Baking The Best Hash Brown Patties: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hash brown patties are a delicious breakfast or snack option, and can be made in a variety of ways. They can be baked in the oven, fried in a pan, or cooked in an air fryer. The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes before cooking. This can be done by soaking the potatoes in cold water, then squeezing them in a cloth to remove excess water. The patties can be seasoned with salt and pepper, and additional ingredients such as eggs, flour, cheese, and herbs can be added for extra flavour.

Characteristics of Baking Hash Brown Patties

Soaking and squeezing the potatoes

The soaking process is a key step in achieving the perfect hash brown texture. It eliminates excess starch, which can make the hash browns gummy and prevents them from becoming crispy. After grating the potatoes, place them in a large bowl of cold water and swirl them around. You will notice that the water becomes cloudy and foamy due to the release of starch. Drain the water and repeat this process at least three times, or until the water runs clear.

Once you have removed the excess starch, it's time to focus on eliminating as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial because the potatoes will not brown properly if they are too wet. Start by squeezing the grated potatoes with your hands to remove as much water as you can. Then, transfer the potatoes to a kitchen towel and wring them out vigorously. Make sure to use an actual towel, as paper towels will not be strong enough. You can also use a salad spinner or a potato ricer to remove the moisture.

At this point, you might be wondering why we soaked the potatoes if we wanted them to be dry. The soaking step is necessary to remove the starch, which makes the hash browns crispy. However, it is essential to also remove as much moisture as possible for the best results.

After soaking and squeezing, the potatoes are ready to be seasoned and cooked according to your preferred method.

Adding cheese

When it comes to choosing a cheese, you have a lot of options. Popular choices include cheddar, Colby Jack, Habanero pepper, sharp cheddar, or Parmesan. You can also use a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. For example, combining cheddar and mozzarella can result in a creamy and stretchy texture.

The amount of cheese you add is also important. A good rule of thumb is to use a cup of shredded cheese for every 4-6 medium potatoes. This will ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the patties and provides a good balance of flavours.

When preparing the mixture, it is essential to grate the potatoes and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding the cheese. This ensures that your patties will hold together during baking. Simply mix the grated potatoes, cheese, and any desired seasonings together in a large bowl.

After mixing, shape the mixture into patties and place them on a greased baking sheet. Brush the patties with oil and bake them in the oven, flipping them halfway through. The baking time will depend on the size of your patties and your desired level of crispiness, but it typically ranges from 20 to 45 minutes.

Oven temperature

A lower temperature of 375°F is suitable for baking hash brown patties, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. At this temperature, bake the patties for 20 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispness.

On the other hand, a higher temperature of 450°F will cook the patties faster and give them a crispier texture. When cooking at 450°F, bake the patties for 10 minutes, then flip them and continue baking for 7-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

It's worth noting that different recipes may vary slightly in terms of oven temperature and cooking time, so it's always a good idea to refer to a specific recipe for the best results. Additionally, if you are using a toaster oven or a convection oven, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.

Lastly, remember that the oven temperature and cooking time can also depend on the type of potatoes you are using and whether you are using frozen or fresh hash brown patties. For example, frozen patties may need a slightly higher temperature or a longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Flip timing

The flip timing for your hash brown patties will depend on your cooking method.

If you are cooking your hash browns in the oven, you should bake them for 20 minutes without flipping, and then flip and bake for another 15 minutes. If you are using a conventional oven, you should bake for 12 minutes, flip, and then bake for another 12-14 minutes. If you are using a toaster oven, there is no need to flip your hash browns.

If you are cooking your hash browns in a skillet, you should fry them for 3-5 minutes before flipping and frying the other side for the same amount of time. If you are using a stovetop, you should fry for 4 minutes on each side.

If you are cooking your hash browns in an air fryer, there is no need to flip them.

Freezing before frying

Freezing hash browns before frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. Freezing the hash brown patties helps them retain their shape and ensures they don't fall apart during frying. Here's a detailed guide on freezing before frying:

Preparing the Potatoes

First, select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchiness, which results in crispier hash browns. However, if you're not particular about texture, you can also use a waxy potato like Yukon Gold. Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes in half horizontally. Parboil the potato halves for about 6 minutes; they should be partially cooked but not fully. Let the potatoes cool slightly before grating them.

Mixing and Shaping

In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with eggs, flour, and salt. Combine these ingredients well. Then, shape the mixture into equal-sized patties. You can make them into rounded rectangles or any shape you prefer. Place the shaped patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 45 minutes to an hour. This step is essential and shouldn't be skipped!

Frying

When you're ready to fry, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of 350°F, as this is ideal for achieving the perfect crispiness. You can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, or use the wooden spoon or bread methods described earlier. Fry the patties in batches of 1-3 at a time, cooking each patty for 3-5 minutes per side or until browned. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Remove the cooked hash browns with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining patties, ensuring the oil is hot enough for each batch.

Air Frying

If you prefer to use an air fryer, preheat it to 380°F and place the frozen patties in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden brown. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese during the last few minutes for an extra flavour boost.

Storing

If you don't plan on frying the hash brown patties immediately after freezing, you can store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date the container, and they'll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions