Sausage Hashbrown Appetizer Balls Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until evenly distributed and the mixture is well combined.
- 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.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the formed appetizers for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up for easier frying.
- 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).
- Fry in Batches: Carefully add the appetizers to the hot oil in batches without overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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