Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a savory breakfast bite that combines crispy textures with rich, hearty flavors? These Crispy Hashbrown & Sausage Bites are just what you need! They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick breakfast, a party snack, or even a side dish to a main course. The combination of golden-brown hashbrowns with juicy, seasoned sausage makes these bites irresistible. Easy to prepare, these bites will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how to create these crispy, delicious treats.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the muffin tin
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium pan over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Break it up into small pieces while cooking to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, mix the thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and the cooked sausage. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4:
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and pour them into the hashbrown mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you prefer a crunchier texture, mix in the breadcrumbs at this stage.
Step 5:
Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and pressing it down slightly to ensure a firm shape. Each bite should be packed to hold together during baking.
Step 6:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. You can also turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes to get an extra-crispy top, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 7:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Use a fork or spatula to gently remove each bite from the tin.
Variation For Crispy Hashbrown & Sausage Bites
- Spicy Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the sausage for diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even black beans. You can still get a savory flavor with a dash of smoked paprika.
- Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Mix in a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack to add complexity to the flavor profile.
COOKING Note:
Make sure to thoroughly drain the sausage to avoid making the mixture too greasy. This will ensure that your bites come out crispy rather than soggy. You can also prepare the hashbrowns the night before and let them thaw in the fridge, so they are ready to go in the morning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve these crispy bites with ketchup, sriracha mayo, or a side of sour cream for a creamy contrast.
- Breakfast Spread: Pair them with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
- Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside some sliders, veggie sticks, or wings for a party appetizer spread.
Tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked sausage crumbles available at many grocery stores.
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle the top of each bite with a little Parmesan cheese before baking.
- These bites freeze well! Make a batch, freeze them, and simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes when needed.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
FAQs:
Q1: Can I make these bites in advance?
Yes! You can fully prepare and bake the bites, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Q2: Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or leave them out entirely. Double-check that the sausage you’re using is gluten-free as well.
Q3: What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can shape the mixture into small patties and place them on a greased baking sheet. They won’t be as uniformly shaped, but they will still taste delicious.
Q4: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can! Simply grate fresh potatoes and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using them in the recipe. This ensures the bites remain crispy.
Conclusion:
Crispy Hashbrown & Sausage Bites are not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast on-the-go, a delightful brunch addition, or an appetizer for entertaining guests, these savory bites are sure to impress. Their crispy texture and the blend of sausage and cheese create an irresistible combination that leaves everyone coming back for more. So next time you’re looking for a dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor, give these bites a try!
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Crispy Hashbrown & Sausage Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a medium pan over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Break it up into small pieces while cooking to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, mix the thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and the cooked sausage. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4:
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and pour them into the hashbrown mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you prefer a crunchier texture, mix in the breadcrumbs at this stage.
Step 5:
Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top and pressing it down slightly to ensure a firm shape. Each bite should be packed to hold together during baking.
Step 6:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy. You can also turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes to get an extra-crispy top, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 7:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Use a fork or spatula to gently remove each bite from the tin.
Notes
Make sure to thoroughly drain the sausage to avoid making the mixture too greasy. This will ensure that your bites come out crispy rather than soggy. You can also prepare the hashbrowns the night before and let them thaw in the fridge, so they are ready to go in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sodium: 480mg
- Protein: 12g