How to Make Perfectly Crispy Shredded Hash Browns at Home

Are you tired of store-bought hash browns that just don’t have the right texture or taste? Why not try making your own shredded hash browns at home? It’s not as difficult as you might think, and the result is an easier-to-handle potato product that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

To start, you’ll need some fresh potatoes. Russet potatoes are a great choice because they are starchy and absorbent, making your hash browns nice and crispy. Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove any starch. After that, it’s time to use your grater. You can either use a box grater or a food processor to shred your potatoes. Whichever method you choose, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible by wrapping the shredded potatoes in a clean dish towel and squeezing hard. Then, it’s time to heat up your skillet and start cooking!

Ingredients for making Shredded Hash Browns

1. Choose the right potato for your shredded hash browns

Potatoes are the key ingredient for making shredded hash browns, and choosing the right potato can make a big difference in the quality of your finished product. You’ll want to use a potato that’s high in starch, like a Russet potato, because they’ll crisp up nicely. Alternatively, you can use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture.

2. Wash and dry the potatoes

Washing and drying the potatoes are important steps in making shredded hash browns. Rinse the potatoes in cool water to remove any dirt or debris. After rinsing, use a clean towel to pat the potatoes dry. This removes any excess moisture that could cause the hash browns to steam instead of crisp up.

3. Peel the potatoes (optional)

Peeling the potatoes is optional and depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer the skin left on, while others prefer them peeled. If you decide to peel your potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Make sure you remove all of the skin and any remaining eyes.

4. Grate the potatoes

Grating the potatoes is the most time-consuming part of making shredded hash browns. You can use a food processor with a grating blade, a box grater, or a hand-held grater. Make sure the potatoes are evenly grated with no large chunks. Large chunks can cause uneven cooking and can lead to mushy hash browns.

5. Squeeze out excess moisture

After grating the potatoes, use a clean towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out any excess moisture. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the hash browns from becoming mushy.

6. Add seasoning

Adding seasoning to your shredded hash browns is optional but can enhance the flavor. You can keep it simple with just salt and black pepper or add other spices like garlic powder or paprika. Mix the seasoning in with the grated potatoes.

7. Heat up the cooking surface

Heat up a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet for extra flavor and to prevent sticking.

8. Add the grated potatoes to the skillet

Add the grated potatoes to the skillet and press them down with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed and flattened out.

9. Cook until crispy

Cook the shredded hash browns for about 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip the hash browns and cook the other side until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes as well.

10. Serve and enjoy!

Once the shredded hash browns are crispy and golden brown, transfer them to a plate and serve immediately. You can top them with shredded cheese, sour cream, or ketchup depending on your preference. Enjoy your homemade crispy and delicious shredded hash browns!

Tools and Ingredients You Need to Make Shredded Hash Browns

If you’re planning to make homemade hashed browns, certain tools and ingredients are mandatory. Here’s all you need to get started:

Potatoes

The primary ingredient for shredded hash browns is potatoes. Russet potatoes are the best variety to use since they have a high starch content and produce crispy hash browns. You’ll need around two pounds of potatoes for four servings.

Grater or Food Processor

You can either use a handheld grater or a food processor with a grating blade to shred your potatoes. Make sure that you clean your grater properly before use, and that your food processor is large enough to hold the grated potatoes.

Knife

You’ll need a sharp knife to peel your potatoes and remove any bad parts before shredding. A paring or chef’s knife works best.

Cheesecloth or Kitchen Towel

To create crispy hash browns, you’ll want to remove as much moisture from the potatoes as possible. Cheesecloth or a kitchen towel can help you do this. Make sure you have a clean cloth to squeeze the grated potatoes.

Bowl

Use a large mixing bowl to hold the grated potatoes. You’ll need enough space to sprinkle seasoning and mix everything together.

Butter or Oil

You’ll need a cooking fat to fry your hash browns. Butter and oil are good choices. Butter is great if you want a rich, buttery flavor. Oil is neutral and best if you want your potatoes to be crispy.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings to add flavor to your hash browns. Use coarse salt and freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.

Spices and Herbs

You can customize your hash browns by adding your favorite spices and herbs. Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.

Non-stick Skillet

Use a non-stick skillet for frying your hash browns. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is also a good choice. You want a pan that conducts heat evenly and doesn’t stick to your potatoes.

Spatula

You’ll need a spatula to flip your hash browns and prevent them from sticking to the pan. A wide spatula with a thin edge works best. Make sure you have a heat-resistant handle to avoid getting burned.

Tips on making shredded hash brown

Making shredded hash browns may seem simple but it requires some skills to get the perfectly crispy and delicious outcome. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

Now that you have some basic tips on making shredded hash browns, let’s move on to the cooking methods. There are various ways to cook shredded hash browns, but we will cover the most common ones below.

Boiled Hash Browns

This method involves boiling the shredded potatoes first before frying them. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boil the shredded potatoes in salted water for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Dry them well with a towel.
3. Heat up some oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shredded potatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges start to crisp up. Flip the hash browns over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot with your favourite toppings.

Baked Hash Browns

Baked hash browns are a healthier alternative to fried hash browns, and they are just as delicious. Here’s how to make them:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper with cooking spray.
3. Mix the shredded potatoes with some oil and seasonings in a bowl.
4. Form the potatoes into small patties and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake the hash browns in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pan-Fried Hash Browns

Pan-fried hash browns are the most common way to cook shredded hash browns. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat up some oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shredded potatoes to the pan and season them with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the hash browns for about 3-4 minutes until the edges start to crisp up. Flip the hash browns over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve hot with your favourite toppings.

In conclusion, making shredded hash browns is easy as long as you follow these simple tips and cooking methods. You can experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your own unique hash brown recipe. So, put on your chef’s hat and get cooking!

That’s how you make ultimate shredded hash browns!

Thanks for reading and I hope you found these tips and tricks helpful in making the perfect shredded hash browns. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own twist to this classic breakfast dish. Do visit again for more fun and exciting recipes. Happy cooking!