Sausage Hashbrown Bites

Key Ingredients:

1. Ground Breakfast Sausage
   Adds Flavor and Juiciness: Breakfast sausage is seasoned with spices that complement the other ingredients.
   Choose Your Spice Level: Use mild sausage for a classic flavor or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
   Alternative Options: You can use ground turkey sausage for a lighter option.
2. Cream Cheese
   Adds Creaminess: Softened cream cheese binds the ingredients and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
   Room Temperature: Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the mixture.
3. Biscuit Mix (e.g., Bisquick)
   Provides Structure: The biscuit mix helps hold everything together and gives the bites a light, fluffy interior.
   Alternatives: If you don’t have biscuit mix, you can make your own with flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of shortening.
4. Cheddar Cheese
   Flavorful and Melty: Sharp cheddar adds a deliciously savory, cheesy flavor that pairs well with sausage.
   Freshly Shredded: For best melting, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect texture.
5. Frozen Hash Browns
   Crispy Texture: Shredded frozen hash browns add a crispy texture and a mild potato flavor.
   Thawing Tip: Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from the hash browns for the best texture.
   Preparation
6. Preheat Oven
   Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even baking and a golden-brown finish.
   Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
7. Mix Ingredients
   Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, hash browns, and ground breakfast sausage.
   Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix all ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should hold together well when pressed.
8. Form the Balls
   Shape the Mixture: Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
   Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for even cooking.
9. Bake
   Bake the Sausage Balls: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sausage balls are golden brown and fully cooked through.
10. Serve
    Cool Slightly: Remove the sausage balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
    Serve and Enjoy: These sausage balls are delicious on their own or served with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard, hollandaise, or a tangy ketchup.