What if I told you that crispy, golden hash browns could be real in your house, and it’s easier than you think? I could not believe how magically they would crisp up the first time I made hash browns from scratch.
A little grating, a quick rinse, and into a hot pan-the humble spuds are now crunchy and flavorful. Be it a cozy breakfast, a lazy weekend brunch, or just satisfying that crispy potato craving, homemade hash browns never disappoint.
Ready to give it a go? Follow my easy guide to making perfectly crispy Potato Hash Browns from scratch. And if you’re wondering what to serve them with, I’ve got some delicious pairing ideas for you, too!
What Are Potato Hash Browns?
Hash browns are an American breakfast ingredient that finds its very origins in the United States and Europe. The term “hash brown” comes from the French word “hacher,” meaning “to chop.” Originally, hash browns were done by chopping up bits of potatoes and frying them until crispy. Nowadays, this usually includes grating the potatoes and frying them into flat, crispy golden patties or disks.
Hash browns first became popular in American diners in the 19th century as a simple way to use leftover potatoes for a cheap, filling meal. Over time, hash browns became a popular comfort food and are now enjoyed in many cuisines worldwide. While the American version is the most well-known, its variants can be found in Ireland, the UK, and even parts of Asia, where people just love fried potato dishes in a crispy form.
How to Make Potato Hash Browns?
Making potato hash browns from scratch is simpler than you might think! Start by grating the potatoes and wash very well to eliminate excess starch; this will render your hash browns perfect in texture, crunchy outside, yet tender inside.
Drain well and season with salt, oregano, and a pinch of chili flakes. Saute them a bit in oil, adding corn flour to hold them together properly and give just the right crispiness on the outside. Shape into patties and fry golden. What will emerge is a crunchy and flavorful batch of hash browns-just what every meal needs.
Crispy Potato Hash Brown Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes (approximately 300 grams)
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ⅓ cup cornflour
- Extra 3 tablespoons of cooking oil for frying
Directions:
- Start with 2 bigger-sized potatoes that may weigh around 300 grams. Wash and peel the skin off.
- Now using a grating tool grate the potatoes. Make sure to use the side that has a moderately larger hole area.
- Onto the well greeted potato pour some clean water. Now gently wash the potatoes.
- Next, strain and drain the water off your washed potatoes and keep them aside in another bowl.
- Now take a non-stick frying pan and pour some cooking oil into it while heating it up on a medium flame. I’ve used 2 tablespoons of cooking oil here.
- When the pan is moderately heated, add your washed grated potato.
- Cook the potato for about 2 minutes on a medium flame.
- Now, add ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of oregano to it.
- After that 1 teaspoon of chili flax for some spice blast.
- Mix all the ingredients together and cook for about 2 more minutes.
- When the potato’s color changes to this light gold color it’s ready for the next step.
- In a medium-sized dish pour the potato mixture.
- Add a ⅓ cup of cornflour and give the mixture a good stir to mix all together. Your hash brown mixture is ready.
- Take ¼ cup amount of the mixture onto your hand.
- Using both your palm shape the mixture into a square or rectangular shape. Or you can experiment with whatever shape you wanna try.
- In a separate frying pan, I heated 3 spoons of cooking oil and slowly added the hash browns to avoid breaking the shape.
- Once one side is shallow-fried, flip each hash brown to the other side and cook again. After frying both sides for 5 minutes, the hash browns should be ready.
- Enjoy as it is or with your favorite dipping. I’m pairing it with my favorite my favorite some spicy mayo.
Side Dish Ideas to Try with Potato Hash Browns
For creaminess and comfort, how about serving scrambled eggs in fluffiness paired with crispy hash browns? Spread a creamy layer of mashed avocado on toast, and just perfect it with your hash browns for a well-rounded meal. If you want something sweet, spoon some savory baked beans next to your hash browns-their flavors meld perfectly. For dipping try tangy ketchup, hot sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Of course, for those who love meat more, the additions could include crispy bacon and savory sausages to give an extra kick to the meal with added flavor dimensions. Throw in a serving of quickly sautéed spinach or kale for nutrition the freshness in the greens will cut beautifully through the richness of your hash browns.
Chef’s Tips
- A cast-iron skillet gives an extra crispy, golden-brown crust because it distributes heat evenly.
- After soaking, squeeze out as much moisture from the grated potatoes as possible for the crispiest results.
- With a spatula, firmly press the patties down in the pan for even cooking and crispy outside.
- Sear over medium-high heat to make the outside crispy while retaining the tenderness inside.