🥔 Introduction:
Looking for a hearty, bite-sized breakfast option that’s crispy on the outside and savory on the inside? These Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites bring together golden hashbrowns, flavorful sausage, melty cheese, and a touch of seasoning for the perfect morning (or anytime) treat. They’re great for meal prep, brunch spreads, or quick snacks.
📝 Ingredients:
Main:
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and patted dry
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based), cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for greasing
👩🍳 Instructions & Method:
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or oil. You can also use a regular muffin tin for larger bites—just adjust cooking time.
🍳 Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and no longer pink.
- Break it into small crumbles with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.
🥣 Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Thawed and dried hashbrowns
- Cooked sausage
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Eggs
- Milk
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Chives or green onions (if using)
- Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not runny.
🧁 Step 4: Assemble the Bites
- Spoon the mixture into each mini muffin cup.
- Press down slightly to pack them tightly — this helps them hold together and get crispy edges.
⏲️ Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- For regular muffin tins, bake 25–30 minutes.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes in the pan before carefully removing with a spoon or butter knife.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with ketchup, hot sauce, sour cream, or a creamy mustard dip.
- Great with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
🧊 Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
✅ Tips:
- Make them vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
- For extra crispiness, bake a few minutes longer or broil the tops at the end.