Eggs, sausage or avocado- what’s your usual breakfast look like?
Whatever you choose, a side of spicy hash browns for breakfast brings the perfect crunch to kickstart your mornings! Crispy and golden brown on the outside and shredded potatoes on the inside- these hash browns are perfect for grabbing a quick bite when you are short on time.
So, what makes today’s spicy hash browns such a good choice for breakfast?
For starters, they are packed with carbs- a hearty element that can keep you energized for most of your day! In addition to carbs, these hash browns also offer vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy fats that are all essential for a balanced and nutritious breakfast to start your day on a wholesome note.
Another reason they are perfect for breakfast is their versatility. I have had spicy hash browns with eggs, sausages, grilled veggies- you name it and they taste good with almost everything. Even your morning cup of coffee will feel more like a complete meal with a side of hot and crispy, flavorful fried hash browns!
How To Make Spicy Hash Browns Extra Crispy?
How do you like your hash browns?
For me, it’s gotta be extra crispy and make an audible crunch when I take a bite. More than the flavor, it’s those golden-brown, crispy edges that make me want to make these spicy hash browns again and again.
Here are some tips I follow to get that perfect crispy texture on my hash browns:
Select The Right Varieties
From my experience, starchy potatoes are the key to super crispy hash browns. They give that perfect crunch I love while the insides remain nice and fluffy!
My go-to choice for making spicy hash browns is the Russet potatoes. With a high starch content, these potatoes crisp up nicely while frying. You can also try other starchy varieties including Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes and red potatoes for a flavorful twist on your hash browns.
Remove Excess Starch
Even though starch is what makes the hash browns maintain proper shape, too much of this element can cause the food to become mushy!
To balance out the starchiness, rinse the potatoes well in cold water after grating. This helps remove excess starch that may prevent them from getting crisped properly. Once rinsed, make sure to pat the potatoes dry so there’s less moisture in them.
Don’t Crowd The Pan
In the mood for cooking up a large batch of hash browns?
Don’t make the mistake of frying them all at once!
If you add too many potatoes in the pan, it can get overcrowded and the hash browns may become steamed instead of crisping up. Leave enough space between the hash browns so that they can become crispy without getting soft or soggy with moisture. Also, make sure to spread the potato mixture in a thin layer so that the hash browns get heated up from all sides evenly.
Watch The Temperature
Keep an eye on the temperature while frying the hash browns. It’s best to cook at medium-high temperature as it allows the potatoes to get crispy without burning. Flip when one side of the patties has crisped properly which usually takes around 4-5 minutes.
Use Oil Sparingly
This recipe isn’t about deep frying- it’s all about getting a golden crisp on the patties with just a little oil. The oil should just be enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the potato hash browns to the pan once the oil is heated. You can also use butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
Flip Without A Slip!
Flip the hash browns only when one side has crisped up perfectly. I find it much easier to flip the patties using a thin, flat spatula that slides smoothly under them. While flipping the hash browns, avoid pressing them against the pan as that can squeeze the moisture out and make them soft instead.
Crisp Up In The Oven
For an extra crispy finish, I like to transfer the hash browns to the oven and bake them for about 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the hash browns on a baking sheet. This helps them have a nice golden finish without getting overcooked. Depending on the thickness of your potato patties, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
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Going for a morning run?
Grab a spicy hash brown on the way for a healthy, energizing treat to refuel yourself when you are tired!
The handheld size of these hash browns makes a mess-free snack that you can easily stash in your bag when you are out on an errand. From complimenting your breakfast spread to being a quick, standalone snack on the go, today’s spicy hash browns adjust to whatever you need to power through the day. So, don’t wait too long to make these spicy treats- you never know when they will come in handy, especially if you have got crazy mornings like I do!
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