Ah, hash browns – the golden, crispy, comforting treasure of a hearty breakfast plate. Whether nestled next to the beans on a full English breakfast plate or enjoyed as a delicious snack topped with grated parmesan, the humble hash brown holds a special place in the hearts of so many Brits across the country.
But what is the secret to creating the perfect hash brown? It’s all in the details – from the choice of potato to the final golden crunch. With that in mind, here’s the IDEAL recipe for hash browns, with some secrets to the crispiest renditions thrown in for good measure.
The Best Spuds For The Job
The foundation of any good hash brown is, of course, the potato. But not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to this breakfast classic. In the UK, we’re blessed with a variety of spuds, but for hash browns, you want a potato that’s high in starch and low in moisture. Enter the King Edward and Maris Piper – two varieties that are readily available and perfect for the job.
King Edwards are known for their fluffy texture when cooked, which is ideal for creating a soft interior. Maris Pipers, on the other hand, are a favourite for chips and roasties due to their crispy finish and fluffy centre – qualities we also desire in our hash browns.
It’s All In The Prep
Achieving that coveted crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior is not just about the type of potato you use; it’s also about how you prepare them. Indeed, whilst it’s certainly tempting to have supermarket hash browns in the freezer or to buy or tater tots wholesale and ready to cook, there really is nothing quite like a homemade version. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the ideal hash brown:
Ingredients:
- 4 large King Edward or Maris Piper potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely grated (optional for added flavour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- High smoke point oil (such as vegetable or sunflower oil) for frying
Method:
Grate and Soak
Start by peeling your potatoes and grate them coarsely. Once grated, soak them in cold water for a few minutes. This not only removes some of the excess starch, which can make your hash browns gummy, but also prevents them from browning too quickly.
Squeeze Out the Moisture
This is the crucial step that many overlook. Drain the grated potatoes and then take handfuls and squeeze out as much water as possible. You can do this by pressing them between your hands or wrapping them in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and wringing it out. Even more effective, try pressing the be-clothed potato mixture in a potato ricer. The drier the potato, the crispier the hash brown.
Seasoning
Transfer your dried potato shreds to a bowl. If you’re adding onion for extra flavour, now is the time to mix in the finely grated onion. Season with salt and pepper, but don’t go overboard – you can always adjust the seasoning later.
Shape and Fry
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat (or better still, use a deep fat fryer). While the oil is heating, shape your potato mixture into patties. The size is up to you – with the ol’ triangle still boasting a certain mass-produced appeal – but remember, the thinner the patty, the crispier the result. You’ll still want a little contract between the middle and the exterior of course. For less mess, cook them in a waffle machine.
The Golden Rule
Place your hash brown patties in the hot oil and press them down slightly with a spatula. Don’t overcrowd the pan – they need space. Fry until the edges start to look golden and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip them over to cook the other side.
Drain and Serve
Once both sides are a beautiful golden brown, remove the hash browns from the pan and let them drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper. This will help to remove any excess oil, keeping them crisp.
Enjoy
Serve immediately while they’re hot and at their crispiest. Hash browns are versatile – enjoy them with your favourite sauce, as part of a traditional fry-up, or simply on their own.
Some Delicious Ideas For Using Hash Browns In Your Dinner (That Aren’t A Fry-Up!)
While hash browns are a staple of the hearty, hungover morning meal, their crispy, comforting nature makes them a versatile component for any dinner dish. Here are some creative ways to incorporate hash browns into your evening meals, proving that they’re not just for breakfast anymore.
Hash Brown Shepherd’s Pie
Give a classic British shepherd’s pie a crispy twist by replacing the traditional mashed potato topping with a layer of golden hash browns. Simply prepare your shepherd’s pie filling with minced lamb, vegetables, and gravy, then top with a layer of pre-cooked hash browns. Bake until the hash browns are extra crispy and the filling is bubbling. The result is a delightful contrast of textures that will elevate your shepherd’s pie game.
Read: What to do with leftover roast lamb
Stuffed Hash Brown Baskets
Create individual hash brown baskets as a unique and delightful way to serve dinner. Press your raw hash brown mixture into greased muffin tins, forming little cups, and bake until they’re mostly cooked through and holding their shape. Fill these crispy baskets with anything from chilli con carne to Sicilian caponata, and finish them off in the oven. They’re perfect for a fun family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Hash Brown Pizza Base
For a gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza, use hash browns as the base. Press your seasoned hash brown mixture onto a baking tray, shaping it into a round pizza base. Pre-bake until it’s starting to crisp up, then add your favourite pizza toppings – tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, or a plethora of vegetables. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice and serve for a pizza night with a twist.
Hash Brown-Crusted Quiche
Quiche is a dinner classic, but you can make it even more special with a hash brown crust. Press your hash brown mixture into a pie dish to form a crust and bake until it starts to crisp.
Then, pour in your quiche mixture of beaten eggs, cream, cheese, and your choice of fillings like ham, spinach, or mushrooms. Bake until the quiche is set and the hash brown crust is golden brown. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner and equally great for leftovers the next day.
Hash Brown Topped Casserole
Almost any casserole can be made better with a layer of hash browns. Whether it’s a duck cassoulet, a vegetable gratin, or a spicy bean casserole, adding a final layer of hash browns before baking adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, soft layers beneath.
Crispy Fish and Hash Brown Bake
Combine the British love for fish and chips with the undeniable appeal of hash browns. Layer a baking dish with partially cooked hash browns, place seasoned white fish fillets on top, and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until the fish is cooked through and the hash brown layer is irresistibly crispy. It’s a simple, one-dish dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.
The Bottom Line
Remember, the key to the perfect hash brown lies in the details: choose the right potato, remove as much moisture as possible, and don’t rush the cooking process. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of the hash brown – a simple yet satisfying dish that’s a staple of British breakfast (and, soon to be, dinner!) tables.
