Instructions:
1. Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease, and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the hashbrowns:
- If you’re using frozen hashbrowns, make sure they are thawed and drained to remove excess moisture. You can use a clean kitchen towel to gently squeeze out any remaining liquid.
- If using fresh potatoes, grate them and then squeeze out the moisture by wrapping them in a clean towel or using cheesecloth.
3. Mix the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns, cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little bit of flour to help bind it together.
4. Form the bites:
- Use your hands to scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into small, bite-sized balls. You can also shape them into small patties, depending on your preference.
- Roll each ball in flour first, then coat it in panko breadcrumbs for a nice crispy coating. You can add a little extra flour or breadcrumbs if needed.
5. Fry or bake the bites:
To Fry:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Carefully drop the coated hashbrown and sausage bites into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
To Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden and crispy on both sides.
6. Serve:
- Once your Crispy Hashbrown and Sausage Bites are done, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, hot sauce, ranch dressing, or even salsa.