How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns in Just 25 Minutes

Hash browns—a breakfast classic that sizzles and crackles, filling your kitchen with a buttery aroma so divine that it could persuade even the most dedicated late riser to shimmy out of bed. How to make the best crispy hash browns? Well, we’re about to embark on a delightful culinary journey that transforms humble russet potatoes into a golden-brown treat. Picture a crispy exterior that breaks open to reveal a fluffy, tender interior, each bite bursting with flavor.

Now, let me pull you into the memory lane of my childhood, where hash browns were a staple of Sunday brunches at my grandmother’s house. The breakfast table was adorned with a symphony of sounds—clinking utensils, sizzling pans, and the laughter of family. Grandma would serve those perfectly crisp hash browns hot from the stove, and we’d dive in like vultures on a feast. You can create your own version of this heartwarming memory with this simple recipe—the perfect sidekick for your eggs, or as a cheeky snack on their own.

Ingredients for How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns:

1 1/4 lb russet potatoes – Choosing russet potatoes gives you that perfect starchiness for crispy hash browns.

1/2 tsp onion powder – This adds a subtle yet delightful onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.

2 Tbsp light olive oil or bacon grease – Both options will lend a delicious richness; choose based on your preference!

2 Tbsp butter – Butter fosters rich flavor and helps to achieve that irresistible golden crust.

fine sea salt – Added to taste; salty goodness makes every bite sing.

freshly ground black pepper – Just a few grinds are all you need to bring out the flavors.

1 Tbsp chives – Optional, but it adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens up the dish.

How to Make How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns:

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel and grate the russet potatoes, transferring the shreds into a bowl lined with cheesecloth. Wring out as much liquid as you can—this step is crucial for achieving that lovely crispiness.

Step 2: Add Seasoning
Once your shreds are mostly dry, sprinkle them with onion powder and give them a good stir to make sure every bit is covered in flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Grab a large 10-inch cast-iron skillet or nonstick skillet and heat it over medium heat. When it’s hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or bacon grease, if you’re feeling extra indulgent) and swirl in 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 4: Sauté the Potatoes
Now, add the grated potatoes to the skillet, spreading them into a single layer about 1/3 inch thick. Let them sauté undisturbed for about 6 minutes, or until the bottom is beautifully browned and crispy.

Step 5: Season and Flip
Once they’re golden, sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Flip the hash browns—if they don’t flip immediately as a single piece, gently cut them into half or quarters and flip those individually.

Step 6: Finish Cooking
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil or bacon fat around the edges of the potatoes and dot the edges with more butter. Sauté without stirring for another 6 minutes until the second side is golden brown and crisp.

Want to adorn your crispy creation? Remove from heat and serve garnished with chopped chives for that pop of color and flavor.

There you have it—a dish so satisfying and crunchy that you’ll be tempted to make it for every meal. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or as a side for your dinner, these crispy hash browns will be the star of your table. Enjoy!

Perfecting How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns Cooking Process

To achieve the ultimate crispy hash browns, start by wringing out the potatoes well to remove excess moisture. Next, preheat your skillet and ensure it’s hot before adding oil and butter for a perfectly golden exterior.

Add Your Touch to How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns

Feel free to experiment with your hash browns! Try adding garlic powder for an aromatic kick, or throw in some shredded cheese for a melty goodness. Fresh herbs can elevate this dish even more!

Storing & Reheating How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns

Store leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet on medium heat to bring back their crispiness, avoiding soggy microwave mishaps.

For the best results, use starchy potatoes like russets; they produce a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Always ensure your skillet is hot before adding the potatoes for that perfect crunch. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this allows each piece to get that golden-brown color we all crave.

Sometimes, while cooking for friends, I’d stay up late laughing and chatting, all while trying to perfect my crispy hash browns. It turned into a friendly competition to see who could create the crunchiest batch.

FAQs About How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns

What is How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns?

How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns is all about turning simple russet potatoes into a deliciously crispy and golden breakfast side dish. The process includes peeling, grating, and wringing out the moisture from the potatoes before frying them to achieve that coveted crunch. The addition of onion powder and a buttery finish elevates the flavor, making these hash browns a perfect companion to any breakfast spread.

What type of potatoes are best for crispy hash browns?

For the crispiest hash browns, starchy potatoes like russets are the way to go. Their high starch content helps create a fluffy interior while allowing the outside to crisp up beautifully when cooked. You can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold, but russets typically deliver the best texture and taste for a classic crispy hash brown.

Can I customize my crispy hash browns?

Absolutely! How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns is a versatile recipe. You can customize it by adding spices like garlic powder or seasoning blends for extra flavor. Cheese lovers can sprinkle shredded cheese into the mix, adding delightful melty goodness. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also brighten up the dish, making it not just delicious but visually appealing too.

How do I store and reheat leftover crispy hash browns?

To maintain freshness, store leftover crispy hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy texture; instead, use a skillet over medium heat. This method helps bring back the crunch, preventing your beloved hash browns from turning soggy, so you can enjoy them just as much as the first time!

Conclusion for How to Make the Best Crispy Hash Browns

In summary, mastering how to make the best crispy hash browns is within your reach! Start with the right potatoes, wring out excess moisture, and don’t rush the frying process. With just a few simple techniques and a bit of creativity, you can whip up this delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to breakfast tables. Enjoy your crispy hash browns as they are or customize them to suit your taste!

Crispy Hash Browns

Learn how to make the best crispy hash browns that are golden, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious in just 25 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 13 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 1/4 lb russet potatoes peeled and grated
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 Tbsp light olive oil or bacon grease
• 2 Tbsp butter
• fine sea salt added to taste
• freshly ground black pepper added to taste
• 1 Tbsp chives optional to garnish

Equipment

• 10-inch cast-iron skillet
• cheesecloth

Method

 

1. Peel and grate potatoes and transfer to a bowl lined with cheesecloth. Use the cheesecloth to wring out as much liquid from the potatoes as you can.
2. Sprinkle potatoes with onion powder and stir to combine.
3. Heat a large 10-inch cast-iron skillet or nonstick skillet over medium heat and once it's hot, add 1 Tbsp oil or bacon fat and swirl in 1 Tbsp butter.
4. Add potatoes and spread in a single layer about 1/3” thick. Let potatoes sauté undisturbed for 6 minutes or until the bottom is browned and crisped.
5. Sprinkle the top with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Flip the hash browns and sprinkle again with salt and pepper on the second side. If the hash browns don’t flip easily as a single disk, cut in half or quarters then flip individual pieces.
7. Drizzle 1 Tbsp oil or bacon fat around the edges and dot the edges with butter. Sauté without stirring for another 6 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp on the second side.
8. Remove from heat and serve garnished with chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 7g

Notes

For the best results, use starchy potatoes like russets; they produce a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Always ensure your skillet is hot before adding the potatoes for that perfect crunch. Don't overcrowd the pan.

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