If there’s one breakfast side dish that brings sheer joy with every crispy, golden bite, it’s our Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe. This simple yet insanely satisfying dish combines the humble russet potato’s fluffy interior with a perfectly crunchy crust that’s cooked right on your stovetop. Whether you’re a weekend brunch champion or just craving that nostalgic breakfast comfort, this recipe delivers pure happiness in every forkful, making your mornings brighter and tastier with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe is how straightforward it is. The ingredients are simple, but each plays a critical role in creating that irresistible crispy exterior and fluffy inside that hash browns are famous for.
- 2 large russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes create the fluffiest interior and crisp up beautifully on the outside.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps to achieve that golden crust without burning.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Balances the butter to increase the cooking temperature and crispness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural potato flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, complementary kick of warmth to the dish.
How to Make Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe
Step 1: Grate and Dry Your Potatoes
Start by peeling those russet potatoes—this helps the texture be just right—and grate them using a box grater or your food processor. The secret to ultra-crisp hash browns is drying out the potatoes thoroughly. Wrap the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. This step prevents soggy hash browns and paves the way for that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Season the Shreds
Once your potatoes are dried, place them in a bowl and gently mix with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the potatoes’ natural taste and ensures every bite is flavorful, setting the foundation for a satisfying dish.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet and Add Fat
Set your heat to medium-high and melt the unsalted butter with vegetable oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet. Butter brings an irresistible richness while the oil helps the heat distribute evenly, preventing the butter from burning and promoting a beautiful golden crust.
Step 4: Cook Without Disturbing for Maximum Crispiness
Spread the shredded potatoes evenly in the hot skillet, pressing down lightly with a spatula. Resist the urge to stir or flip for 5 to 7 minutes; this allows a deep, golden crust to form on the bottom layer. Patience here is key because this transforms the texture from mushy to marvelously crispy.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip the hash browns in sections and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the other side until those edges turn golden brown and delightfully crisp. The result is that perfect balance between crunch and softness that every good hash brown aspires to.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Hot
Once cooked, remove your hash browns from the skillet and place them on paper towels if needed to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the full crunch and flavor at its peak.
How to Serve Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your hash browns by adding fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley brightens the dish with a touch of color and freshness. For a little indulgence, dollops of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melt beautifully over hot hash browns, turning simple comfort food into a gourmet treat.
Side Dishes
Hash browns pair wonderfully with eggs cooked any style—scrambled, fried, or poached. They also complement sausages, bacon, or a fresh avocado salad for a full brunch spread. Their crispy texture offers a lovely contrast to soft eggs or juicy tomatoes, making your breakfast or brunch plate a true crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your brunch guests? Shape the grated potatoes into small patties before cooking for individual servings perfect for plating. Or use the hash browns as a base for toppings like smoked salmon and cream cheese or a spicy salsa and avocado mix. These creative spins keep this Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe fun and versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, layer with parchment paper between hash browns to prevent sticking and sogginess.
Freezing
To freeze, first let your hash browns cool completely, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. This prevents clumping and keeps them ready to crisp up straight from the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to preserve crispiness. Instead, reheat in a hot skillet over medium heat with a little oil or butter until warmed through and crunchy again. This method revives that delicious texture, making your leftovers taste almost freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which helps create crispy edges and a fluffy interior. Other potatoes like red or Yukon gold can be used but might produce a softer, less crispy texture.
Why is it important to remove moisture from the shredded potatoes?
Removing moisture prevents sogginess and helps the hash browns crisp up nicely. Wet potatoes steam instead of fry, so squeezing out excess water is key to getting that golden crust.
Can I add onions or other flavorings to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding finely chopped onions, garlic, or fresh herbs during the seasoning step can inject wonderful flavors. Just be mindful that extra moisture from ingredients like onions may require more drying time to keep the crispiness intact.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or use additional vegetable oil. This swap still allows you to achieve great flavor and crispness in your hash browns.
How do I know when to flip the hash browns?
Look for a deep golden brown color on the bottom and a firm edge that lifts easily with your spatula. If it sticks or looks pale, give it a bit longer. Patience is key to a perfect flip and a crispy crust on both sides.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe, it will become your go-to for breakfast and brunch. It’s a magical combination of simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that deliver unforgettable crispy, golden deliciousness every time. So grab your potatoes and skillet, and treat yourself to this timeless comfort food—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and golden homemade hash browns made with shredded russet potatoes, cooked to perfection in butter and oil on the stovetop. A classic American breakfast favorite that’s simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Grate the peeled russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded potatoes into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure crispiness.
- Season the Potatoes: Transfer the dried shredded potatoes to a bowl and evenly season them with salt and black pepper, mixing gently to combine.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large nonstick or cast iron skillet, heat the unsalted butter and vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the mixture is hot and shimmering, preparing the pan for frying.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the seasoned shredded potatoes to the skillet, spreading them into an even layer. Lightly press the potatoes down with a spatula to compact them. Cook without stirring for 5–7 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the hash browns in sections to cook the other side. Continue cooking for an additional 4–5 minutes until the second side is also crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the hash browns from the skillet and let drain on paper towels if needed to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy hash browns, soak the shredded potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes before drying to remove excess starch.
- Enhance flavor by adding chopped onions, garlic, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the shredded potatoes before cooking.
