Homemade Hash Browns – Extra Crunchy & Easy Recipe

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with these extra crunchy homemade hash browns, perfect for satisfying your crispy potato cravings. This simple recipe combines basic ingredients into a delightful dish that’s versatile enough to be a breakfast staple or a comforting side. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect golden-brown crunch every time!

Ingredients:

• 14 oz (400 g) potatoes
• 2 oz (50 g) onion
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
• ⅓ tsp ground black pepper
• ⅔ tsp salt
• 3 fl oz (80 ml) vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes: Peel and shred the potatoes. Soak the shredded potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up during cooking.
2. Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Use a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the potatoes – the key to achieving maximum crispiness.
3. Mix Ingredients: In the same bowl, combine the dried potato shreds with the chopped onion. Add the all-purpose flour, egg, red chili flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
4. Cook the Hash Browns: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet (cast iron recommended for even heat distribution) over medium heat. Once hot, add the potato mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve: Remove the hash browns from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite condiments such as ketchup, sour cream, or a side of scrambled eggs.

Additional Tips:

• Cast-Iron Skillet: Using a cast-iron skillet can enhance the crispiness of your hash browns due to its superior heat retention and even heating.
• Avoid Crowding: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the hash browns. This ensures each shred gets enough heat and space to crisp up properly.
• Let Them Sit: Allow the hash browns to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to ensure they develop a crispy, golden crust.

Serving Suggestions:

To further enhance the versatility and enjoyment of your homemade hash browns, consider these additional serving ideas:

• Brunch Buffet: Incorporate these hash browns into a brunch buffet alongside other staples such as French toast, pancakes, and a build-your-own omelet station. This allows guests to mix and match flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.
• Creative Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar for your hash browns at a casual family breakfast or during a weekend brunch. Offer a variety of toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, smoked salmon, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheeses. This approach encourages everyone to customize their hash browns to their liking.
• Dinner Side Dish: Serve hash browns as a side dish for dinner, pairing them with protein-rich foods like roasted chicken, pork chops, or baked fish. The crispiness of the hash browns complements the tenderness of these proteins perfectly.
• Kid-Friendly Snack: For a kid-friendly twist, cut the hash browns into fun shapes using cookie cutters before frying. Serve them with a side of ketchup, ranch, or a mild salsa for a snack that’s both nutritious and exciting for children.

Nutrition Information:

Exploring the nutritional benefits of the ingredients in the hash browns provides deeper insights into their health contributions:

• Potatoes: A great source of potassium, which is crucial for heart health and proper muscle function. Potatoes also offer vitamin C, vitamin B6, and trace amounts of thiamine, niacin, and folate.
• Onions: Contain chromium, which assists in blood sugar regulation, and vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Eggs: Provide high-quality protein which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Eggs are also one of the few food sources of vitamin D, important for bone health and immune function.
• Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. Olive oil contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and can help maintain a healthy weight.
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds a modest amount of capsaicin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost metabolism, potentially aiding in weight loss.

Together, these ingredients not only create a dish that’s delightful in taste and texture but also offer substantial health benefits, making these hash browns a nutritious choice for any meal. Whether served as part of a hearty breakfast or as a side at dinner, they provide a satisfying and healthful option.