Sausage Hashbrown Appetizer Balls Recipe

Introduction

Sausage Hashbrown Appetizers are a delicious and satisfying bite-sized treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Crispy on the outside with a savory, cheesy center, these appetizers bring together breakfast favorites in a fun new way.

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: Sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
• Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onion mixture, thawed shredded hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Mix all ingredients together until evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop portions of the mixture using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop. Roll into small balls or flatten into patty shapes. Place on the baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the formed appetizers for at least 30 minutes to firm up, if time allows (this step is optional but helps with frying).
7. Step 7: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
8. Step 8: Carefully add the appetizers to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet.
9. Step 9: Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway through cooking.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Step 11: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, refrigerate the formed appetizers before frying to help them hold their shape better.
• Try using spicy sausage or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella to change up the flavor profile.
• Serve with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the savory flavors.

Storage

Store leftover appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and crispy again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. The texture will be less crispy than frying but still delicious.

Can I prepare these appetizers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can form the appetizers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out, then fry when ready.

Sausage Hashbrown Appetizer Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

These Sausage Hashbrown Appetizers are crispy, savory bites made with breakfast sausage, shredded hash browns, and cheddar cheese. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, they make an ideal party snack or appetizer served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 appetizers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

For Frying and Serving

• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
• Optional: Sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
• Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. 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 the excess grease thoroughly.
2. Add Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook together, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and onion mixture with the thawed shredded hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until evenly distributed and the mixture is well combined.
5. Form Appetizers: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to scoop portions of the mixture. Roll each into small balls or flatten into patties, then place on the baking sheet.
6. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the formed appetizers for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up for easier frying.
7. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it is about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the appetizers to the hot oil in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.
9. Cook Until Golden Brown: Fry the appetizers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
10. Remove and Drain: Using a slotted spoon, remove the appetizers from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
11. Serve Warm: Serve the sausage hashbrown appetizers warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired, alongside sour cream or your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Refrigerating the appetizers before frying helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the correct temperature (350°F) for perfect frying results.
• You can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese blend of your choice for varied flavors.
• Leftovers can be reheated in an oven for best texture retention rather than microwaving.
• To make this recipe spicier, choose a spicy breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.

Keywords: sausage appetizers, hashbrown bites, fried appetizers, party snacks, breakfast sausage recipe, crispy hashbrowns