Mornings can be a scramble, especially on weekdays. But ditch the greasy takeout and frozen breakfast burritos! Today, we’re making a recipe that’s as delicious as healthy: Maple-Walnut Sausage Sliders.
These little gems were born from a weekend craving for something savory and satisfying. I usually go for oatmeal, but I felt like something more substantial this time. Enter the magic of walnuts! I pulsed them in a food processor with spices and maple syrup, creating a surprisingly sausage-like mixture. Topped with melty cheese and nestled in soft slider buns, these sliders became an instant hit in my kitchen.
They’re perfect for a weekend brunch with friends or a quick and easy breakfast for the whole family. Plus, they’re easily customizable! Need fresh sage? Dried thyme works just fine. Want a bit more sweetness? Add another drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients for Maple-Walnut Sausage Sliders
- 2 cups California walnuts
- 8 large eggs, divided
- ½ cup instant oats
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon melted
- 6 slider buns, split
- 6 deli-sliced provolone cheese slices
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions for Maple-Walnut Sausage Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the sliders get nice and toasty while the walnut “sausages” cook through.
- In a food processor, pulse together the walnuts, 2 of the eggs, instant oats, maple syrup, sage, rosemary, fennel seeds, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. You want the walnuts to be finely chopped but still have some texture.
- With damp hands (trust me, this helps!), form the walnut mixture into 6 thin patties. They should be about the same size as your slider buns.
- Heat the tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat in a large nonstick skillet. Carefully add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcook them – you want them to stay nice and moist!
- While the patties cook, whisk the remaining 6 eggs with half and half or milk in a medium bowl—season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Wipe out the skillet (or use a separate pan if needed) and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and scramble until just set.
- Now comes the fun part: assembling your sliders! Place the sliders’ bottom buns on a baking sheet. Top each bun with a walnut patty, a slice of provolone cheese, and some scrambled eggs.
- Pop the sliders in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the sliders get toasty, sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Serving and Sides
These Maple-Walnut Sausage Sliders are delicious, but if you’re feeling extra hungry, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or roasted sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
These sliders are a fun and healthy way to start your day. They’re packed with protein from the walnuts and eggs, and the maple syrup adds an unexpected and delightful sweetness. Plus, they’re easy to customize and perfect for busy mornings. So, ditch the greasy breakfast and embrace the deliciousness of these Maple-Walnut Sausage Sliders!
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work well in place of the walnuts. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
Do I have to use fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh sage and rosemary elevate the flavor profile.
Can I make these ahead of time?
\You can pre-cook the walnut patties and scramble the eggs. Then, assemble and heat them in the oven before serving.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! If you have any questions or variations, please leave a comment below.