If you are craving a dish that’s the perfect marriage of crispy, cheesy, and savory, then the Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine perfectly golden hash browns with a crunchy exterior giving way to tender, cheesy interiors studded with deliciously spiced sausage and fresh scallions. This recipe brings together humble ingredients in a way that’s incredibly satisfying and downright irresistible, making it a standout choice whether for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a cozy dinner treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of texture and flavor in this recipe is all about using straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from providing crispness to delivering mouthwatering depth that transforms simple potatoes into something spectacular.
- Potatoes (1 lb / 500g): The star of the dish, providing the crispy base with a creamy interior when shredded and properly drained.
- Oil (2 1/2 tbsp): Essential for getting that perfect golden crust on the hash browns without greasiness.
- Sausage (8 oz / 250g): Adds savory flavor and a hearty bite—using good quality sausage makes all the difference.
- Grated cheddar cheese (3/4 cup): Brings creamy melted goodness that complements both potato and sausage perfectly.
- Sliced scallions/shallots (1/2 cup): Freshness and subtle sharpness brighten up the rich flavors and add a pop of color.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder so the hash browns hold together just right.
- Flour (1/4 cup): Gives structure and helps achieve that irresistible crispness you crave.
- Pepper: Just enough seasoning to round out the taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and shredding your potatoes with a standard box grater. This creates the classic hash brown texture that crisps up beautifully. After shredding, rinse the potatoes in cold water to wash away excess starch, which is key for achieving that lovely crunch instead of soggy bites.
Step 2: Dry the Shredded Potatoes Thoroughly
Drain the shredded potatoes and then squeeze them tightly in a clean tea towel to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial because any lingering moisture will prevent the hash browns from crisping up properly during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over high heat and add your sausage, breaking it up just like you would ground meat. Cooking it fully before mixing ensures you’ll get evenly distributed flavorful bits throughout every bite of your hash browns.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the sausage is cooked, add it to the bowl of dried potatoes. Toss in the grated cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, egg, flour, and pepper. Mix all these components well so every shred of potato is infused with cheesy goodness, meaty savoriness, and a splash of fresh oniony zing.
Step 5: Cook the Hash Browns to Perfection
Clean your skillet and heat some oil over medium-high. Scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture into the pan for each hash brown and gently press them flat to about a third of an inch thick. Cook them undisturbed until the bottoms turn a deep golden brown, then flip carefully and do the same on the other side for that unbeatable crispy finish.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve
As you finish cooking batches, place them on a rack set over an oven at low heat to keep all those crispy, cheesy hash browns warm and ready to serve simultaneously. This little trick preserves that delightful texture just as you want it.
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh scallions or chopped chives sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and a bit of brightness to cut through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders if you enjoy a bit of tang or spice alongside your savory hash browns.
Side Dishes
Pair these crispy cheesy sausage hash browns with a simple green salad for balance or alongside scrambled eggs for a wholesome breakfast spread. They also go beautifully with sautéed mushrooms or roasted tomatoes, adding variety without overshadowing the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive brunch presentation, try stacking the hash browns topped with a poached egg and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Alternatively, serve them as crispy bites with a side of homemade ketchup or a tangy aioli dip for an irresistible appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to save some of these golden delights, store the leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
This Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns Recipe freezes quite well. Freeze the cooked hash browns on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, ready for a quick reheat whenever you need a tasty bite.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a hot skillet over medium heat to restore crispness, flipping as needed until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that signature crunch, but it works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is recommended for its melting and flavor, you can use other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda. Avoid mozzarella as it can make the texture too gooey and not crisp up well.
Is it necessary to rinse and dry the shredded potatoes?
Yes, rinsing removes excess starch which helps prevent clumping and sogginess, while drying ensures maximum crispiness when cooking. Skipping this step often leads to limp hash browns.
Can I make these hash browns vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra flavor. You may want to increase the seasoning slightly to compensate.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Choose a good-quality pork sausage with a flavorful but not overpowering seasoning. Mild or lightly spiced varieties work well so they complement rather than dominate the potatoes and cheese.
How do I prevent the hash browns from falling apart during cooking?
Make sure the potatoes are well dried, use the egg and flour as binders, and press the patties firmly before cooking. Avoid flipping too soon—give them time to form a solid crust on one side first.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns Recipe enough if you want a dish that delivers big on comfort and flavor without complicated steps. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your kitchen, making every mealtime feel like a special occasion. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 13 to 15 hash browns
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Cheesy Sausage Hash Browns are a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch option featuring golden, crispy shredded potatoes mixed with savory sausage, melted cheddar cheese, scallions, and a hint of pepper. These hash browns combine rich flavors and a satisfying crunch, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Sausage
- 1 lb / 500g potato, about two large
- 8 oz / 250g sausage, removed from casings (use the best quality you can afford)
- 2 1/2 tbsp oil (divided use)
Other Ingredients
- 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or any other melting cheese, but not mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions/shallots (green and white parts)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and shred the potatoes using a standard box grater for fine, even pieces.
- Rinse Potatoes: Place shredded potatoes in a colander and rinse under cold water for 10 seconds or until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Drain Excess Water: Shake off excess water, then wrap potatoes in a clean tea towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Cook Sausage: Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a skillet over high heat. Add sausage meat, breaking it up like ground meat, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked sausage to the bowl with potatoes. Add grated cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, egg, flour, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Skillet: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel to remove excess fat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.
- Form Hash Browns: Scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture per hash brown into the hot skillet. Use the base of the cup to press down the mixture to about 8mm (1/3 inch) thickness. Repeat for as many hash browns as fit comfortably in the skillet.
- Cook Hash Browns: Cook for about 3 minutes on one side until deep golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip and cook the other side until also golden and crispy.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked hash browns to a rack placed in a low oven to keep warm while frying the remaining portions.
- Serve: Serve the crispy cheesy sausage hash browns hot, optionally garnished with extra sliced scallions or shallots for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the shredded potatoes to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Choosing a good quality sausage enhances the overall flavor; spicy or herb-infused varieties can create different taste profiles.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses such as Gruyere or Fontina but avoid mozzarella as it doesn’t melt well in this dish.
- Keep cooked hash browns warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 95°C) so they remain crispy until serving.
- If preferred, scallions can be substituted with finely chopped onions or shallots for a slightly different aromatic flavor.
