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If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s irresistibly flavorful and perfectly crunchy, the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These little pockets of joy combine golden hashbrowns, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese into bite-sized delights that are as fun to eat as they are delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends at brunch, these bites deliver that warm, comforting feeling with a crisp texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple but vital ingredients. Each component plays a starring role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish sing on your plate.
- Frozen shredded hashbrowns (3 cups): Make sure they’re fully thawed and dried to achieve maximum crispiness when baked.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Choose your favorite brand for that rich, savory punch that complements the hashbrowns perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1.5 cups): Melts beautifully and adds that irresistibly gooey texture everyone loves.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): These act as the binder, holding everything together without weighing down the bites.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Garlic powder (0.5 teaspoon): Just a hint to elevate the savory profile of the sausage and cheese.
- Salt (0.5 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Pepper (0.25 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth to the overall seasoning.
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil (for greasing muffin tin): Essential to ensure those bites slide right out, crispy and intact.
How to Make Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Start by frying the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it apart with your spatula so the sausage crumbles into small, bite-sized pieces. Once done, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease—this keeps your bites from getting soggy and helps maintain a crisp texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the fully thawed and dried hashbrowns with the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until well blended. The eggs will bind the mixture so the bites hold their shape beautifully once baked.
Step 3: Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Spray a standard muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a little oil. This step is crucial because it prevents sticking and ensures the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe comes out clean and beautifully crisp on the edges.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, packing it down slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. This helps the bites hold together during baking and develop that mouthwatering crispy crust. You should get about 12 bites from this recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the tops; they should turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop crispy edges. Once out of the oven, allow the bites to cool briefly before removing from the tin—they’ll be hot but the wait is oh-so-worth it!
How to Serve Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or green onions on top of your bites right before serving. The pop of green adds a fresh note and a lovely contrast to the golden color, while dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy ketchup can boost the flavor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing these bites with fresh fruit like sliced oranges or a simple mixed greens salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy avocado toast to create a brunch spread that everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack your Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe bites on a skewer for easy handheld snacking at parties. Alternatively, serve them with a trio of dipping sauces—like honey mustard, chipotle mayo, and ranch dressing—to turn them into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which can be hard with these!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll maintain their flavor, though you might lose a bit of that initial crispiness if stored too long.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them from sticking together. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make a perfect quick breakfast or snack option on busy days.
Reheating
The secret to reheating is to restore that original crisp. Reheat your Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crisped up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Absolutely! If using fresh potatoes, shred them finely, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a clean kitchen towel before mixing. This step ensures your bites stay crisp and not soggy.
What kind of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage with a mild to medium seasoning works best to balance the flavors. Feel free to use spicy sausage if you prefer a bit of a kick, but be mindful as it can overpower the other ingredients.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or sautéed mushrooms and diced bell peppers for a delicious meat-free version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Do I have to bake these in a muffin tin?
The muffin tin shape helps create perfectly portioned bites with crispy edges, but you can also shape the mixture into small balls or patties and bake on a lined baking sheet if preferred.
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Definitely! Toss in some smoked paprika, fresh thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the seasoning and make this Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe truly your own.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe a try—these delightful little morsels bring together the best of textures and flavors in every crunchy, cheesy bite. They’re perfect for busy mornings, casual brunches, or anytime you crave something warm and satisfying. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love.
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Print
Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or snack option that combines savory sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and perfectly seasoned hashbrowns baked into bite-sized muffins. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Hashbrown Mixture
- 3 cups Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns (Fully thawed and dried)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Pepper
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound Breakfast Sausage (Choose your favorite brand)
- 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Melts beautifully)
- 2 large Eggs (Beaten)
Other
- 1 spray Non-stick Cooking Spray or Oil (For greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Hashbrowns and Seasonings: In a large bowl, mix the thawed and dried shredded hashbrowns with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the hashbrowns are evenly seasoned.
- Mix All Ingredients: To the hashbrown mixture, add the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and beaten eggs. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, forming a cohesive mixture that will hold together when baked.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, pressing down lightly to compact the mixture into each cup to help the bites hold their shape.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden brown and the bites are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them with a spoon or knife. Serve warm for the best crispy texture and melty cheese experience.
Notes
- Make sure to fully thaw and dry the hashbrowns to avoid soggy bites.
- You can swap cheddar cheese with any other meltable cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Use a non-stick cooking spray to make removing the bites easier.
- Leftover bites can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Feel free to add chopped green onions or bell peppers for added flavor and color.
