5 Delicious Hash Brown Recipes You'll Love

Hash browns are a beloved comfort food, known for their crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. Whether you're enjoying them as a side dish, a base for breakfast platters, or as the star of the meal, hash browns can be transformed into something extraordinary with the right ingredients and a bit of creativity. Here are five delicious hash brown recipes that will make your mornings or any meal special.

1. Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Cheese and potatoes are a match made in culinary heaven, and this casserole takes it up a notch:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¹⁄₄ cup finely diced onions
  • ¹⁄₄ cup melted butter
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
• Directions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix hash browns, sour cream, soup, cheese, onions, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
  4. Top with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

🍲 Note: This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for an easy breakfast or brunch dish.

2. Sweet Potato Hash Browns with Spinach and Feta

For those looking for a twist on the classic, sweet potatoes offer a nutritious and delicious alternative:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ¹⁄₂ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Olive oil for frying
• Directions:
  1. After grating the sweet potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Combine sweet potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, spinach, feta, seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Form the mixture into patties and cook until each side is crispy and golden, about 4-5 minutes per side.

🍟 Note: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, making this a healthier option for hash brown lovers.

3. Chili Cheese Hash Browns

Spice up your hash browns with the bold flavors of chili:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups shredded hash browns
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili with beans
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped green onions
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder
  • ¹⁄₄ cup bread crumbs
  • Oil or butter for greasing
• Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with oil or butter.
  2. Mix shredded hash browns with half of the cheese and chili powder.
  3. Spread half of the hash brown mixture into the dish, top with half of the chili, then repeat layers.
  4. Top with remaining cheese, sprinkle with bread crumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and crispy on top.

🌶 Note: For an extra kick, add jalapeños or use spicy chili.

4. Hash Brown Breakfast Pizza

Who said hash browns can’t be a pizza base?

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups shredded potatoes
  • ¹⁄₄ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp garlic powder
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp onion powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional toppings like mushrooms, tomatoes, or sausage
• Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine potatoes, parmesan, seasonings, and salt. Press into a pizza shape on the parchment.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
  4. Top with cheese, bacon, eggs (leave space for the yolk to cook properly), and additional toppings.
  5. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the eggs are set to your liking.

🍕 Note: This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap toppings based on what you have on hand.

5. Herb & Garlic Hash Browns

Elevate the flavor profile with aromatic herbs and garlic:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and shredded
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Directions:
  1. Soak shredded potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Rinse and drain thoroughly to remove excess starch.
  2. Mix potatoes with garlic, herbs, egg, flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of potato mixture into the skillet, flatten with a spatula.
  4. Cook until the edges are crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.

🌿 Note: Letting the potatoes soak helps achieve the crispiest hash browns by reducing the moisture content.

To wrap things up, these hash brown recipes illustrate that with a few tweaks, this simple dish can be transformed into gourmet creations. Each one offers a unique flavor profile, making hash browns versatile enough for any time of the day or occasion. They’re perfect for impressing guests at brunch, elevating your comfort food game, or simply adding a delightful twist to your breakfast routine.

Can hash browns be made ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare hash browns in advance by mixing the ingredients, shaping them, and then storing them in the fridge. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook them just before serving.

Are there any healthier alternatives to traditional hash browns?

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Consider using sweet potatoes or carrots instead of regular potatoes, and bake or air fry instead of deep frying to reduce oil usage. Also, you can incorporate more vegetables for added nutrition.

What’s the best way to ensure hash browns are not too greasy?

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To minimize grease, thoroughly rinse shredded potatoes to remove starch, dry them well, and consider using a non-stick skillet with minimal oil or cooking spray. Baking or using an air fryer also helps in this regard.