Hash Brown Patties

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No special trips to a diner needed for these hash brown patties.

Southern Living Hash Brown Patties on plates to serve
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4

If you're in the mood for golden and crisp hash browns patties, we've got you covered. This easy recipe has a surprising ingredient—mild Cheddar cheese—which really puts them over the top.

Made with frozen shredded hash browns and flavored with garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika, these hash brown patties come together quickly in a single bowl, and then they're ready to fry.

Enjoy hash brown patties solo, or use them as a base to build a hearty breakfast—top them with over-easy eggs and crumbled bacon; or crumbled cooked chorizo, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream; or pieces of smoked salmon and fresh dill. Like all hash browns, they taste best when they are served hot, right after cooking. However, if you're planning ahead, you can prepare the recipe as directed, flash freeze the patties, then store them in freezer bags and reheat in the oven when you're ready to eat.

Ingredients for Hash Brown Patties

To make these hash brown patties, you'll need:

  • Large egg: To help bind the patties.
  • Kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper: For seasoning the mix. Can substitute with other spices you love, including dried herbs, cayenne, and onion powder.
  • Frozen shredded hash browns: The base of the hash brown patties. Use any brand you prefer.
  • Mild Cheddar cheese: Adds a mild, cheesy flavor to the mix.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps add density to the patties and holds the potato together.
  • Canola oil: For frying.
Southern Living Hash Brown Patties ingredients

Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Hash Brown Patties

With frozen shredded hash browns leading the charge, these patties come together in no time for a hearty breakfast side. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Stir to combine egg, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Stir in potatoes and cheese. Sprinkle with flour; toss to coat.
  • Step 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add 3 heaping spoonfuls of potato mixture and press gently with spatula to flatten. Cook until browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat. Serve hot.

Variations for Hash Brown Patties

These hash brown patties can be customized to suit the occasion and what you have on hand:

  • Add meat: Cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon, or cubed ham can be folded into the hash browns before cooking for a salty, meaty bite.
  • Add flavor: Diced bell peppers, grated onion, minced shallot, green chiles, and jalapeños can all add interest to the mix.
  • Add herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, chives or sage can elevate the patties.
  • Add spice: Season with onion powder, cayenne, chili powder, and more to take the patties to the next level.
  • Switch up the cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, Parmesan, and more can be a nice complement to hash browns.

How To Make Hash Brown Patties Ahead

To make these patties ahead, prepare the recipe as directed. Flash freeze the patties, then store in freezer bags and reheat in the oven until hot and crisp when you're ready to eat.

If serving shortly after making, keep the hash brown patties warm on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven to keep them crisp while you assemble the rest of the meal.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Hash Brown Patties

Refrigerate leftover hash brown patties in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze up to three months. Reheat in an air fryer or preheated 350°F oven until hot and crisp.

What To Serve With Hash Brown Patties

Hash browns are just as delicious on their own as they are as a base for a hearty breakfast. Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, sour cream and smoked salmon, or ripe avocado for a simple meal, or pair with any of these egg-based breakfast favorites:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

southern living hash brown patties

VICTOR PROTASIO, FOOD STYLIST MARGARET DICKEY, PROP STYLIST PRISSY LEE

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp. paprika

  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

  • 1 (1-lb.) pkg. frozen shredded hash browns

  • 2 oz. pre-shredded mild Cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)

  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup canola oil

Directions

  1. Make hash brown mixture:

    Stir together egg, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper in a large bowl.

    Southern Living Hash Brown Patties mixing the seasoning for the hash browns

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Add potatoes and cheese, and stir to combine.

    Southern Living Hash Brown Patties adding the cheese and potatoes to the seasoning

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

    Sprinkle with flour, and toss to coat.

    Southern Living Hash Brown Patties adding the flour to the mixture

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Heat oil:

    Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high.

    Southern Living Hash Brown Patties heating the oil in the skillet

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. Cook hash brown patties:

    Add 3 heaping spoonfuls of potato mixture to skillet (about 1/3 cup per patty), and press gently with spatula to flatten. Cook until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer patties to a plate lined with paper towels, and repeat in 3 more batches with remaining potato mixture and oil. Serve immediately.

    Southern Living Hash Brown Patties after cooking

    Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you keep hash brown patties from falling apart?

    Once the ingredients for the hash browns are mixed, work quickly. The salt will pull moisture out of the potatoes as they sit. Portion into the pan and press firmly with a spatula to ensure a complete patty.

  • Why are my hash brown patties soggy?

    Make sure to check that your oil is hot before frying so that the hash browns will crisp quickly without soaking up excess oil. If you find your hash browns are moist before using, thaw and squeeze with a towel to eliminate any excess moisture.

  • Can hash browns be made gluten-free?

    Substitute the flour with half the amount of tapioca or potato starch for a gluten-free version.

  • Can I make these hash browns without pre-shredded hash browns?

    To make hash brown patties using potatoes grated by hand, check out our tips for grating potatoes and removing the moisture before using. Then, proceed with this recipe as directed.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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