Crispy Hashbrown Sausage Bites

Here is a recipe for Crispy Hashbrown Sausage Bites—the perfect handheld breakfast, brunch, or game-day appetizer!

Why you’ll love this recipe

These bites combine everything you love about a hearty breakfast into one crispy, dippable package. They have a crunchy exterior, a fluffy and cheesy center, and tons of savory sausage flavor.

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Ingredients

For the Bites:

• 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or hot, casings removed if using links)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed (make sure to squeeze out excess water)

• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

• 1 cup Bisquick or all-purpose flour*

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (adjust based on how salty your sausage is)

For Frying/Coating:

• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Ketchup, spicy mayo, or maple syrup

Note on Flour: Bisquick adds a slight pancake flavor and helps binding, but regular flour works perfectly fine if you don’t have it.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Hashbrowns

The secret to a crispy bite is removing the water from the hashbrowns. Place the thawed hashbrowns in a clean kitchen towel (or several paper towels) and wring them out over the sink until they are as dry as possible.

2. Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw sausage, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, dried hashbrowns, flour, egg, and seasonings.

2. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix thoroughly. The mixture will be sticky, but you should be able to form a ball that holds its shape. If it feels too wet, add a sprinkle more flour.

3. Roll the Bites

1. Scoop out roughly 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture.

2. Roll it between your palms into a tight 1-inch to 1.5-inch ball.

3. Roll the ball in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick to the outside. This is what creates the crispy crust!

4. Cook (Choose your method)

Method A: Pan-Frying (Crispiest Result)

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully place the bites in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

3. Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Transfer to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.

Method B: Air Fryer (Healthier/Easier)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray.

3. Place the bites in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching (cook in batches if necessary).

4. Spray the tops of the bites lightly with oil.

5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Method C: Baking

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place bites on the sheet and spray liberally with cooking spray.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and cooked through.

5. Serve

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

These bites are fantastic for meal prep!

• To Freeze (Uncooked): Arrange the rolled and breaded bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a Ziploc bag. Cook directly from frozen (add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).

• To Freeze (Cooked): Let the bites cool completely, freeze on a tray, then bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.