Olivia Carter
Hash browns are a beloved breakfast staple that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you like them crispy and golden or soft and comforting, making your own homemade freezer hash browns is a great way to have them on hand whenever you want.
By making your own freezer hash browns, you can control the ingredients and customize the seasoning to suit your taste. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for months, ready to be cooked up whenever the craving strikes.
To make homemade freezer hash browns, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, and oil. Begin by peeling and shredding the potatoes, either by hand or using a food processor. Finely chop the onion and mix it with the shredded potatoes. Then, season the mixture with salt and pepper, adding any additional spices or herbs you prefer.
Once the hash brown mixture is ready, shape it into patties or form it into a large sheet. If you prefer patties, use your hands to shape the mixture into uniform rounds. Alternatively, you can press the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer.
Continue reading here on how to cook and store the homemade freezer hash browns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Homemade Freezer Hash Browns
Hash browns are a delicious breakfast staple, and making them at home is easier than you might think. With a little bit of prep work and some freezer storage, you can have homemade hash browns ready to go whenever you want them. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own freezer hash browns.
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your potatoes. You’ll want about 4 large potatoes for this recipe. Once the potatoes are peeled, use a grater or a food processor to shred them. You can choose to grate them finely or leave them slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Soak and Rinse
After shredding the potatoes, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, drain the water and rinse the potatoes under cold running water to remove any remaining starch.
Step 3: Squeeze Out the Liquid
One key step to achieving crispy hash browns is removing as much moisture as possible from the potatoes. To do this, take handfuls of the shredded potatoes and squeeze out the liquid over a sink or a bowl. Keep squeezing until the potatoes feel dry to the touch.
Step 4: Season the Hash Browns
Once the potatoes are dry, transfer them to a clean bowl and season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. You can also add diced onions or grated cheese for extra flavor. Mix everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Shape the Hash Browns
Take a handful of the seasoned potato mixture and shape it into a patty. You can make the patties as thin or thick as you prefer. Repeat this process until all the potatoes are used up, placing the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Freeze the Hash Browns
Place the baking sheet with the hash brown patties into the freezer and let them freeze for about 2 hours or until they are firm and solid. This step will help the hash browns hold their shape when stored in the freezer.
Step 7: Store in Freezer Bags
Once the hash browns are frozen, transfer them to freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date and contents, then place them back in the freezer for long-term storage.
Step 8: Cook and Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade freezer hash browns, simply heat a little bit of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the frozen hash browns for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them as a delicious side dish or as part of a hearty breakfast plate.
With these simple steps, you can make your own freezer hash browns and have a tasty and convenient breakfast option at your fingertips. Enjoy!
Gathering Ingredients
Before you begin making homemade freezer hash browns, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here is a list of what you will need:
Potatoes
Choose starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon golds for the best hash browns. These types of potatoes have a higher starch content, which helps create a crisp texture. Plan on using about 2 pounds of potatoes for this recipe.
Onion
A small onion will add a delicious flavor to your hash browns. You can use white or yellow onions, whichever you prefer.
Oil or Butter
For frying the hash browns, you will need a cooking fat like vegetable oil or butter. Choose the option that suits your taste.
Salt and Pepper
Season your hash browns with salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you can move on to the next step – preparing and shredding the potatoes.
Preparing Potatoes
To start making homemade freezer hash browns, you’ll need to prepare the potatoes. First, gather the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- 5-6 large russet potatoes
- Cold water
Tools:
- Large bowl
- Vegetable peeler
- Box grater
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
1. Begin by peeling the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Remove the entire skin from each potato to ensure a smooth texture for your hash browns.
2. Once peeled, place each potato in a large bowl filled with cold water. This will prevent the potatoes from turning brown and remove excess starch.
3. Using a box grater, grate the potatoes into shreds. You can choose to have finer or coarser shreds based on your personal preference. Grating the potatoes by hand adds a homemade touch and allows for more control over the texture.
4. After grating the potatoes, place them in a clean kitchen towel or between layers of paper towels. Gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the potatoes. This step is important as it helps in achieving crispy hash browns.
5. Once the excess moisture is removed, the shredded potatoes are now ready to be used for making freezer hash browns. They can be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags for future use.
Note: If you’re planning to freeze the hash browns immediately, it’s advisable to transfer them into freezer bags and remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps in preventing freezer burn and ensures the best quality when thawed and cooked.
Table 1: Preparing Potatoes
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. |
| 2 | Place the peeled potatoes in a bowl of cold water. |
| 3 | Grate the potatoes into shreds using a box grater. |
| 4 | Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes. |
| 5 | Store the shredded potatoes in airtight containers or freezer bags. |
Shredding Potatoes
To make homemade freezer hash browns, it is important to start with properly shredded potatoes. Here’s how to do it:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Make sure to remove any blemishes or eyes from the potatoes. |
| 2 | Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. |
| 3 | Place a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment over a large bowl. |
| 4 | Hold the potato firmly and grate it against the coarse side of the grater or feed it through the shredding attachment of the food processor. Be cautious of your fingers while doing this. |
| 5 | Once the potato is fully grated, transfer it to a separate bowl. Repeat the process until all the potatoes are shredded. |
Now that you have shredded the potatoes, you can proceed with the rest of the freezer hash browns recipe. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded potatoes before using them to ensure crispy results.
Removing Excess Moisture
To make sure your homemade freezer hash browns turn out crispy and not soggy, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible from the potatoes. This will prevent them from becoming watery during the freezing and cooking process.
Start by grating the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating blade. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Using your hands, stir the potatoes in the water for a couple of minutes. This will help remove excess starch that can make the hash browns gummy.
After stirring, drain the potatoes in a colander and rinse them with cold water. Then, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the potatoes. You’ll be surprised at how much water they release!
Once you’ve removed most of the moisture, transfer the grated potatoes to a new bowl and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will ensure that the hash browns crisp up nicely when you cook them.
Note: If you’re planning to freeze the hash browns in individual portions, it’s a good idea to divide them into freezer bags or airtight containers before squeezing out the excess moisture. This will make thawing and cooking a breeze!
Pro tip: For even crispier hash browns, you can spread the grated potatoes on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and let them sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This additional step will help remove even more moisture, resulting in perfectly crispy hash browns. Just make sure to pat them dry again before freezing or cooking.
Seasoning the Hash Browns
Once your hash browns have thawed, it’s time to add some seasonings to enhance their flavor. You can be as creative as you like with the seasonings, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Salt and Pepper
A simple and classic combination, salt and pepper can bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper over the hash browns and toss them gently to evenly distribute the seasonings.
2. Garlic Powder
If you’re a fan of garlic, adding some garlic powder to your hash browns can give them a delicious kick. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of garlic powder over the hash browns and mix well.
3. Paprika
For a touch of smokiness and a vibrant color, paprika is a great addition. Sprinkle a teaspoon of paprika over the hash browns and toss them lightly to coat them evenly.
4. Onion Powder
If you love the taste of onions but don’t want the texture, onion powder is the way to go. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of onion powder over the hash browns and mix well.
Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Once the hash browns are seasoned to your preference, you’re ready to cook them!
Freezing and Storing
Once the hash browns have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Hash browns can be frozen for up to 3 months, but for the best quality, it is recommended to use them within 1-2 months.
To use the frozen hash browns, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the microwave or cook them directly from frozen.
When cooking frozen hash browns, preheat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Cook the hash browns for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
It is important to note that once thawed, the hash browns should not be refrozen. Only thaw the amount you plan to use to ensure the best texture and taste.
FAQ
How do I make homemade freezer hash browns?
To make homemade freezer hash browns, start by peeling and grating potatoes. Rinse the grated potatoes to remove excess starch, then squeeze out any remaining moisture. Season the grated potatoes with salt and pepper, and mix well. Heat a skillet with some cooking oil and add the grated potatoes, pressing them down firmly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow the hash browns to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container, and place it in the freezer. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook the frozen hash browns, simply heat some oil in a skillet and cook them until they are heated through and crispy.
Can I freeze hash browns?
Yes, you can freeze hash browns. To freeze them, start by making homemade hash browns using grated potatoes. Cook them until golden brown and crispy. Allow the cooked hash browns to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, label and date it, and place them in the freezer. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook the frozen hash browns, simply heat some oil in a skillet and cook them until they are heated through and crispy.
