Name: Sausage Hashbrown Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (uncooked); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1.5 cups biscuit mix (such as Bisquick); 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 4 cups shredded hash browns (frozen)

Sausage Hashbrown Bites combine savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy hash browns for a deliciously easy, crowd-pleasing snack. With a golden-brown biscuit mix crust, these bites are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any gathering. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear!

Why You’ll Love These Sausage Hashbrown Bites:

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, these bites come together quickly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: They’re versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or as a party appetizer.
Great Texture: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with a slight crunch from the hash browns.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can mix and shape the bites in advance, making them ideal for entertaining.
Customizable Dipping Options: Pair them with sauces like spicy mustard, ranch, or ketchup for a flavor boost.

Key Ingredients:

1. Ground Breakfast Sausage

Adds Flavor and Juiciness: Breakfast sausage is seasoned with spices that complement the other ingredients.
Choose Your Spice Level: Use mild sausage for a classic flavor or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Alternative Options: You can use ground turkey sausage for a lighter option.

2. Cream Cheese

Adds Creaminess: Softened cream cheese binds the ingredients and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Room Temperature: Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the mixture.

3. Biscuit Mix (e.g., Bisquick)

Provides Structure: The biscuit mix helps hold everything together and gives the bites a light, fluffy interior.
Alternatives: If you don’t have biscuit mix, you can make your own with flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of shortening.

4. Cheddar Cheese

Flavorful and Melty: Sharp cheddar adds a deliciously savory, cheesy flavor that pairs well with sausage.
Freshly Shredded: For best melting, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect texture.

5. Frozen Hash Browns

Crispy Texture: Shredded frozen hash browns add a crispy texture and a mild potato flavor.
Thawing Tip: Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from the hash browns for the best texture.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven

Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even baking and a golden-brown finish.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

2. Mix Ingredients

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, hash browns, and ground breakfast sausage.
Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should hold together well when pressed.

3. Form the Balls

Shape the Mixture: Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for even cooking.

4. Bake

Bake the Sausage Balls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and fully cooked through.

5. Serve

Cool Slightly: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: These sausage balls are delicious on their own or served with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard, hollandaise, or a tangy ketchup.

Serving Suggestions:

These Sausage Hashbrown Bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides and sauces:

Dipping Sauces: Pair with spicy mustard, ranch dressing, tangy ketchup, or hot sauce for a flavor boost.
Brunch Spread: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty brunch.
Game Day Snack: Make a platter of sausage bites with chips, dips, and veggies for a satisfying game-day spread.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley on top for a touch of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

These bites are great for making ahead and store well:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked sausage bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some crispness.

Variations to Try:

Switch up the flavors with these delicious variations:

Spicy Jalapeño Hashbrown Bites: Add finely diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy twist.
Southwestern Style: Add chopped green chilies, a sprinkle of cumin, and a dash of smoked paprika for a Southwestern flair.
Italian-Inspired: Substitute the breakfast sausage with Italian sausage, and add a bit of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Bacon Cheddar: Swap out some of the sausage for cooked, crumbled bacon for a delicious bacon-cheddar flavor.

Conclusion:

These Sausage Hashbrown Bites are a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With the creamy cheese, hearty sausage, and crispy hash browns, each bite is a deliciously satisfying treat. Serve them up hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear! Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!