A close-up of golden, crispy hash browns topped with melted cheddar cheese, garnished with fresh chives.
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Cheesy Hash Browns

Those dishes are cheesy hash browns, the ultimate cross between the crispy, golden brown perfection of market purchased potatoes and the gooshy, fatty goodness that is cheese action. Cheesy Hash Browns is a crowd-pleaser served as a filling breakfast side or as a snack, and it’s as indulgent as it is easy to throw together. Let’s take a look at the history of hash browns and dive into a cheesy variation you can recreate at home.

A skillet filled with golden, crispy hash browns covered in melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar (or cheese blend)
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for serving)

The History of Hash Browns

When it comes to American breakfast, hash browns are a staple, with origins reaching back to the late 19th century. The term “hashed browned potatoes” was first seen in the United States in the culinary literature, in a 1909 recipe for finely chopped and pan-fried potatoes. Hash browns then grew in popularity, a diner staple admired for their versatility and ability to accompany damn near every meal.

Cheesy Hash Browns: A Gooey, Crispy Breakfast Classic

We used cheese to take hash browns to the next level of decadence. The chewy, gooey cheese pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the potatoes, resulting in a comforting, soothing dish that hits all the right notes.

Why Cheesy Hash Browns?

Versatility: They work for breakfast, brunch or even a side to dinner.

Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy potatoes and melted cheese, it’s hard to find common ground, but this recipe can unite almost everyone.

Customize: Mix in extras like bacon, onions, or herbs to make them your own.

Tips for Success Cheesy Hash Browns

Use Starchy Potatoes: 

High starch russet potatoes are the best for crispiness.

Dry Well:

Getting rid of excess moisture from potatoes is crucial to achieving that ultimate golden crust.

Explore Different Cheese:

Use various kinds of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda to give your meal interesting flavors.

A stack of crispy hash brown patties layered with melted cheddar cheese

Cheesy Hash Browns

Prep Time: 20 Mins > Cook Time: 25 Mins > Total Time: 45 Mins

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar (or cheese blend)
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

The best way to master high-starch potatoes is to grate them and rinse the gratings under cold water (this will shed its excess starch). Dry them off with a clean kitchen towel so they can crisp up.

Place the grated potatoes in a large mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper. If you’re using onions, stir them in at this point.

Use a large skillet and heat it over medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of butter. Disperse the potatoes in the skillet, pressing them with a spatula. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.

Flip and Add Cheese Carefully flip the potatoes with a spatula. Scatter the shredded cheese over the top, and arrange the remaining butter around the edge of the skillet. Cook an additional 5-7 minutes, letting the cheese melt and the other side crisp.

Slide the cheesy hash browns onto a serving plate. Top with chopped fresh chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Cheesy hash browns are a celebration of the glory of simple ingredients melding together perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for just you or putting on a show for guests, this dish is bound to impress. So pull out your skillet, shred some potatoes, and let the magic of crispy, cheesy deliciousness happen.

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