All products are selected by our editorial team for quality. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This Butternut Squash Breakfast Hash is a vibrant and nourishing start to your day, combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory turkey sausage and fresh spinach.
What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Nutritionally, it’s a powerhouse: rich in high-quality protein from turkey sausage and eggs, abundant fiber and vitamins from butternut squash and spinach, and healthy fats thanks to avocado oil.
It’s low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it suitable for those watching their carb intake without sacrificing satiety.
The inclusion of fresh thyme and garlic boosts antioxidants and adds depth without unnecessary calories.
This dish is a perfect everyday breakfast option—quick to prepare, filling, and meal-prep friendly—ideal for fueling busy mornings with wholesome ingredients.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Cast Iron Skillet
Essential for even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, this skillet ensures your butternut squash softens beautifully and eggs cook evenly. Beyond this recipe, it’s a versatile kitchen workhorse great for searing, baking, and frying.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Precision chopping of squash, onions, and herbs is effortless with a quality chef’s knife, making prep faster and safer. It’s a fundamental tool for any home cook aiming to save time and improve efficiency.
Silicone Spatula
Ideal for stirring and folding the hash ingredients gently without scratching your skillet. Its heat resistance makes it perfect for all stovetop cooking tasks.
Measuring Spoons
Accurate measurement of avocado oil, garlic, and thyme helps maintain consistent flavor every time. These are indispensable for following recipes precisely.
Oven-safe Lid or Baking Dish
To bake eggs gently in the skillet, an oven-safe lid or dish ensures even cooking without drying out. Great for finishing skillet dishes in the oven.
Butternut Squash Breakfast Hash
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron skillet (10-12 inches)
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 silicone spatula
- Measuring Spoons (set)
- Oven-safe lid or baking dish (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- ½ medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 6 cooked turkey sausage links sliced into rounds
- ½ tablespoon fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 4 large eggs
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the Skillet and Add Oil: Place a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the avocado oil and swirl it to coat the bottom evenly. Let the oil heat until it releases a subtle aroma but doesn’t smoke.
- Sauté the Butternut Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet. Stir frequently to ensure the cubes cook evenly and develop a tender, slightly caramelized exterior. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Onion Until Soft: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the squash. Continue to sauté both ingredients together, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 5 more minutes.
- Incorporate Sausage and Aromatics: Stir in the sliced turkey sausage, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic and herbs to infuse their flavors into the hash while the sausage warms through.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach has wilted completely, roughly 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Finish Cooking: Using a spoon, create four small indentations (“nests”) evenly spaced in the hash. Crack one egg into each nest carefully. For baked eggs, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350ºF and cook for 15-20 minutes until eggs are set to your liking. Alternatively, cover the skillet on the stovetop, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for 7-10 minutes until eggs reach desired doneness.
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty breakfast!
Notes
- Butternut Squash Prep: To save time, you can use pre-cut butternut squash from the store. Just ensure cubes are roughly uniform for even cooking.
- Turkey Sausage Variations: Swap turkey sausage for chicken sausage or plant-based sausage to suit dietary preferences.
- Egg Cooking Options: Baking the eggs produces a tender, evenly cooked result, while stovetop cooking keeps the yolks creamier—choose based on your preference.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the hash (without eggs) the night before and reheat in the morning. Add fresh eggs when ready to serve for a quick breakfast.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy twist.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Hash
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in this breakfast hash, start by using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, which not only distributes heat evenly but also helps caramelize the butternut squash beautifully.
Don’t rush the sautéing steps; allowing the squash and onions enough time to soften and brown brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
Fresh herbs like thyme add subtle earthiness—avoid dried herbs here for the best fresh taste.
When adding the eggs, creating small nests ensures they cook evenly without mixing into the hash, and covering the skillet helps trap steam for perfectly cooked eggs.
If you prefer extra richness, a light drizzle of high-quality avocado oil right before serving can enhance both flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Meals
This hash pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete, balanced meal.
For a brunch crowd, add sliced avocado or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt on top for creaminess and extra nutrients.
If you’re looking for more protein, serve alongside smoked salmon or crispy bacon.
For beverages, a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea or a light sparkling water with citrus slices complements the savory and sweet flavors nicely.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Convenience
Store any leftover hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To maintain the best texture, it’s advisable to store the cooked eggs separately or add them fresh when reheating. Reheat the hash gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Avoid microwaving to preserve the caramelized flavor and texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the hash (without eggs) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use fresh sausage instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the raw sausage thoroughly before adding the other ingredients to ensure it’s safe and flavorful.
Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Q3: Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Definitely. Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula work well as alternatives and provide their own unique flavors and nutrients.
Q4: What if I don’t have avocado oil?
You can use olive oil or another neutral oil like grapeseed oil, but avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Q5: How can I make this dish vegan?
Swap turkey sausage for a plant-based sausage and replace eggs with scrambled tofu or a chickpea flour “egg” mixture for a delicious vegan version.
This recipe is inspired by fitfoodiefinds and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
