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If you’re craving that perfect breakfast comfort food that’s golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside, look no further than this Crispy Hash Browns Recipe. It’s my go-to for mornings when I want a simple but indulgent start to the day—potatoes transformed into delightful little crisps that bring joy to every bite. You’ll love how easy it is to create such an irresistible texture and flavor with just a handful of basic ingredients, making it a dish that’s both homey and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Hash Browns Recipe lies in using simple ingredients that work in harmony to deliver amazing taste and texture. Each element plays an essential role—from the earthy russet potatoes providing body, to the buttery and oily combo that ensures beautifully browned, crispy edges.
- 4 large russet potatoes: The starchy russet variety is perfect for crispiness and fluffiness inside.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps to get that golden crust without burning.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps the hash browns brown evenly.
- Salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and balances the richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and complexity.
How to Make Crispy Hash Browns Recipe
Step 1: Grate the Potatoes
Start by peeling your russet potatoes for a smooth texture, then grate them finely using either a box grater or a food processor. This shredding is crucial since the smaller shreds cook up more evenly and crisp up better on the skillet.
Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
This step makes all the difference. Take your grated potatoes and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Too much water will steam your hash browns instead of crisping them, so don’t skip this!
Step 3: Heat the Pan with Oil and Butter
In a large skillet, warm the vegetable oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter fully melts and you see a shimmering surface. This combination ensures you get a perfect balance of crispy edges and rich flavor.
Step 4: Spread and Season
Add your drained shredded potatoes to the skillet, spreading them out thinly and evenly. This thin layer is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to season at the start.
Step 5: Cook Without Disturbing
Let those potatoes cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes so the bottom forms a beautiful golden crust. Patience here is rewarded with that coveted crunch that makes this Crispy Hash Browns Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Flip to Crisp the Other Side
Carefully flip your hash browns with a spatula and cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes. This second crisping round ensures the entire dish is uniformly crispy and perfectly golden.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Once your hash browns have reached that perfect golden state, transfer them to a plate, season a little more if desired, and serve immediately while they’re warm and crunchy.
How to Serve Crispy Hash Browns Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can add a lovely fresh contrast to the golden hash browns, while a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy ketchup takes them to a whole new level of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Hash browns shine when paired with classic breakfast staples—think fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sautéed mushrooms. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to brunch favorites like eggs Benedict or avocado toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider shaping the grated potatoes into small patties before cooking and serving them as individual bites at a brunch gathering. Or layer them in a breakfast casserole alongside cheese and veggies for a crowd-pleasing twist on this Crispy Hash Browns Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re delicious reheated and still crunchy if done right.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the hash browns completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 1 month and make excellent quick breakfasts later.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover or frozen hash browns in a hot skillet with a little oil over medium heat to revive that prized crispiness, rather than using a microwave which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content, which leads to crispy hash browns. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes tend to stay softer and don’t crisp as well, but you can experiment if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to remove the potato moisture?
Absolutely! Removing excess water is vital because moisture steams the potatoes and prevents that irresistible golden crunch that defines this Crispy Hash Browns Recipe.
Can I make these hash browns in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and reheat in a skillet just before serving to restore their crisp texture. They also freeze well if you want to meal prep.
What oil is best for cooking hash browns?
Vegetable oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point works best alongside butter for flavor and crispiness. Avoid using olive oil as it can burn quickly at medium heat.
How can I make the hash browns extra crispy?
Use very dry shredded potatoes, spread them thin, cook undisturbed on medium heat, and make sure your pan and fats are hot before adding the potatoes. Flipping only once also helps form a great crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making this Crispy Hash Browns Recipe from scratch—the way humble potatoes transform into a crunchy, golden masterpiece feels like a little kitchen victory every time. Whether for weekday breakfasts or leisurely weekend brunches, this recipe is sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. Give it a try and discover why it’s become one of my all-time favorites!
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Print
Crispy Hash Browns Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Crispy Hash Browns features shredded russet potatoes fried to golden perfection in a skillet with butter and vegetable oil. The key to crispy hash browns lies in squeezing out excess moisture before cooking and frying the potatoes undisturbed until both sides develop a crunchy crust. These classic breakfast potatoes are seasoned simply with salt and pepper and make a deliciously comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Peel and Grate Potatoes: Begin by peeling the russet potatoes thoroughly. Using a box grater or food processor, grate the potatoes into thin, shredded pieces.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Place the grated potatoes into a clean kitchen towel. Twist and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible; this step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Heat Fat in Skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and unsalted butter. Heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture gleams.
- Spread Potatoes in Skillet: Add the dried shredded potatoes to the skillet, spreading them evenly into a thin layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Cook First Side: Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crisps up nicely.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Using a spatula, carefully flip the hash browns to cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring it also becomes golden and crispy.
- Serve: Once cooked through and crispy on both sides, transfer the hash browns to a serving plate. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can soak the grated potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes before squeezing out moisture.
- Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid soggy results.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to cook evenly and prevent burning.
- If preferred, season with additional herbs or spices such as paprika or garlic powder.
