Despite the name, sweetbreads are not a pastry, dessert or even made out of dough. These tender buttery morsels are the thymus or pancreas gland typically from lamb or beef (or veal). This nutrient dense organ meat is rich in protein and healthy fats as well as B6, B12, magnesium, vitamin C, and Iron. Pastured grassfed sources are also good sources of Vitamin D and K2.
if you are a believer in "Like Healing Like" or Glandular Therapy (which involves consuming glands from other animals for medicinal purposes) then sweetbreads might be the ticket to boost the health of your thyroid and immune system.
Sweetbreads are a great intro to the world of organ meats with their mild flavor and buttery texture. I love "eating nose to tail" which closely aligns with my beliefs of honoring the whole animal. You can make a nice seasonal fermented salsa or cream sauce to serve along with them but I find them irresistible with just a sprinkle of salt, pepper and garlic powder.