🥔 Crispy Hashbrown Sausage Bites
Makes: 24–30 bites
Prep: 10 minutes • Cook: 25–30 minutes
⭐ Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork; mild or hot)
- 2 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed & squeezed dry
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp recommended)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional for color + flavor)
- 2–3 tbsp flour OR ¼ cup panko (helps crisp & bind—optional but recommended)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Sausage Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- sausage
- hashbrowns
- cheddar cheese
- cream cheese
- egg
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- pepper
- smoked paprika
- flour or panko
Mix with hands until everything is fully blended.
Tip: If mixture feels wet, add 1–2 tbsp more flour or panko.
3. Shape the Bites
Roll mixture into small balls, about 1½ inches each.
Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
4. Bake Until Crispy
Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway if you want extra browning, until:
- the edges are crispy
- centers are fully cooked
- tops are golden
For maximum crunch, broil 1–2 minutes at the end.
5. Serve
Serve warm with:
- maple syrup
- spicy aioli
- ranch
- honey mustard
- chipotle mayo
- ketchup
They also reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer.
🌟 Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Squeeze all moisture from thawed hashbrowns.
- Bake on parchment or a wire rack.
- Add panko for texture.
- Use hot pork sausage for extra flavor.
🍽️ Variations
Cheesy Jalapeño Hashbrown Bites
Add:
- 1–2 diced jalapeños
- pepper jack instead of cheddar
Bacon & Sausage Mix
Use:
- ¾ lb sausage
- ¼ lb cooked crumbled bacon
Hashbrown Sausage Balls (No Cheese)
Skip cheese
Add ⅓ cup Bisquick or self-rising flour.
Air-Fryer Version
Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.