Spinach Pancake Sandwich with Havarti and Pork Sausage

Amy Slater’s latest recipe is the breakfast of champions packed with fueling ingredients to get your day started on the right foot. A green pancake that secretly features spinach – even the pickiest of eaters can enjoy this delicious take on a classic food. Pair with USWM Pork Sausage Patties for a winning combination. 

 

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Amy’s recipes fuel families with nutritionally packed ingredients while making prep and cooking accessible in our busy lives. Ensuring your family meets their nutritional needs can be something other than another full-time job – It can be a fun adventure for the whole family! With some creative thinking, planning, and help from Amy, you will soon see and feel the difference that fueled-focused family eating will bring.

Spinach Pancake Sandwich with Havarti and Pork Sausage

Recipe By: Amy Slater | December 2022 Featured Chef

USWM Shopping List: Pork Sausage Patties, Harvarti Cheese

Ingredients

Spinach Pancake

• ½ cup whole milk plain greek yogurt
• 1 medium egg
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup packed baby spinach 
• ⅔ cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

US Wellness Pork Sausage Patties

Havarti Cheese For Toppings

 

Instructions

Spinach Pancakes

1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender in the order listed minus the walnuts and blend until smooth. Stir in the walnuts. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. 
2. Heat a griddle over medium heat. Spray a pan with oil. 
3. Drop 2 Tbsp batter onto the pan. Cook until bubbles start to form and the edges of the pancake appear solid (about 3 minutes). Carefully flip. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

US Wellness Pork Sausage Patties

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Divide the bulk pork sausage into eight 2 ounce patties. 
3. Add the patties to the parchment paper and bake for 8-12 minutes or until cooked through. 
4. Plae the pork sausage patties on a plate lined with a paper towel to cool slightly.

Assembling The Sandwich

1. Lay one pancake on a plate 
2. Top it with a sausage patty. 
3. Add a thin slice of Havarti cheese. 
4. Lay another pancake on top of the cheese. 

 

There you have it – A delicious breakfast sandwich!!

The Why:

Busy moms may want to make sausage at home for several reasons:

1.  Control Over Ingredients: Making sausage at home allows moms to have control over the quality and type of ingredients used. They can choose leaner meats, organic options, and avoid additives, preservatives, or excessive sodium often found in store-bought sausages. This ensures a healthier option for their family.
2. Customization: Homemade sausage recipes can be customized to suit specific dietary needs or preferences of family members. Moms can adjust the seasoning, spice levels, and even experiment with different meat blends to create flavors that their family enjoys. 
3.  Cost-Effectiveness: While initially, there might be some investment in equipment such as a meat grinder or sausage stuffer, making sausage at home can ultimately be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made sausages, especially if bought in bulk or made from cheaper cuts of meat.
4. Freshness: Homemade sausage guarantees freshness. Moms can prepare small batches as needed, ensuring that the sausage is consumed at its peak flavor and texture. This is particularly important for families who prioritize freshness and quality in their meals.

1. Family Activity: Making sausage at home can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family to participate in. It provides an opportunity for bonding and teaching children about cooking and where food comes from. It can also instill a sense of appreciation for homemade meals and the effort that goes into preparing them.
2. Avoiding Allergens or Dietary Restrictions: By making sausage at home, moms can avoid common allergens or ingredients that family members may need to avoid due to dietary restrictions. This ensures that everyone in the family can enjoy the meal safely.

Nutrivore tells us that pork sausage is an excellent source of linoleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), protein, selenium, vitamin B3 and vitamin B12 and a good source of choline, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B6 as well as zinc.  Although this is considered a low nutrient dense food, it absolutely is a huge cost savings and reduces your exposure to ingredients that are not supportive of health! 

Overall, making sausage at home offers busy moms a way to provide wholesome, customized meals for their families while also fostering a sense of creativity and togetherness in the kitchen.

NOW, why do you want to make spinach pancakes at home…

 

Spinach has a Nutrivore score of 4548 which knocks this recipe out of the park! This means that spinach hits enough nutrient markers to make it one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet! It pairs perfectly with the higher fat pork sausage since it is low carb and low-calorie-density food! These spinach pancakes can offer several health benefits, especially when compared to traditional pancakes. Here are some potential health benefits:

1. Nutrient-Rich: Spinach is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. By incorporating spinach into pancakes, you’re adding these nutrients to your meal, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
2. Fiber Content: Spinach is a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and may help lower cholesterol levels. Including spinach in pancakes can increase their fiber content, promoting better digestion and satiety.
3. Antioxidants: Spinach is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. These compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
4. Blood Sugar Regulation: The fiber and protein content of spinach pancakes can help slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
5. Weight Management: Spinach pancakes can be a lower-calorie and more nutrient-dense option compared to traditional pancakes made with refined flour. The fiber and protein in spinach pancakes can help increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
6. Eye Health: Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are important for eye health. These compounds may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Including spinach in pancakes provides a delicious way to incorporate these nutrients into your diet.
7. Bone Health: Spinach is a good source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health by supporting calcium metabolism and bone mineralization. Consuming foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach pancakes, can contribute to stronger bones and a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Overall, incorporating spinach into pancakes is a tasty way to boost the nutritional value of your meal and reap the health benefits associated with this nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable.

In addition to the Spinach which is a best source of carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamin K, it is an excellent source of manganese, vitamin A and B9. It is also a good source of coQ10, magnesium and vitamin C. 

MAKE IT AHEAD: 

Batch prep the pancakes and freeze them on a parchment lined baking sheet then wrap in rows of 3 and freeze in tightly sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can do the same for the sausage.

 

Explore more recipe by Amy on the Discover Blog.

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