Sausage Hashbrown Bites Recipe

Sausage Hashbrown Bites are a flavorful and satisfying bite-sized breakfast or snack that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the crispy, golden texture of hashbrowns. These tasty little morsels are packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to your brunch table, a hearty breakfast, or even an easy-to-make snack for kids and adults alike.

With their combination of seasoned sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese, these bites are irresistible. You can enjoy them on their own, or serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, sriracha mayo, or ranch dressing. Additionally, they can be customized with a variety of herbs, spices, and even vegetables, making them versatile enough for any palate.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a busy week ahead, or just craving something savory, these Sausage Hashbrown Bites will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. If you’re using a particularly fatty sausage, you may want to drain some of the excess grease after cooking.

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2. Add the Aromatics: If you’re including onions, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan once the sausage is cooked. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the garlic to become fragrant.

3. Season the Sausage: Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Taste the sausage mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once well-mixed and seasoned, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Hashbrowns

1. Thaw and Squeeze the Hashbrowns: If you’re using frozen hashbrowns, allow them to thaw. Once thawed, place the hashbrowns in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy bites later.

2. Combine Hashbrowns with Sausage: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared hashbrowns with the cooked sausage mixture. Add the shredded cheese, beaten eggs, and flour. Stir everything together until it is well mixed. The mixture should be cohesive and hold together. If it’s too loose, you can add a little more flour to help bind the ingredients together.

Step 3: Shape the Hashbrown Bites

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Form the Bites: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the hashbrown and sausage mixture into small bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball (roughly 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 18-20 bites depending on the size you make them.

3. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each formed bite in breadcrumbs to give them a crispy coating. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, they’ll create an even crispier crust. This step is optional, but it adds a wonderful texture and golden color to the bites when they bake.

4. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sausage hashbrown bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. This ensures that they bake evenly and become crispy on all sides.

Step 4: Bake the Sausage Hashbrown Bites

1. Bake the Bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sausage hashbrown bites for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness.

2. Check for Doneness: Once they are golden and crispy, remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Serve the sausage hashbrown bites warm with your choice of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.

2. Enjoy: These little bites are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s for a lazy breakfast, brunch with friends, or a fun snack to share. Enjoy the crispy exterior, savory sausage, and gooey cheese in every bite.

Tips for the Perfect Sausage Hashbrown Bites

1. Use Quality Sausage: The quality of the sausage will play a big role in the flavor of the bites. Choose a breakfast sausage that you love, whether it’s spicy, mild, or even flavored with herbs and spices.

2. Shredded Cheese: Use a sharp, flavorful cheese like cheddar for the best results. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

3. Extra Crispy Bites: For extra crispy hashbrown bites, consider spraying or brushing them lightly with olive oil or butter before baking. This will help them crisp up even more in the oven.

4. Spice It Up: Add a little extra heat by using spicy sausage, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the mix. If you like smoky flavors, try adding a bit of smoked paprika.

5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage hashbrown mixture the night before, shape the bites, and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven for a quick and easy meal.

6. Add Vegetables: For an extra nutritious twist, you can add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture. Just make sure the vegetables are cooked and drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

7. Make It Low-Carb: If you’re watching your carbs, you can replace the hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or another low-carb alternative, and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. The result will be a keto-friendly version of these bites.

Variations of Sausage Hashbrown Bites

1. Sweet Potato Sausage Bites:

• Instead of using regular hashbrowns, try swapping them for grated sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and a beautiful color to the bites, and they pair wonderfully with sausage.

2. Veggie Sausage Bites:

• Add a handful of sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, to the mixture for a more nutrient-dense option. The veggies will add a pop of color and a fresh flavor to the bites.

3. Bacon Sausage Hashbrown Bites:

• If you’re a fan of bacon, you can mix cooked, crumbled bacon with the sausage for an extra smoky and savory flavor. The crispy bacon will add a wonderful crunch to the bites.

4. Spicy Sausage Hashbrown Bites:

• For those who love heat, use spicy breakfast sausage or add diced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the mixture. The spiciness will pair beautifully with the creamy, cheesy center.

5. Cheese Variations:

• Switch up the cheese for something different. Try using mozzarella for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or experiment with pepper jack for a bit of spice. You can even use a combination of cheeses for more depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love Sausage Hashbrown Bites

• Easy to Make: These bites come together in no time, and the steps are simple to follow. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of sausage, hashbrowns, and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These bites are great for parties, brunches, or family gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, such as making them vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: With make-ahead options, you can prepare these in advance and store them for busy days.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, or make them the centerpiece of a hearty breakfast.

Conclusion

Sausage Hashbrown Bites are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of breakfast in a convenient, bite-sized form. These bites are a perfect combination of crispy, golden hashbrowns, savory sausage, and gooey cheese—perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something delicious, these bites will quickly become a family favorite.

Enjoy experimenting with variations and customizations to make these bites your own, and always remember that the best part of cooking is making it fit your tastes. Enjoy!

Yield: 12-16 Bites

Sausage Hashbrown Bites Recipe

Print

Sausage Hashbrown Bites are a flavorful and satisfying bite-sized breakfast or snack that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the crispy, golden texture of hashbrowns. These tasty little morsels are packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to your brunch table, a hearty breakfast, or even an easy-to-make snack for kids and adults alike.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed (or fresh shredded potatoes)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray.
   
2. Cook the sausage:
   In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
   
3. Mix the hashbrowns and eggs:
   In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   
4. Assemble the bites:
   Add the cooked sausage into the hashbrown mixture and stir to incorporate.
   Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup, filling them to the top and pressing gently to compact the mixture.
   
5. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the hashbrowns are crispy and golden and the eggs are fully set. You can test by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
   
6. Serve:
   Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
   Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.

Notes

• You can use frozen hashbrowns to save time, but make sure to thaw them and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing.
• Feel free to customize with other ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or bacon to make these bites even more flavorful.
• For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk and use dairy-free cheese.
• These can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.