 whole gala apple diced
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 2 tsp rosemary finely chopped
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp sea salt Remonds or Baja Gold
Instructions
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Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium/high heat. Add ground turkey and heat until cooked through. Season with 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt (save the remaining spices for later). Set aside on a plate.
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Add remaining oil to skillet and sauté onion until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
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Add in butternut squash or sweet potato and brussels sprouts, and saute for another 15-20 minutes or until veggies have softened. A little more oil might be necessary to avoid sticking.
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Add in the apple and spinach and cook another 4-5 minutes until softened.
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Stir back in the turkey and remaining seasonings
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Let cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.
When it comes to making a healthy breakfast that gives you stable blood sugar and energy to power through your day, this recipe is tough to beat. Full of healthy carbs, healthy fat, and energy-sustaining protein, few receipes are better balanced and healthier to start your day.
For us, we love batch cooking this delicious meal and storing it in glass containers for busy mornings.
We believe this is one of the simplest, most refreshing AIP breakfast hash recipes that you can prep on Sunday for a hearty, satiating, and great breakfast! You will absolutely love the effect this sweet potato breakfast hash has on your body and on your taste buds. Don’t believe us? GIve this perfect autoimmune diet breakfast a try and then let us know in the comments below how you and your taste bed felt afterwards.
Happy cooking!
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522033822#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%20an%20increase%20in,with%20untreated%20type%202%20diabetes.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4036413/#:~:text=An%20imbalance%20in%20gut%20microbiota,and%20a%20predisposition%20to%20autoimmunity.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8984782/