Imagine biting into a perfectly golden and crispy hash brown that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Now, imagine making it at home—better than McDonald’s and tailored exactly to your taste! These crispy homemade hash browns are so easy to prepare, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the store-bought kind.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Homemade Hash Browns
Homemade hash browns aren’t just delicious; they’re versatile and customizable. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a hearty breakfast, a quick snack, or even a side dish for dinner, these hash browns are a hit every time. Plus, you’ll love knowing exactly what goes into them—no preservatives or additives, just wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients for Crispy Homemade Hash Browns
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 3 (800 g / 28 oz) |
| Onion | 1 |
| Starch | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | For frying |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onion
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater.
- Rinse the grated potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Peel and grate the onion using the same box grater. Combine the grated onion with the potatoes.
2. Form the Hash Browns
- Transfer the grated potato and onion mixture to a large bowl.
- Add 4 tablespoons of starch, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Mix thoroughly, ensuring the starch coats the potatoes evenly.
3. Cook the Hash Browns
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture and shape it into a flat, round patty.
- Carefully place the patty into the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture, leaving enough space between each patty for easy flipping.
4. Fry Until Crispy
- Fry the hash browns for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Use a spatula to flip them carefully, ensuring even browning.
5. Drain and Serve
- Once the hash browns are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet.
- Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve with Sauces
- Arrange the hash browns on a serving platter.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, sour cream, or barbecue sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Tips for Making Perfect Hash Browns
- Remove Moisture: Removing excess water from the potatoes is essential for crispy hash browns. Use a towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Use the Right Oil: Olive oil provides a beautiful golden color, but you can also use vegetable or sunflower oil for frying.
- Keep the Patties Thin: Flatten the patties to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Test the Oil Temperature: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you add the potato mixture but not so hot that it burns the hash browns.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Breakfast Staple: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for a complete morning meal.
- As a Snack: Enjoy with a variety of dipping sauces like aioli, ranch, or chili sauce.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a comforting dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these hash browns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.
2. Can I bake the hash browns instead of frying?
Absolutely! Arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I freeze the hash browns?
Yes, freeze the cooked hash browns on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
4. What type of potatoes work best for hash browns?
Starchy potatoes like Russets work best because they have less moisture and crisp up beautifully.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?
Certainly! Grated cheese, herbs, or chopped green onions can be added for extra flavor.
6. How do I ensure the hash browns don’t fall apart?
Squeezing out the moisture and using enough starch helps bind the mixture and keep the patties intact during frying.
Conclusion
These crispy homemade hash browns are everything you could want in a breakfast or snack—golden, crunchy, and utterly satisfying. They’re even better than McDonald’s because you can make them fresh, customize them, and serve them exactly the way you like.
Ready to make the best hash browns of your life? Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and let the magic happen!
Print
Crispy Homemade Hash Browns Better than McDonald’s!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 hash browns
Description
Transform your mornings with these crispy homemade hash browns—better than McDonald’s and completely customizable! Golden brown, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside, these hash browns are the ultimate breakfast staple. Plus, they’re made with fresh, simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes (about 800 grams / 28 oz)
- 1 onion
- 4 tablespoons starch
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onion
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater.
- Rinse the grated potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Wrap the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Peel and grate the onion, then combine it with the grated potatoes.
2. Form the Hash Browns
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potato and onion mixture with 4 tablespoons of starch, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until the starch is evenly distributed, creating a cohesive mixture.
3. Cook the Hash Browns
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a flat, round patty.
- Place the patty carefully into the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture, ensuring enough space between each patty for flipping.
4. Fry Until Crispy
- Fry the hash browns for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip them carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking.
5. Drain and Serve
- Once cooked, transfer the hash browns onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, sour cream, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy varieties like Russets work best for crispy results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
- Extra Flavor: Add grated cheese, minced garlic, or chopped herbs to the mixture for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Global
