Perkins Hash Browns Recipe

Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle—these Perkins’ hash browns are exactly how they should be!

The trick to that golden crust is rinsing and drying the shredded potatoes before cooking.

Too much moisture will steam them instead of crisping them up, so I always squeeze them out with a kitchen towel.

I use a mix of butter and oil in the pan—oil helps with crispiness, while butter adds that rich, classic diner taste.

Once you flip them, don’t move them around too much so they can form that golden crust.

Nothing beats a plate of these with eggs and bacon, but they’re also great on their own with a little hot sauce!

How to Make Perkins Hash Browns

Ingredients

• 2 cups Potatoes (shredded, use Russet for best results)
• 1/4 cup Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Peel and shred the potatoes.

Place the shredded potatoes into a bowl of cold water for five minutes to remove excess starch.

Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix together shredded potatoes, chopped onion, egg, and flour.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers.

Step 4:

Take a handful of the potato mixture and form it into a patty.

Place it carefully into the hot oil.

Repeat with remaining mixture, leaving some space between each patty.

Step 5:

Cook patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Get Crispy Results

To get crispy hash browns, make sure the potatoes are well-dried before mixing with other ingredients.

Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect crunch.

Don’t Crowd the Pan

When cooking, don’t overcrowd the skillet as it can lower the oil temperature and prevent the hash browns from crisping up properly.

Work in batches if necessary to keep the heat consistent.

Use a Heavy Skillet

A cast-iron skillet works best for frying hash browns because it maintains heat evenly and gives a nice crust to the patties.

You’ll love the results you get with one of these!

Adjust Seasonings

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs like parsley or spices like paprika for an extra kick of flavor.

Experiment to find your perfect blend!

Try Fresh Ingredients

If you have fresh herbs on hand, like fresh chives or thyme, they can add a wonderful aroma and flavor to your hash browns.

Garnish the cooked hash browns with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

What to Serve with Perkins Hash Browns Recipe

Classic Bacon

When it comes to a classic combination, you can’t go wrong with serving hash browns alongside crispy bacon.

Add a touch of pepper to your bacon for extra flavor, and you’ve got a breakfast favorite that doesn’t disappoint.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pairing hash browns with a grilled cheese sandwich can create an exciting and comforting meal option.

The creamy cheese inside the golden crust of the sandwich complements the crunchy texture of hash browns.

Try adding a layer of tomato slices or ham inside your sandwich for a fun flavor twist.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms can add a gourmet element to your meal with their rich and savory flavors.

Fill those mushrooms with cream cheese, spinach, and herbs for a delicious side with your hash browns.

This pairing works wonderfully for dinner time or an elegant brunch.

French Toast

How about balancing your savory hash browns with something sweet, like French toast?

The contrast of sugary and cinnamon notes with the saltiness of hash browns brings all flavors to the table.

You might want to drizzle some maple syrup over everything for a breakfast worth savoring.

Quesadillas

Craving something with melted cheese and a bit of a spice kick?

Serve your hash browns with chicken or veggie quesadillas for a flavorful meal.

Add some salsa or guacamole on the side to ensure you get a perfect bite each time.

Variations and Substitutions

Add-Ins

You can really make hash browns your own by adding different ingredients.

Why not toss in some shredded cheese or finely sliced green onions?

Adding cooked bacon or diced ham could give them an extra savory kick.

Potato Alternatives

If you want a twist or have dietary needs, consider using sweet potatoes.

They bring a slightly sweeter taste and a vibrant color to the dish.

Grating and pan-frying eggplant provides a low-calorie substitute with a similar texture.

Cooking Oils

Changing up the cooking oil can create different flavors and textures.

Try using olive oil or coconut oil for a unique touch.

Each option will influence the crunch and taste in a special way.

Spices and Seasonings

Experiment with different spices to suit your preferences.

Add paprika or garlic powder for a more robust flavor.

A dash of cumin can add warmth and complexity to your hash browns.

How to Store Leftover Perkins Hash Browns

You want to keep those leftovers as tasty as the first time they hit your plate, right?

First things first—let those hash browns cool completely before storing them to avoid moisture buildup.

Using Airtight Containers

Pop those cooled hash browns into an airtight container.

This helps preserve their texture by preventing excess moisture from making them soggy.

Try to remove as much air as possible from the container for the best results.

Refrigeration Tips

Store your hash browns in a spot in the fridge where the temperature remains stable, like on a shelf rather than the door.

You’ll want to gobble these up within 3 to 5 days!

Freezing Leftovers

For longer storage, freezing is a great option.

After cooling, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually.

Once they’re frozen, transfer the hash browns to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They’ll be good to enjoy for up to a month!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too much moisture can turn your hash browns into a soggy mess.

Drying Your Potatoes

Make sure to dry your potatoes thoroughly before cooking.

Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much water as possible.

Overcrowding the Pan

It’s tempting to cook a big batch all at once, but overcrowding the pan can cause your hash browns to steam rather than fry.

Fry them in batches to keep them crispy!

Skipping the Oil Preheat

Don’t rush to add your potatoes before the oil is hot.

Make sure the pan and oil are preheated properly to achieve that golden crust.

A sprinkle of salt can really enhance the flavor, so add it once they hit the pan.