If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate potato side, look no further than these Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns. Imagine golden, crunchy edges, a gooey, cheesy center, and that irresistible savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or looking for a way to jazz up breakfast-for-dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick, satisfying cook time, you’ll have a plateful of comfort that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, working together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Russet potatoes: Their high starch content gives hash browns that classic crunch on the outside and a tender inside.
- Salt: Just the right amount to bring out the earthy flavor of the potatoes and enhance the cheese.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth that wakes up every bite.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory note that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets and delivers that signature cheesy pull (try sharp cheddar for an extra punch!).
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the mixture together so your hash browns hold their shape during cooking.
- Egg (lightly beaten): Acts as the glue, ensuring everything comes together beautifully.
- Butter: Gives a rich, nutty flavor and helps those edges turn beautifully golden.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the butter from burning and contributes to that irresistible crispiness.
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns
Step 1: Squeeze the Potatoes Dry
This is the secret step for perfect Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns. After peeling and grating your potatoes, pile them onto a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your hash browns will be—so don’t be shy about using a little muscle here!
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Transfer your dried potatoes to a large bowl. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, and lightly beaten egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is thoroughly combined and you can see the flecks of cheese and seasoning throughout.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place your skillet over medium heat and add both the butter and vegetable oil. This blend gives your hash browns rich flavor from the butter and the high-heat performance of the oil. Wait until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering before moving on.
Step 4: Form and Cook the Patties
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each hash brown and drop it carefully into the skillet. Flatten slightly with your spatula to form a patty—this helps them cook evenly and maximizes those crispy edges. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once your hash browns are cooked through and irresistibly crunchy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve them up hot while the cheese is still melty and gooey.
How to Serve Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns
Garnishes
Garnishing your Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns is a chance to add a pop of color and even more flavor. I love sprinkling mine with chopped fresh chives or parsley for brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a light dusting of smoked paprika also takes them to the next level.
Side Dishes
These hash browns are a star at breakfast, but they’re just as happy sharing the plate with eggs any style, crispy bacon, or even a fresh green salad for brunch. They pair beautifully with roasted tomatoes or avocado slices for a touch of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns with layers of sautéed spinach and a poached egg for a brunch-worthy twist, or use them as a base for a savory eggs Benedict. For parties, cut them into smaller rounds and serve with toothpicks as a fun and cheesy appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the hash browns cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, staying delicious for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns freeze surprisingly well. Arrange cooled hash browns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—perfect for prepping ahead!
Reheating
To bring back that signature crunch, reheat hash browns in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of oil, or bake them in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns?
Russets are the gold standard because of their high starch content, but Yukon Golds can work in a pinch for a creamier texture. Just be sure to dry them well for maximum crispiness.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda. Each cheese brings its own unique flair to your Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or even a spoonful of cornstarch. The hash browns will still hold together and be just as delicious.
How do I keep the hash browns from falling apart?
The key is making sure your potatoes are as dry as possible before mixing. The egg and flour also help bind everything, so don’t skip them. If your mixture seems loose, add a little more flour.
Can I prepare the potato mixture ahead of time?
You can grate and dry the potatoes in advance, but it’s best to mix everything together right before cooking to keep them from turning gray and to ensure the best texture in your Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family, give these Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns a try. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to disappear fast! Trust me, once you taste that first crunchy, cheesy bite, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Print
Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 hash browns
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns are the ultimate comfort breakfast or side dish featuring grated russet potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese and lightly seasoned, pan-fried until golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese and Binding
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure the hash browns turn out crispy.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the dried potatoes to a large bowl and combine with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, and the beaten egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Form and Cook Patties: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the skillet. Flatten gently to form a patty, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until each side is golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat Cooking: Continue making patties with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked hash browns to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the potatoes are very dry before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- You can use pre-shredded frozen hash browns to save time, just thaw and dry them thoroughly.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella to add a delicious flavor twist to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hash brown
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
