Description
Sausage Hashbrown Appetizers are crispy, savory bites perfect for any party or gathering. Made with flavorful breakfast sausage, shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings, these appetizers are fried to golden perfection and served warm with optional dipping sauces for an irresistible snack that guests will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or maple preferred, spicy works too)
- 1 (20 ounce) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
Optional Extras
- Sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the breakfast sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the cooked sausage in the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the thawed shredded hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, lightly beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together until fully and evenly combined, ensuring the mixture is cohesive enough to form.
- Form Appetizers: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into small balls or flatten into patty shapes. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill (Optional): For firmer appetizers that hold their shape better during frying, refrigerate the formed patties for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully add the appetizers to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain proper frying temperature.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry each side of the appetizers for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they become golden brown and are cooked thoroughly.
- Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the appetizers from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the appetizers warm with your choice of dipping sauces, such as sour cream, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the formed appetizers before frying helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for crispy and evenly cooked appetizers.
- Drain well after frying to avoid greasy bites.
- Feel free to customize the cheese or use spicy sausage for added flavor complexity.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sausage appetizers, hashbrown bites, party snacks, fried appetizers, breakfast sausage recipe
