Ingredients for Hash Browns
- Russet Potatoes – ideal for achieving crispy hash browns
- Onion powder – imparts onion flavor without any burnt aftertaste
- Oil or Bacon grease – using bacon fat from baked bacon enhances the flavor
- Butter – infuses rich flavor and promotes browning and crisping
- Salt and pepper – simple seasonings for perfect potatoes
How Many Potatoes Should I Use?
To achieve perfectly cooked hash browns, it’s essential to maintain a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2-inch in the pan. Here are our recommended guidelines:
- For a 10-inch skillet: use 1.25 lbs of potatoes
- For a 12-inch skillet: use 1.5 lbs of potatoes
- For a griddle: use 2 lbs or enough potatoes to maintain a 1/3-inch thickness
Pro Tip: When preparing hash browns, use a non-stick pan or a seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking.
How to Make Hash Browns
- Prepare the potatoes – peel and grate them using the large holes of a box grater (wear safety gloves to protect your hands). Transfer the grated potatoes to a bowl lined with cheesecloth. Wrap the potatoes tightly in the cheesecloth and squeeze out as much juice as possible. Sprinkle the potatoes with onion powder and mix well.
- Preheat the skillet – place a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add oil and butter.
- Add the potatoes – spread them evenly in the skillet, creating a layer that’s about 1/3″ thick. Sauté without disturbing for 6 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crisped.
- Season – sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the top of the potatoes.
- Flip the hash browns – cut the hash browns in half or in quarters using a pizza cutter for easier flipping. Flip, then season the second side with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle more oil or bacon fat around the edges and dot the corners with butter, allowing it to melt beneath the hash browns. Sauté for another 6 minutes or until golden brown. Serve promptly.
How to Squeeze Water Out of Potatoes
Removing excess water is crucial for achieving the crispiest hash browns. Here are several methods you can try. The cheesecloth method is the quickest and easiest:
