These Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites are a delicious and satisfying way to start your morning or enjoy a savory snack! Loaded with shredded hash browns, sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar, they’re golden, cheesy, and super easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or party appetizers, these bite-sized delights will be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy: The combination of hash browns and cheddar creates a golden, crispy exterior.
- Savory and Cheesy: Packed with sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar for a rich, flavorful bite.
- Easy and Versatile: Ideal as a breakfast on-the-go, brunch side, or appetizer.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and easy to grab, they’re great for little ones too.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed hash browns, and Bisquick. Mix until thoroughly combined and well incorporated.
- Form the Bites: Using a scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Serve as a savory breakfast treat or as a snack, with dipping sauces if desired!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or hands for forming balls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as spicy ketchup, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Sausage Bites: Use spicy breakfast sausage or add chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a kick.
- Add Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers, green onions, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and color.
- Swap the Cheese: Use pepper jack or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Pre-Cook the Sausage: Make sure the sausage is fully cooked and drained to prevent the bites from becoming greasy.
- Thawing Hash Browns: Ensure hash browns are thawed and squeezed of excess moisture to help the bites hold together.
- Bite Size: Aim for uniform-sized bites (about 1 ½ inches) to ensure even cooking.
Tips from Chefs
- Chef Rachael Ray: “For an extra-crispy texture, add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs to the mixture before forming the bites.”
- Chef Alex Guarnaschelli: “Try adding a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme to the mix to enhance the savory flavors.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, form the bites and bake as directed.
Q2: Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, they freeze well. After baking, let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Q3: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible after shredding to keep the bites crispy.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without Bisquick?
If you don’t have Bisquick, substitute with a mix of 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Q5: What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but try using a mix of cheddar and gouda, or even Monterey Jack for a melty twist.
Perfectly Cheesy and Crispy Breakfast Bites
These Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packed with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite. They’re versatile, easy to make, and freeze beautifully for later, making them ideal for meal prep, brunches, or holiday mornings. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns thawed
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage cooked and drained
- 1 ½ cups Bisquick mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed hash browns, and Bisquick. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Form the Bites: Using a scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. These are perfect as a savory breakfast treat or snack!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate. Form the bites and bake when ready to serve.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of spicy ketchup, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor.