Cheesy Loaded Hashbrown Bites (Print Version)
Crispy hashbrown cups loaded with melted cheddar, bacon, and green onions for any occasion.
# What You Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed and patted dry
→ Dairy
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1/2 cup sour cream
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Meats (Optional)
05 - 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (omit for vegetarian version)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
06 - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
→ Pantry
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Egg
11 - 1 large egg
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously coat a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, crumbled bacon (if using), chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and egg. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
03 - Spoon the mixture evenly into each cup of the prepared mini muffin tin, pressing gently to firmly pack each one.
04 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
05 - Let the bites cool in the tin for 3 to 5 minutes before carefully removing. Serve warm with additional sour cream or chopped green onions on top if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle, which is honestly the best texture combo in any appetizer.
- They freeze beautifully, so you can make a double batch and reheat them whenever guests drop by unexpectedly.
02 -
- Wet hashbrowns will steam instead of crisp, so spend two extra minutes pressing them between paper towels before mixing.
- If you try to remove the bites too early they will fall apart, so give them those few minutes to set up properly.
03 -
- Let the mixture sit for five minutes before filling the tin so the egg has time to bind everything together properly.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions so every bite cooks at the same rate and looks uniform on the platter.