Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

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These homemade crispy hash browns are the ultimate breakfast treat, offering a perfect combination of crunch and tenderness. The grated russet potatoes are seasoned just right and fried to perfection, giving you that irresistible golden crust. They’re simple, quick, and deliciously satisfying.

Whether you’re serving them alongside eggs, bacon, or as a solo snack, these hash browns are sure to become a staple in your breakfast routine. Easy to whip up in under 20 minutes, they’re the ideal companion to a hearty weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – breakfast doesn’t get much better than this!

Full Recipe:

2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and shredded

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

Peel and shred the potatoes. Rinse the shredded potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, chopped onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten with a spatula.
Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the hash browns from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve hot with your favorite breakfast sides or condiments.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes

Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns: A Breakfast Staple

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are a classic breakfast side dish that many of us grew up with. They offer the perfect balance between crispy and tender textures, making them a versatile and delicious addition to any breakfast plate. This recipe, known as “Emily’s Famous Hash Browns,” showcases the best way to create Homemade Crispy Hash Browns that guarantee golden, crispy results every time.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

Quick & Easy: You can make these Homemade Crispy Hash Browns in under 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Crispy Perfection: The key to achieving that perfect crispy texture is to properly dry the shredded potatoes before frying them. This removes excess moisture, which can prevent the hash browns from crisping up.

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like potatoes, onion, egg, and flour, this recipe is accessible to all home cooks.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating spices, herbs, or even some cheese into the mix. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes for a unique flavor profile.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy, which helps Homemade Crispy Hash Browns crisp up nicely when fried. Their texture also makes them easier to shred and work with.

Shred and Rinse: After shredding the potatoes, rinsing them under cold water removes some of the excess starch. This helps prevent them from becoming gummy during cooking.
Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: After rinsing, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is crucial to achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying Homemade Crispy Hash Browns, give them enough room in the skillet so they can fry evenly and develop a nice crust.

Flip Carefully: Wait until the hash browns have developed a solid, golden crust before flipping them. This will ensure that they stay together and maintain that crispy texture on both sides.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

These Homemade Crispy Hash Browns pair well with a variety of breakfast dishes. You can serve them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a complete meal. They also make a great side dish for brunch with friends or family. You can even top them with a fried egg, avocado, or some melted cheese for a heartier option.

Nutrition Information

At just 150 calories per serving, these Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are a relatively light option for breakfast. They provide a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins (from the egg), and fats (from the vegetable oil used for frying). If you’re looking to make this dish healthier, you can opt to use less oil or swap it for a healthier alternative like olive oil. You could also add some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional content without compromising on taste.

The History and Popularity of Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns have long been a staple in American diners and breakfast menus around the world. Originating in the United States in the late 19th century, they quickly became a beloved comfort food due to their simplicity and satisfying texture. The term “hash” comes from the French word “hacher,” meaning “to chop,” which is exactly what happens when potatoes are shredded to make this dish. Over time, Homemade Crispy Hash Browns have found their place not only in traditional breakfasts but also in fast food chains, casual brunches, and even gourmet menus.

Different Styles of Homemade Crispy Hash Browns Around the World

Though Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are most commonly associated with American breakfast culture, similar dishes appear around the world. Here are some variations:

Rösti (Switzerland): A Swiss dish made from coarsely grated potatoes, often cooked in a thick cake and served as a side dish with meats or vegetables.

Boxty (Ireland): A traditional Irish potato pancake that combines mashed and grated potatoes for a fluffy, crisp result.
Latkes (Jewish Cuisine): Potato pancakes, usually made with grated potatoes mixed with onions and eggs, served during Hanukkah.
Pommes Paillasson (France): A French variation of hash browns, where shredded potatoes are pan-fried to form a crispy exterior with a soft interior.

Customizing Your Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

One of the best things about Homemade Crispy Hash Browns is how customizable they are. Below are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:

Add Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss cheese into the potato mixture before frying. This adds a deliciously cheesy crust that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the hash browns.
Incorporate Vegetables: You can enhance the nutritional value by adding shredded zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes into the mixture. These vegetables blend seamlessly with the potatoes and add subtle sweetness and extra nutrients.

Spice It Up: Add a kick to your Homemade Crispy Hash Browns with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even cayenne pepper. You can also toss in fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, fold in some diced ham, cooked bacon, or even cooked sausage into the potato mixture before frying. This will give you a more filling breakfast option.

Healthier Cooking Alternatives for Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

While these Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are pan-fried in vegetable oil to achieve that classic crispy exterior, there are ways to make this dish a little lighter or healthier:

Baking: Instead of frying, you can bake the Homemade Crispy Hash Browns in the oven. Simply spread the potato mixture evenly on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a crispy texture without as much oil.
Air Fryer: Another healthy alternative is to cook the Homemade Crispy Hash Browns in an air fryer. Spray the potato patties with a little oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Breakfast

While Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are a delightful dish on their own, pairing them with complementary breakfast items can create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Here are some pairing ideas:

Eggs: Fried, scrambled, poached, or in an omelet, eggs are the perfect protein to serve alongside Homemade Crispy Hash Browns.
Avocado: Add a side of sliced avocado or even mashed avocado toast for a healthy dose of fats that complements the crispy potatoes.
Smoked Salmon: For an upscale brunch, try serving Homemade Crispy Hash Browns with smoked salmon, sour cream, and chives for a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy meal.

Breakfast Sausages or Bacon: For a more traditional breakfast plate, serve your Homemade Crispy Hash Browns with crispy bacon strips or savory breakfast sausages.

Fun Serving Ideas for Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

Mini Hash Brown Bites: For a fun appetizer or snack, shape the potato mixture into small, bite-sized rounds and fry or bake them. These mini Homemade Crispy Hash Browns make excellent party snacks or kid-friendly portions.
Hash Brown Casserole: For a family brunch or gathering, consider turning this recipe into a casserole by layering the hash brown mixture in a baking dish, topping with cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly.

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns in Modern Breakfast Culture

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are not only a staple in classic American diners but have also found a place in modern food trends. In recent years, hash browns have been reimagined in creative ways, such as:

Hash Brown Bowls: Layer Homemade Crispy Hash Browns with scrambled eggs, avocado, cheese, and salsa in a bowl for a deconstructed breakfast burrito.
Hash Brown Waffles: Using a waffle iron to cook Homemade Crispy Hash Browns creates a crispy, golden texture that can be served with savory or sweet toppings.

Conclusion

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are a timeless and versatile breakfast staple that never fails to impress. Whether served as a simple, crispy side or dressed up with your favorite toppings, they offer a delicious and satisfying way to start the day. With easy preparation and endless customization options, Homemade Crispy Hash Browns are perfect for any breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. Try making them yourself and enjoy the unbeatable taste of Homemade Crispy Hash Browns!