If you’re looking for a fun, satisfying snack or a hearty breakfast twist, the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe is an absolute winner. These golden, bite-sized morsels pack in the perfect harmony of savory sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and crisped-up hashbrowns, creating a combination that’s tough to put down. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor with every crispy, cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in bringing the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe to life. From the savory richness of breakfast sausage to the gooey melt of sharp cheddar, every element contributes essential flavor, texture, or color to this beloved dish.
- 3 cups Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns: Fully thawed and dried, they add a crispy, golden texture that’s the base of the bites.
- 1 pound Breakfast Sausage: Pick your favorite; it brings juicy, seasoned pork flavor that grounds the dish perfectly.
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides that classic cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- 2 large Eggs: Beaten eggs bind everything together for easy shaping and perfect holds during baking.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Adds a subtle depth and sweetness that enhances the sausage and potatoes.
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder: A touch of savory warmth to round out the flavor profile.
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the bites.
- 0.25 teaspoon Pepper: Just enough to give a mild, pleasant kick without overpowering.
- 1 spray Non-stick Cooking Spray or Oil: Ensures the bites release easily from the muffin tin with perfect crisp edges.
How to Make Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add your breakfast sausage. Break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown fully and develop that irresistible caramelized flavor, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Hashbrowns
While the sausage cooks, make sure your frozen shredded hashbrowns are fully thawed. Press them between paper towels to absorb excess moisture—this step is crucial because drier hashbrowns crisp up beautifully in the oven and prevent soggy bites.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled sausage, the dried hashbrowns, and shredded cheddar cheese. Crack the two eggs in as a binder and add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until fully incorporated but don’t overmix; you want the ingredients evenly distributed while keeping some texture.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly with a cooking spray or oil. This ensures the bites come out easily, maintaining their crisp edges and perfect shape.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Scoop the sausage and hashbrown mixture into each muffin cup, filling about three-quarters full. Don’t overfill, as the bites will puff up slightly while baking but need room to crisp on top and around the edges.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until you see those edges turning golden brown and the tops look delightfully crisp. The oven’s heat works magic here, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the tender, cheesy inside packed with sausage goodness.
Step 7: Cool and Remove
Once baked, let the bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up so you can remove them gently without breaking. Use a small spoon or butter knife to loosen each bite, then pop them onto a serving dish.
How to Serve Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These bites are fantastic on their own, but a garnish can elevate their appearance and taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and mild oniony zest. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy sriracha mayo adds a creamy, flavorful finish that friends and family will rave about.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe with fresh fruit or a light scrambled egg for a balanced breakfast plate. If you’re serving them as appetizers, a crisp mixed green salad with vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad provides a crisp counterbalance to the richness of the bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond serving on a platter, try stacking the bites in mini sandwich sliders with a leaf of lettuce and your favorite sauce. Another fun idea is to serve them on skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and small cheese cubes—perfect for parties or brunch gatherings where finger food steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation that can make them soggy.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully and are great to have on hand for busy mornings or last-minute snacks. Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture.
Reheating
For the crispiest outcome when reheating leftovers or frozen bites, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the crispy edges, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick 30-second zap followed by a minute or two in a hot skillet can help regain some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes! If you prefer, grate fresh potatoes, rinse them, and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly before using. The key is to get the potatoes as dry as possible to achieve that crispy texture.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Breakfast sausage with mild or spicy seasoning both work wonderfully. Choose one you love eating on its own since it’s the main flavor centerpiece here. Pork sausage is classic, but pork-free options can work too.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Try substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and onions for a delicious vegetarian take. The cheese and eggs still help everything hold together beautifully.
Are these bites good served cold?
While you can eat them cold, they’re at their best warm or room temperature when the cheese is melty and the edges stay crispy. Reheat briefly for the best experience.
Can I add other mix-ins or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Just keep the base ratios close so the bites hold together well during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about sharing the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe with the people you care about. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor that always draws people in for seconds. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a game day snack, or a casual get-together, these bites are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or snack option. Featuring a satisfying combination of golden hashbrowns, savory breakfast sausage, and melty cheddar cheese, they are perfectly seasoned and baked to a crispy finish. Ideal for serving warm with your favorite dipping sauces, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns (Fully thawed and dried)
- 1 pound Breakfast Sausage (Choose your favorite brand)
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Melts beautifully)
- 2 large Eggs (Beaten)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Pepper
Other
- 1 spray Non-stick Cooking Spray/Oil (For greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage until fully browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Hashbrowns: Press 3 cups of thawed frozen shredded hashbrowns with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture to ensure crispiness.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage, dried hashbrowns, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 beaten eggs. Add 1 teaspoon onion powder, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Preheat Oven and Grease Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin using non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Scoop the sausage and hashbrown mixture into the greased mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow for even baking and rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the tops are crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing them to avoid breaking. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty treat.
Notes
- Ensure hashbrowns are thoroughly thawed and dried to avoid sogginess and promote crispiness.
- Use a mini muffin tin for perfect bite-sized portions; a regular muffin tin will yield larger bites.
- Feel free to swap cheddar for another cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
