Crispy Golden Hash Browns: Your Perfect Breakfast Companion

Hash browns are a beloved breakfast staple that transforms simple potatoes into a crispy, golden delicacy.

These shredded or diced potato dishes have roots in American diner culture and regional culinary traditions.

Potato enthusiasts appreciate the versatile nature of hash browns, which can be prepared through various cooking methods and techniques.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and accompaniments to elevate this classic side dish.

The crispy exterior and soft interior create a delightful textural contrast that makes hash browns irresistible to many breakfast lovers.

Regional variations and personal preferences contribute to the unique charm and widespread popularity of this humble yet delicious potato preparation.

Why Hash Browns Are A Morning Favorite

• Whip up restaurant-style hash browns in your own kitchen with minimal effort and simple ingredients.
• Versatile Meal Companion
• Perfect as a breakfast side, snack, or quick bite that transforms basic potatoes into a crispy, golden delight everyone will love.
• Budget-Friendly Cooking
• Create restaurant-quality hash browns at a fraction of the cost, using affordable pantry staples like potatoes and cornstarch.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure
• Experiment with seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika to personalize your hash browns and make them uniquely yours.

Simple Ingredients For Hash Browns

• Russet Potatoes, Idaho Potatoes: Starchy potatoes with low moisture, perfect for creating crispy hash browns. Prefer medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin and no green spots or sprouts.

• Salt: Enhances potato flavor and helps draw out moisture. Use kosher or sea salt for better taste.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior and helps bind potato pieces together. Ensures golden brown color and crunchy texture.

• Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke point for even frying. Helps achieve crispy and golden hash browns without overpowering potato flavor.

How To Cook Hash Browns Right

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

• Thin slices
• Small uniform chunks

Rinse potato pieces under cold running water to remove excess starch. Shake off water completely.

Step 2: Season Potato Mixture

Sprinkle salt over potato pieces. Mix gently to distribute seasoning evenly.

Step 3: Create Potato Binder

Dust cornstarch over potato chunks. Toss and coat potatoes carefully to ensure even coverage.

Step 4: Shape Hash Brown Patties

Use clean hands to compress potato mixture. Form classic oval shapes similar to fast food style hash browns. Press firmly to help mixture hold together.

Step 5: Freeze Optional Preparation

Place shaped hash browns on parchment paper. Freeze for future cooking if desired.

Step 6: Fry Hash Browns

Heat vegetable oil in heavy skillet over medium heat. Carefully place potato ovals into hot oil.

• 5-7 minutes
• Until golden brown
• Crispy exterior develops

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove hash browns from oil. Place on paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips That Make Hash Browns Better

• Starch Removal Magic: Rinsing potato chunks thoroughly helps eliminate excess starch, ensuring crispier and more uniform hash browns that won't turn mushy during cooking.
• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Lightly dusting potatoes with cornstarch creates an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and provides a perfect golden-brown crunch.
• Freezing for Convenience: Prepare hash browns ahead of time by shaping and freezing them, allowing quick and easy cooking whenever you're craving a delicious breakfast treat.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while frying to achieve an evenly golden and crispy texture without burning the exterior or leaving the inside undercooked.
• Drain and Blot Technique: Use paper towels to remove excess oil after frying, ensuring your hash browns remain crisp and aren't greasy or soggy.

How To Store And Reheat Hash Browns

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled hash browns in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual hash browns in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F, spread hash browns on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Flip halfway through for even heating.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cook hash browns for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best results.

Tasty Combos With Hash Browns

• Serve with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs: Creamy, runny egg yolks blend perfectly with the crispy potato texture, creating a delightful breakfast harmony that satisfies morning cravings.
• Match with Bacon's Salty Crunch: Crispy bacon strips complement the hash browns' golden exterior, offering a savory protein boost that elevates the entire breakfast experience.
• Enhance with Fresh Orange Juice: Bright, tangy citrus cuts through the hash browns' richness, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the meal's hearty flavors.
• Drizzle with Hot Sauce Kick: A dash of sriracha or tabasco adds a spicy dimension, transforming the classic hash brown into a zesty breakfast sensation that awakens taste buds.

New Ideas For Hash Browns

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or potato starch for celiac-friendly hash browns that maintain crispy texture and golden color.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hash Browns: Substitute potatoes with grated cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic crispy exterior and satisfying crunch.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet Hash Browns: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or chives into the potato mixture for an elevated flavor profile and aromatic experience.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and ground cumin to the potato mixture for a zesty, bold version with a kick of heat.

Hash Browns FAQ

• Why rinse potatoes before making hash browns?

Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the hash browns from becoming gummy and ensures a crispier texture when frying.

• Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content and ability to hold shape while creating a crispy exterior during frying.

• How do I prevent hash browns from falling apart?

Coating the potatoes with cornstarch helps bind the ingredients and creates a protective layer that keeps the hash browns intact during cooking.

• Is it necessary to use fresh potatoes?

Fresh potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use slightly older potatoes if they’re still firm and free from sprouts or green spots.

Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Golden potato Hash Browns offer a crispy, comforting breakfast classic that brings rustic charm to your morning plate. Sizzling with buttery perfection, these potato delights deliver satisfying crunch and homestyle flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 45 potatoes

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (plus more for frying)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse and transform potatoes into uniform, small cubic pieces using a sharp knife.
2. Thoroughly rinse potato fragments under cool running water, agitating gently to eliminate excess starch, then pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
3. Warm a skillet with a thin layer of neutral cooking oil over medium temperature, creating an even heat distribution.
4. Carefully introduce potato cubes into the heated pan, allowing them to cook gradually while periodically stirring to ensure consistent golden coloration.
5. Sprinkle salt across the potatoes during cooking, developing robust flavor profiles and encouraging caramelization.
6. Transfer cooked potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl and integrate cornstarch, gently folding to create a uniform coating that will enhance crispiness.
7. Mold the seasoned potato mixture into classic oval shapes, compressing firmly to maintain structural integrity.
8. Optional: Place formed hash browns on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for future preparation.
9. Reheat oil in a clean skillet, ensuring optimal temperature for achieving a perfectly crisp exterior.
10. Gently place potato ovals into the hot oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich, amber-brown crust through careful frying.
11. Extract hash browns using a slotted spatula, transferring to absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
12. Serve immediately while maintaining maximum crispness and temperature.

Notes

• Drain potatoes thoroughly after rinsing to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy hash browns.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture and golden-brown exterior.
• Grate potatoes instead of dicing for an even more authentic McDonald’s-style hash brown experience.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cornstarch coating for extra flavor depth without overwhelming the classic taste.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg