Sausage Hashbrown Bites

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or snack, Sausage Hashbrown Bites are the perfect choice. These savory, bite-sized treats combine the richness of ground sausage with the crispy texture of hash browns, topped off with the flavor of Cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh vegetables. Baked in a mini muffin tin, these bites are packed with flavor and provide a satisfying balance of protein and carbs. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a quick breakfast, or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Sausage Hashbrown Bites fit the bill perfectly. They’re also easily customizable, so you can adjust the vegetables or spice level to suit your preferences.

The combination of sausage and hashbrowns makes these bites filling and hearty, while the variety of cheeses adds a creamy, savory richness. The fresh vegetables bring a burst of color and texture, making these bites not only tasty but visually appealing as well. Whether you enjoy them with a hot sauce drizzle, or as is, they’re sure to be a hit. You can make a batch of these ahead of time for busy mornings or parties, as they hold up well and can be reheated with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these sausage hashbrown bites come together in less than an hour, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.

2. Packed with Flavor

The combination of sausage, hashbrowns, and cheeses creates a rich, savory flavor profile, complemented by fresh vegetables and a hint of heat from the jalapeno.

3. Great for Meal Prep

These bites are perfect for make-ahead meals. Bake them up in advance and store them in the fridge for easy breakfasts throughout the week.

4. Customizable

You can adjust the vegetables, spice level, and even cheese varieties to suit your preferences. Add more peppers for extra heat or swap in different veggies for variety.

5. Perfect for Entertaining

These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties, brunches, or as a snack during game day. They’re easy to eat and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• Ground pork sausage
• Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed)
• Shredded Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped red bell pepper
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Chopped jalapeno pepper
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Cheese Variety: Swap the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for added spice.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Use mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for a different veggie mix. You could also add more peppers for extra heat.
• Spicy Option: For more heat, increase the amount of jalapeno or add some red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Turkey Sausage: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey sausage for the pork sausage.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until it’s evenly browned. Drain any excess grease and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, thawed hashbrowns, shredded Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the egg mixture over the sausage and hashbrown mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the bites to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grease the Muffin Tin Well: Be sure to grease the mini muffin cups generously so the hashbrown bites come out easily after baking.
• Use Thawed Hashbrowns: For best results, make sure the frozen hashbrowns are fully thawed before mixing. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the texture.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, use less jalapeno or leave it out altogether. Conversely, you can add more jalapenos or even chili flakes for extra kick.
• Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, so consider shredding your own for the best results.

How to Serve

These sausage hashbrown bites are incredibly versatile:

• As a Breakfast: Serve them as a quick and filling breakfast on their own or with a side of fresh fruit.
• Brunch Dish: Perfect for a brunch spread, these bites pair well with other savory dishes like quiche or pancakes.
• Snack or Appetizer: They’re great for parties and gatherings, served as bite-sized appetizers alongside dipping sauces like ketchup, salsa, or ranch.
• Side Dish: Serve them as a hearty side to a main course such as scrambled eggs, roasted meats, or a fresh salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sausage hashbrown bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These bites freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual bites in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a regular muffin tin, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

2. Can I use frozen hashbrowns instead of thawed?

Thawing the hashbrowns is best to avoid excess moisture. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen hashbrowns and bake for a slightly longer time to ensure they cook through.

3. How do I make these bites spicier?

Add extra jalapeno peppers or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the egg mixture to increase the heat.

4. Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake them in the morning for fresh, hot bites.

5. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great substitute for a leaner option.

6. How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the muffin tin?

Make sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly or use paper liners to avoid sticking.

7. Can I freeze these sausage hashbrown bites?

Yes, these bites freeze very well. Store them in a freezer-safe container and reheat when needed.

8. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar and Parmesan with any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella.

9. Are these bites gluten-free?

Yes, these bites are naturally gluten-free, as they don’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.

10. How do I know when they’re done baking?

The bites are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

Sausage Hashbrown Bites are a fantastic, flavorful option for any occasion. They are easy to make, versatile, and packed with savory ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, brunch treat, or a party appetizer, these bites check all the boxes. With endless possibilities for customization, you can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and store for later, making them a convenient and delicious choice for busy days.

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