Is there anything better than warm, crispy potato patties seasoned to perfection for breakfast, dinner, or any meal? Likely not.
Hash browns hold a place in the hearts of breakfast lovers and are cherished for their crunchy outside and fluffy inside. These tasty potato treats originated in the 1800s in the United States. Originally a humble dish made from potatoes, traditional hash browns have since undergone transformations, including the popular hash brown patties we enjoy today.
The inception of hash brown patties can be linked to advancements in food technology during the mid-1900s. Clarence Birdseye, a pioneer in food, revolutionized food preservation and consumption methods. His innovative technology allowed many foods to be quick-frozen. For hash browns, this meant they could be conveniently packaged as patties, making them accessible to all and easy to cook. Today, we have fabulous recipes, such as the one below, explaining how to make them homemade.
The versatility of hash brown patties is unmatched. Serve them as a side dish or a main course, or even use them in recipes. Plus, they are easy to customize. Add onions, peppers, or different spices to suit your tastes. This recipe keeps it simple with salt and pepper as seasoning, which is perfect with the crispy crunch of the exterior.
Did you know you can make hash browns with foods that aren’t potatoes? If you need to avoid carbs, check out this recipe for cauliflower hash browns. You’d be surprised at how well it works! Another recipe similar to hash brown patties yet different is potato pancakes. Using more binding ingredients (eggs and flour) to make a batter creates a different texture.
Why Choose Russet Potatoes?
When it comes to making hash brown patties, russet potatoes reign supreme. Their high starch content and low moisture levels help achieve that crispy exterior and fluffy inside that we all crave. The satisfying crunch followed by a soft center is all thanks to the russets’ unique texture.
Additionally, russet potatoes have a flavor that holds up well during frying. It isn’t overtaken by the oil. They easily soak up seasonings like salt, pepper, or your favorite spices, enhancing their taste. Plus, the russets’ size and shape make them perfect for evenly shredding or dicing, ensuring even cooking and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Hash Browns Patties
Step 1: Grate the peeled potatoes using a box grater and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Wrap the grated potatoes in the towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the dried grated potatoes, beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 5: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom.
Step 6: Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet without overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Step 7: Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 8: Serve the hash brown patties hot and enjoy!
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
One of the best things about hash brown patties is how easy they are to store! Once they have cooled, place them in a food-safe zip-top storage bag, wrap them in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to five days. They also freeze really well. I prefer to wrap them in foil, then put them in a zip-top food-safe storage bag, and freeze them for up to six months.
How to Add More Spice to My Hash Brown Patties?
Some people like a bit of heat or something extra with their hash brown patties. These treats are so versatile, and you can add anything you like. Try a dash of onion or garlic powder. Red pepper flakes are an easy way to bring the heat. Basil and oregano give the patties an Italian twist. Open up your spice cabinet and try something new with your hash browns.
How to Avoid Mushy Hash Brown Patties?
Hash brown patties can end up being soft instead of crunchy for a few reasons. One main factor is having moisture in the potatoes. Potatoes naturally have water content. If this moisture isn’t properly removed before cooking, it can lead to a soft texture. It’s important to drain and squeeze out the water correctly. Also, ensure that there is enough oil and it is adequately hot before adding the patties. Inadequate heat or not enough oil can prevent the hash browns from getting that crispy layer. Another thing to watch out for is overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the patties to steam rather than fry. And as mentioned, russet potatoes work best.
Serving Suggestions
Hash brown patties are a meal in themselves; however, they are also perfect to pair with other dishes. The classic all-American breakfast may come to mind. To make yours perfect, serve hash brown patties with these sunny-side-up eggs and turkey bacon in the oven. They also taste great next to a stack of homemade buttermilk pancakes dripping in spiced maple syrup. Let’s not limit our versatile hash brown patties to breakfast, though. What better meal to serve potatoes than with ribeye steak or flank steak with garlic butter sauce? Feel free to let some of the garlic butter sauce mingle with the hash brown patties. They won’t mind.
Hash Browns Patties
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes peeled
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate the peeled potatoes using a box grater and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel.
- Wrap the grated potatoes in the towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- In a large bowl, combine the dried grated potatoes, beaten egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom.
- Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet without overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the hash brown patties hot and enjoy!
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