Crispy Baked Hash Browns

Here is a wonderful Crispy Baked Hash Brown recipe to add to the breakfast/brunch menu. These hash browns are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and oh so delicious. My family loves potatoes, and these hash browns are a spectacular addition to a great breakfast.

Looking for more potato recipes?  

• Simple Vegan Dutchess Potatoes with Herbs
• Smashed Potatoes with Pesto
• Potatoes O’Brien
• Fantastic Breakfast Potatoes
• Hasselback Potatoes with Herbs
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Vegan Parmesan

What are Hash Browns?

Hash Browns are usually shredded, lightly seasoned potatoes that are pan-fried to a golden brown color. We choose to bake ours because it requires less oil. We also really like making them into rounds. They are easy to flip, ensuring the crispy outside and soft and delicious inside. The rounds also make them easier to freeze and reheat in the oven or in a skillet at your convenience.

Potatoes:  

Potatoes have been around for a very long time. They were cultivated by the Inca Indians in Peru. My grandpa ate potatoes for dinner almost every day his entire life. Potatoes grow well in Norway, and when the new potatoes come out in the fall, they are particularly delicious. Potatoes come in all shapes and sizes, and there are hundreds of different varieties. They are usually classified into three different groups: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose. Did you know that potatoes contain more nutrients than rice?

Health Benefits of the Potato:

Let not this humble vegetable fool you; it is packed full of valuable nutrition.

• high in fiber
• Very filling
• helps regulate cholesterol levels
• contains no cholesterol
• high in antioxidants – helps prevent disease
• naturally gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free
• high in vitamins and minerals
• contains anti-inflammatory compounds

Helpful Cooking Tips:

What type of potatoes should I use when making baked hash browns?  

There are a few things to keep in mind when making hash browns. The type of potatoes used changes the flavor and outcome. We are very fond of the golden potato (Yukon) but have found that sometimes mixing two types of potatoes gives an added element of texture and flavor. In this recipe, we mix the Russet Potatoes (sometimes called Idaho potatoes if grown in Idaho) with the Yukon gold potato, and you have the best of both worlds. The Russet is a low moisture, high starch potato, and the Yukon is a medium moisture and medium starch potato – a perfect blend for hash browns.

How to Make Crispy Baked Hash Browns:

• potatoes
• olive oil
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• dill (optional)
• salt

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Shred the potatoes in a food processor, or if you do not have a food processor, use a hand grater. Once grated, rinse the potatoes thoroughly until the water runs nearly clear and the excess starch is removed. Squeeze as much liquid out of the potatoes as possible. This is a crucial step to crispy hash browns. Finally, season, shape, and bake the hash browns in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:  

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Why are my hash browns not crispy?

Too much liquid – be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible before seasoning the potatoes.  

Do I need a food processor to shred the potatoes?

No, you can also use a hand shredder to shred the potatoes.

What is the difference between hash browns and potatoes?

Hash browns are shredded, seasoned, and baked or fried potatoes.

How do you shred potatoes?

Most food processors have an attachment for shredding potatoes, making light work of this process, but if you do not have a food processor, use a box grater. It takes a little more effort but is very doable and is the method used before the food processor came into existence.

Can you fry hash browns?

Yes, absolutely. It is probably the most common way to make hash browns.

Why bake the hash browns?

Baking requires less oil. In fact, if using parchment paper, you can make do without oil. We use a little oil for flavor in our hash browns.

Can you freeze hash browns?

Yes, you can freeze hash browns and reheat them later.

Can you add onion to your hash browns?

Yes, many do. Shred an onion along with the potatoes, which gives a very nice onion flavor. Be sure to remove as much moisture as possible before baking.

Why did you not use onion in your hash browns?

We chose not to use onion in these hash browns because the onion adds significant moisture content. We wanted our hash browns to be crispy, so we used dried onion powder instead. Feel free to use a fresh onion; just make sure to squeeze as much moisture out as possible.

Are Hash Browns Healthy?

Hash browns are not as healthy as plain potatoes. But we have dramatically reduced the unhealthy additions to make this a healthier hash brown version.

What is the difference between Russet Potatoes and Idaho Potatoes?

Idaho potatoes are grown in Idaho. There are several varieties of Russet Potatoes.

What to look for when you buy potatoes?

Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin, without soft spots or sprouts. Avoid wrinkled or green potatoes.

How do I store potatoes?

• Potatoes are best stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Store in burlap, paper bags, or cardboard boxes.
• If stored at room temperature, eat within a week or two.
• The fridge is not an ideal place to store potatoes.

How do I remove moisture from the shredded potatoes?

Squeeze the potatoes after soaking or rinsing. If desired, use paper or linen towel to help.

What is my favorite potato?

Yukon Gold

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