Breakfast is widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It kickstarts your metabolism, fuels your body, and sets the tone for a productive and positive day. Among the plethora of breakfast options, one dish stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and universal appeal: sausage breakfast balls. These delectable bites combine the savory taste of breakfast sausage, the comforting texture of hash browns, and the rich cheesiness of mild cheddar, all wrapped up in a convenient bite-sized package. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend gatherings, these sausage breakfast balls are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
1 lb ground breakfast sausage, uncooked
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups biscuit mix (such as Bisquick)
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cups shredded, frozen hash browns
Preparation
Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and ground breakfast sausage. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix everything together until well combined.
Form the Balls:
Once the mixture is well-blended, use your hands to shape it into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
Bake:
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard, hollandaise, or even a tangy ketchup.
Variations and Substitutions
Blend of Meats:
Chicken Sausage: For a lighter option, substitute the pork sausage with ground chicken sausage. It offers a leaner protein while maintaining that savory flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian-friendly dish. Many plant-based sausages mimic the taste and texture of traditional sausage.
Cheese Choices:
Different Cheeses: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a milder taste, or gouda for a smoky flavor.
Dairy-Free Cheese: For those who are lactose intolerant, use a dairy-free shredded cheddar alternative available at most grocery stores.
Biscuit Mix Alternatives:
Homemade Mix: Create your own biscuit mix using flour, baking powder, and salt, allowing you to control the ingredients. Gluten-free biscuit mix is also a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Hashbrown Substitutions:
Spice It Up: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the sausage mixture for a spicy version of these breakfast balls.
Egg Pairing:
Serve these sausage balls alongside scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast.
Conclusion
Sausage breakfast balls are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that can elevate any morning meal. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing them for a family breakfast, a brunch gathering, or simply as a quick snack, these sausage balls are sure to please. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy these delicious bites that will make your mornings brighter and tastier!
Sausage Hashbrown Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage uncooked
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups biscuit mix e.g., Bisquick
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 cups shredded frozen hash browns
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, biscuit mix, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and ground sausage. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
- Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard or hollandaise.
