How to Make Homemade Hash Browns

Hash browns are a delicious breakfast side dish that can be found at just about any diner or fast food restaurant. But did you know that it’s easy to make homemade hash browns right in your own kitchen? Making hash browns from scratch is a great way to impress your morning guests or satisfy a craving for a classic breakfast dish.

To make homemade hash browns, you just need a few ingredients and a little bit of patience. Homemade hash browns are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious flavor that you just can’t get from frozen hash browns. Plus, making them yourself allows you to customize the recipe to suit your own tastes, whether you prefer them extra crispy or with a bit of spice. So why not give it a try and make your own homemade hash browns for your next breakfast feast?

Introduction:

Hash browns are a delicious breakfast staple loved by many. However, instead of reaching for the pre-made versions at the supermarket, why not try making homemade hash browns? They’re easy to make and taste so much better! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making homemade hash browns.

1. Gathering the Ingredients

Before you start, gather the necessary ingredients. You’ll need 2-3 potatoes, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder or paprika.

2. Preparing the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Then, using a grater, shred the potatoes into small, thin strips. Rinse the shredded potatoes under cold water and dry them with a paper towel. This will help remove excess starch and keep them from clumping together.

3. Squeezing the Potatoes

Before cooking, it’s important to squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded potatoes. Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth or clean dish towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This will ensure your hash browns are crispy and not soggy.

4. Seasoning the Potatoes

In a large bowl, mix the shredded potatoes with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Toss to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices.

5. Heating the Pan

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the entire bottom of the pan is coated with the mixture.

6. Forming the Hash Browns

Once the pan is hot, form the shredded potatoes into small patties. Place the patties in the skillet, making sure to leave space between them.

7. Cooking the Hash Browns

Cook the hash browns for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown. Then, use a spatula to flip them over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.

8. Draining the Hash Browns

Once the hash browns are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help remove any excess oil.

9. Seasoning Again

While the hash browns are still warm, sprinkle them with a little extra salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serving

Serve your homemade hash browns alongside your favorite breakfast foods, such as eggs and bacon. Enjoy your delicious, homemade creation!

Ingredients for Homemade Hash Browns

Before we start, let’s take a look at the ingredients required to make homemade hash browns. You will need the following:

• 3 Large potatoes
• 1 Small onion
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 Cup All-purpose flour
• 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 Cup Vegetable oil

Steps to Make Homemade Hash Browns

Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes and Onion

Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them using the large holes in your grater. Once grated, place the potatoes in a colander, rinse them with cold water to remove any excess starch, and dry them with paper towels. Next, peel and grate the small onion and add it to the grated potatoes. Mix them well.

Step 2 – Season the Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add this seasoning mixture to the potato and onion mixture and stir well. Make sure that all the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3 – Add the Eggs, Flour, and Parmesan Cheese

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until the yolks and whites are well combined. Then, add the eggs to the potato mixture and mix well. Finally, add the all-purpose flour and grated Parmesan cheese to the mix and stir. The consistency should be thick and sticky.

Step 4 – Shape the Hash Browns

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spoon or your hands to shape the potato mixture into small patties, each about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place them carefully in the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet.

Step 5 – Flip the Hash Browns

Cook the hash browns for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until they are golden brown. Gently flip them over using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown on both sides.

Step 6 – Drain and Serve the Hash Browns

Once the homemade hash browns are cooked on both sides, use the spatula to remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the process until you have cooked all the hash browns. Serve them hot with sour cream or ketchup.

Step 7 – Tips for Making Perfect Homemade Hash Browns

Here are some tips that will help you make perfect homemade hash browns every time:

• Make sure to drain the excess water from the grated potatoes before seasoning them.
• The consistency of the potato mixture should be thick and sticky, not too dry, and not too wet.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet with hash browns. Cook them in batches, a few at a time.
• Fry the hash browns in hot oil. This will ensure that they crisp up nicely and don’t become soggy.
• Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for best results.

Step 8 – Flavor Variations for Homemade Hash Browns

If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can add various ingredients to the potato mixture. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
• Diced ham or bacon
• Chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
• Minced garlic or ginger
• Jalapeno peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick

Step 9 – Storing and Reheating Homemade Hash Browns

If you have leftover homemade hash browns, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the skillet with a little bit of oil for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they are crispy and hot.

Step 10 – Conclusion

Making homemade hash browns is easy, and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create perfect, crispy, and flavorful hash browns every time. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy this popular breakfast dish at home.

Getting the Perfect Texture

Hash browns can be tricky because they require a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Follow these tips to get the perfect texture every time:

Use the Right Potatoes

Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to making hash browns. Russet potatoes are the best choice because they have a high starch content and low water content, which is essential for the perfect texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold potatoes, because they have a high water content that will result in soggy, limp hash browns.

Grate Your Potatoes Correctly

The way you grate your potatoes will impact the texture of your hash browns. Use the large holes on a box grater or the shredding disc on a food processor to create long, thin shreds. This will ensure a crispy texture and prevent the hash browns from becoming too dense.

Soak the Potatoes

Soaking your potatoes in cold water before cooking is a crucial step to remove excess starch and prevent the hash browns from sticking together. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes, then drain them and wring out any excess water with a clean kitchen towel.

Use a Good Non-Stick Pan

A good non-stick pan is a must for making hash browns. You don’t want the potatoes to stick to the pan and become burnt or mushy. A cast-iron skillet is a popular choice because it distributes heat evenly and creates a crispy crust.

Add Flavorful Seasonings

Hash browns can be seasoned with a variety of spices or herbs to add depth of flavor. Salt and pepper are classic choices, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Some people even add grated cheese to their hash browns for an extra crispy cheesy crust.

By following these tips, you can make perfect homemade hash browns every time. Remember to use Russet potatoes, grate them correctly, soak them in cold water, use a good non-stick pan, and add flavorful seasonings. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to make restaurant-worthy hash browns that are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Wrap Up and Enjoy Your Homemade Hash Browns!

Thanks for reading this article on how to make delicious homemade hash browns. We hope this recipe has made your breakfast even more satisfying, and you are now ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound cooking skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try out different ingredients and cooking methods until you get the perfect texture and flavor. Thanks again for stopping by, and we look forward to seeing you again soon for more yummy recipes. Happy Cooking!