Sausage hashbrown bites are the perfect blend of savory, crispy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a quick breakfast, or a finger food for a party, these tasty little bites are sure to hit the spot. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients, sausage hashbrown bites are a crowd-pleaser every time. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious treats from scratch!
Ingredients Needed
To make your own batch of sausage hashbrown bites, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb sausage (beef, turkey, or chicken, based on your preference)
- 3 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great, but feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg (to bind everything together)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for a smoky touch)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
Optional ingredients:
- Hot sauce, jalapeños, or any of your favorite spices to kick up the flavor
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping
Directions for Making Sausage Hashbrown Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Thaw your frozen hashbrowns and drain any excess moisture. You don’t want watery hashbrowns affecting the texture of your bites!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. You want it to be fully browned and crumbled for easy mixing. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Prepare the Hashbrowns
While the sausage is cooking, take your thawed hashbrowns and place them in a large bowl. If you have excess moisture, use a paper towel to blot them dry. You want them crispy, not soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
In a bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, hashbrowns, shredded cheese, chopped onion, egg, and all your seasonings. Stir everything until it’s evenly combined.
Step 5: Bake or Fry the Bites
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a baking sheet lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into small, bite-sized balls. Place them on the baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out evenly.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you prefer a quicker option, you can also fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil, turning them until golden and crispy.
Tips for Making Perfect Sausage Hashbrown Bites
Tip 1: Choosing the Right Sausage
Select a sausage that fits your flavor profile. If you love a bit of spice, go for a spicy Italian sausage or add chili flakes. For a milder flavor, opt for breakfast sausage or turkey sausage.
Tip 2: Achieving Crispy Hashbrowns
To get those crispy hashbrowns, make sure you remove excess moisture. If they’re too wet, they’ll be soggy rather than crispy once baked. A little oil spray on the baking sheet also helps achieve that golden brown finish.
Tip 3: Adding Seasonings and Extras
Feel free to get creative with seasonings! A dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika adds depth of flavor. You can also experiment with adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness.
Tip 4: Making the Bites Ahead of Time
Sausage hashbrown bites are perfect for meal prep. You can make them in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake or reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
Tip 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve these bites as an appetizer with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or spicy mustard. You can also serve them with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Variations on Sausage Hashbrown Bites
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are plenty of variations you can try:
- Vegetarian or Vegan Options: Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or use a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella for a gooey texture or a sharp cheddar for a tangy kick.
- Spicy Variations: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier version that adds heat and flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Hashbrown Bites
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry! These bites store really well:
- Storing: Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or heat them in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until they’re heated through.
Why Sausage Hashbrown Bites Are Great for Meal Prep
Sausage hashbrown bites are a fantastic meal prep option because they are versatile, easy to make in bulk, and perfect for grabbing on the go. They can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge or freezer, making mornings much easier and saving time on meal prep. You can even customize them to fit different dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegetarian.
Conclusion
Sausage hashbrown bites are an easy and delicious way to elevate any meal or snack time. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying, flavorful treat that’s customizable to your taste. Whether you bake them or fry them, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and give these tasty bites a try!
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Sausage Hashbrown Bites?
Yes, absolutely! You can freeze them both before or after cooking. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
2. Is it possible to use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken sausage.
3. How long do Sausage Hashbrown Bites last in the fridge?
They will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
4. Can I make these bites without a baking sheet?
Yes, you can use a nonstick skillet to fry them, but a baking sheet helps to get that crispy texture in the oven.
5. How do I make them spicier?
You can add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mix to make your bites extra spicy!
Sausage Hashbrown Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sausage Hashbrown Bites are a savory, bite-sized breakfast treat packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. These little morsels combine crispy hashbrowns, flavorful sausage, melted cheese, and a touch of green onions for added freshness. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a party appetizer, or a delicious snack, these hashbrown bites are sure to satisfy your cravings. Simple to make and loaded with hearty ingredients, they are the perfect mix of comfort and convenience in every bite
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 2 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with silicone muffin liners.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, pressing it down gently to form small bites.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the hashbrowns are crispy and golden brown on top.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier bite, you can use hot sausage or add some red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- If you prefer, you can swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- These bites make a great breakfast or a fun appetizer for parties!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack
- Method: Baking / Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg