Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish that takes humble potatoes to a whole new level, these Loaded Hashbrowns are your ticket to crispy, cheesy perfection! Think golden-brown hashbrowns, smoky bacon, gooey cheddar, and dollops of cool sour cream—all topped with fresh green onions. With every bite bursting with savory flavor and irresistible textures, Loaded Hashbrowns easily turn any meal into something worth celebrating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These essentials come together to create the ultimate comfort dish, each ingredient having its own role in making your Loaded Hashbrowns unforgettable. Grab these simple items and see for yourself how much difference the right combination can make!
- Hashbrowns (3 cups, shredded): The backbone of the dish—choose fresh for tenderness or thawed frozen for unbeatable convenience and crispiness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds rich, buttery flavor and helps form that perfectly golden crust.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Blends with the butter to prevent burning and ensures the hashbrowns cook up ultra-crispy.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Brings a delicious smoky crunch; use thick-cut for extra texture or swap for vegetarian “bacon” if needed.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into pools of creamy, savory goodness—sharp cheddar gives a bolder taste.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Sprinkle on top for a pop of color and a gentle punch of freshness.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): A cooling, creamy finish that’s the perfect contrast to the crispy base.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget these! Seasoning brings out the flavors of every ingredient.
How to Make Loaded Hashbrowns
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Heat the Fats
Start by heating your butter and olive oil together in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. The mix of both fats gives your hashbrowns incredible flavor while ensuring a perfectly crispy outcome without burning. Wait for the butter to foam and the oil to shimmer before the next step—it’s the secret to that the golden crust everyone loves!
Step 2: Add and Cook the Hashbrowns
Once your skillet is ready, evenly spread the shredded hashbrowns in a single layer. Press down with a spatula to compact them a little, encouraging that classic diner hashbrown texture. Resist the urge to stir! Leave them undisturbed for 5–7 minutes, letting the bottom crisp up to a deep golden brown.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Crisping
Now for the trickiest part—flipping! Divide the hashbrowns into large sections and gently flip each. Cook for another 4–5 minutes so both sides are browned and the potatoes are heated through. It’s fine if a few crispy bits break away; those are the best bites!
Step 4: Load On the Toppings
With the hashbrowns still hot in the pan, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon all over the top. Cover the skillet for about 1–2 minutes to let the cheese get wonderfully melty, then slide off the heat. The warmth will tie everything together into cheesy, bacon-studded bliss.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by topping with generous dollops of sour cream and a shower of fresh green onions. Pair your Loaded Hashbrowns with more of your favorite breakfast fixings—or dig right in while they’re piping hot!
How to Serve Loaded Hashbrowns
Garnishes
The right garnishes take Loaded Hashbrowns from simply delicious to truly irresistible. A final sprinkle of extra green onions, a dash of hot sauce, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives give even more zing and color. For a smoky kick, try a little paprika or a drizzle of chipotle sauce—guests will be going back for seconds!
Side Dishes
Loaded Hashbrowns are fabulously versatile. Serve them at brunch alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a golden omelet, or pair with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, nestle a couple of sausage links or a veggie patty next to your hashbrowns and you have a savory feast to remember.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try piling Loaded Hashbrowns in small ramekins or mini skillets for individual servings, or even as the base for a breakfast “bar.” Let everyone add their own toppings—think sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or crumbled feta. Another fun twist: transform them into a loaded hashbrown breakfast stack with a fried egg right on top. The runny yolk is unmatched!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any hashbrowns left (no judgment if you don’t!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Loaded Hashbrowns will stay fresh for up to 3 days—just separate layers with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together. Store any extra toppings separately if possible.
Freezing
These hashbrowns can also be frozen for easy meal prep. Once completely cooled, layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without sour cream or green onion toppings, and add them after reheating.
Reheating
Return leftover Loaded Hashbrowns to a skillet over medium heat and warm until the edges are crisp again. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that unbeatable crunch—though even when reheated this way, the flavors always deliver.
FAQs
Can I use homemade grated potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Absolutely! Freshly grated potatoes work beautifully, just squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a clean kitchen towel first so you still end up with that signature crispy texture in your Loaded Hashbrowns.
What’s the best cheese for Loaded Hashbrowns?
While cheddar is a classic for its melt and flavor, feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds a spicy note, Swiss is nutty and melty, and Monterey Jack offers a mild creaminess. Mix and match to suit your family’s tastes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, simply skip the bacon or use store-bought plant-based bacon bits. You can also ramp up the veggie content by sautéing diced bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms and adding them with the cheese topping.
Why won’t my hashbrowns get crispy?
Crispy hashbrowns require two things: enough fat in the pan and enough heat. Be sure to evenly distribute the butter and oil, press the potatoes into a single layer, and let them cook patiently without stirring for those first crucial minutes. Wet potatoes will steam rather than crisp, so always pat them dry.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just cook in batches or use two skillets if you’re making Loaded Hashbrowns for a group. If you try to cook too much at once, they’ll steam instead of crisp, so take your time—they’re worth it!
Final Thoughts
Loaded Hashbrowns are one of those dishes that always wow, whether you’re whipping up a cozy breakfast at home or serving a brunch crowd. Don’t be surprised if these disappear before you can even blink! If you’re after maximum flavor with minimal fuss, give this recipe a try—you just might find yourself making them on repeat.
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Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Loaded Hashbrowns are a delicious and satisfying breakfast or side dish. Crispy hashbrowns topped with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions make for a flavorful and hearty dish.
Ingredients
Hashbrowns:
- 3 cups shredded hashbrowns (fresh or frozen and thawed)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Hashbrowns: Heat butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet. Cook hashbrowns without stirring until golden and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle cheese and bacon over the hashbrowns. Cover to melt the cheese. Top with sour cream and green onions.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use plant-based bacon bits.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
