Cheesy Italian Sausage Potato Bites
Introducing Cheesy Italian Sausage Potato Bites: a mouthwatering appetizer that will elevate any gathering! These delightful morsels are packed with creamy mashed potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and luscious cheese, all enveloped in a crisp, golden panko coating. Each bite bursts with Italian flavors thanks to the sun-dried tomato pesto, making them the ultimate fusion of comfort food and gourmet delight. Suitable for both kids and adults, these bites are perfect for game days, parties, or even a cozy family dinner. Dip them in your favorite marinara for an extra punch of flavor; your guests won’t be able to resist coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
24 ounces (Ready to use)
Ground Italian sausage
1 lb (Cooked and at room temperature)
Italian cheese blend
8 ounces (Shredded)
Sun-dried tomato pesto
5 ounces (Ready to use)
Seasoned panko breadcrumbs
2 cups (Divided)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, cooked ground Italian sausage, Italian cheese blend, sun-dried tomato pesto, and 1/2 cup of seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
2
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Use your hands or a spatula for an even consistency.
3
With wet hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll it into 1.5-inch balls. This will prevent sticking.
4
Spread the remaining 1.5 cups of seasoned panko breadcrumbs evenly on a large plate. Roll each potato ball in the breadcrumbs to ensure they’re fully coated.
5
Once completed, place the coated potato balls on a large plate or a baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up before baking.
6
Preheat your oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
7
Arrange the potato balls on a non-stick baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them.
8
Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Italian Sausage Potato Bites?
They are a savory appetizer made from mashed potatoes, Italian sausage, cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto, coated in crispy panko.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, ground Italian sausage, Italian cheese blend, sun-dried tomato pesto, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients.
Does the Italian sausage need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the ground Italian sausage should be cooked and allowed to reach room temperature before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What kind of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes.
What adds the Italian flavor to these bites?
The Italian flavor comes from a combination of Italian sausage, an Italian cheese blend, and sun-dried tomato pesto.
How much panko breadcrumbs are mixed into the filling?
You should mix 1/2 cup of seasoned panko breadcrumbs directly into the potato and sausage mixture.
What is the purpose of the remaining panko breadcrumbs?
The remaining 1.5 cups of panko are used to coat the outside of the potato balls for a crispy finish.
How large should each potato ball be?
Each ball should be rolled to approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Why should I wet my hands before rolling the balls?
Wetting your hands prevents the potato mixture from sticking to your skin, making it easier to form smooth balls.
How long do the potato bites need to refrigerate?
The coated potato balls should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Why is refrigeration necessary before baking?
Refrigeration helps the potato bites firm up, ensuring they hold their shape while baking in the oven.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long do the bites take to bake?
They take approximately 20 minutes to bake until golden brown and crispy.
What type of baking sheet is recommended?
A non-stick baking sheet is recommended to prevent the bites from sticking during the cooking process.
How should the bites be arranged on the baking sheet?
Arrange them with some space between each ball to allow for even heat distribution and crisping.
What is the suggested dipping sauce?
These bites pair perfectly with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Are these potato bites suitable for kids?
Yes, these bites are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Can these be served at a party?
Absolutely, they are described as an ultimate fusion of comfort food and gourmet delight, perfect for game days or parties.
What is the texture of the bites?
They have a creamy, savory center and a crisp, golden panko coating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe specifies an Italian cheese blend, but you could likely substitute with similar cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
What brand of pesto is used?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of ready-to-use sun-dried tomato pesto.
Is this a spicy recipe?
The spice level depends on whether you choose mild or hot Italian sausage.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can form and coat the balls and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake them.
What category does this recipe fall under?
These are classified as appetizers or baked snacks.
How many servings does the recipe make?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, it uses 1 lb of sausage and 24 oz of potatoes, making it suitable for a medium-sized group.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
If using a non-stick baking sheet as suggested, extra greasing may not be necessary, but parchment paper can also be used.
Can I use unseasoned panko?
The recipe recommends seasoned panko for extra flavor, but you can use plain panko if you add your own Italian seasoning.
What is the best way to serve these?
Serve them warm after letting them cool slightly from the oven.
Are these fried?
No, these potato bites are baked in the oven to achieve their crispy texture.