Hash browns are a staple breakfast side dish that can be jazzed up in so many tasty ways. At their most basic, hash browns are made by shredding and frying potatoes. But the possibilities don’t stop there! There are countless mix-ins and toppings that can take your hash browns from boring to scrumptious. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most mouthwatering ways to upgrade your hash browns. Whether you’re looking to add flavor, texture, protein, or veggies, there are plenty of options to make this side dish shine. Keep reading for over 20 ideas to inspire your next batch of next-level hash browns!
Cheese
Let’s start with an easy choice – cheese! Melting cheese into hash browns adds creaminess, savoriness, and binding. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, but feel free to experiment. Some cheesy ideas include:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Gruyere
- Parmesan
- Queso fresco
- Blue cheese crumbles
For maximum indulgence, make cheesy potato patties by forming the hash browns into patties, topping with cheese, and broiling until melted and crispy.
Meat and Other Proteins
Adding cooked meat or other protein takes hash browns to a heartier, more savory place. Sausage and bacon are no-brainer mix-ins, but chicken, ham, and shrimp also pair well. Some protein-packed ideas:
- Crumbled cooked sausage
- Diced ham
- Crispy bacon bits
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Diced prosciutto
- Sauteed shrimp
- Canned tuna
- Diced tofu
- Turkey bacon
- Chorizo
For convenience, look for pre-cooked proteins like rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or pre-cooked sausage. Or cook your protein ahead and add to the hash browns just before serving.
Vegetables
Don’t stop at just potatoes – loading up your hash browns with extra vegetables adds nutrition and exciting flavors. Onion and bell pepper are usual suspects, but consider going beyond. Get inspired with these veggie-filled ideas:
- Diced bell pepper
- Chopped onion
- Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
- Fresh or frozen spinach
- Corn kernels
- Diced zucchini or summer squash
- Chopped broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted sweet potato cubes
For extra crispness, sauté veggies before mixing into hash browns. Soft veggies like spinach can be stirred in raw at the end. Get creative with vegetable combinations and discover new favorites!
Herbs, Spices, and Sauces
Herbs, spices, and sauces are an easy way to add big pops of flavor. Try these ideas:
- Minced garlic or onion powder
- Chili powder or chipotle seasoning
- Curry powder
- Parsley, cilantro, or chives
- Dried dill or oregano
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce like Cholula or sriracha
- Pesto
- Harissa or other chili paste
Spice blends like ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, jerk seasoning, or Cajun seasoning also make flavorful additions. Stir in herbs and spices early so the flavors develop as the hash browns cook. Or top finished hash browns with sauces for a quick flavor hit.
Cheese and Meat Combinations
For ultimate protein and flavor, combine cheese and meat in one powerhouse hash brown dish. Some mouthwatering partnerships:
- Cheddar cheese and chorizo
- Monterey Jack and bacon
- Goat cheese and prosciutto
- Parmesan and sausage
- Blue cheese and ham
- Cheddar and rotisserie chicken
If you’re not sure what to pair up, think breakfast classics like bacon and cheddar or chorizo and Monterey Jack. The cheese adds comforting richness while the meat provides a savory, salty punch.
Breakfast Meats
Breakfast meats like sausage, bacon, and ham are especially tasty in hash browns. Here are a few more specific breakfast meat ideas:
- Mexican chorizo
- Andouille sausage
- Turkey sausage
- Ground breakfast sausage
- Peppered bacon
- Canadian bacon
- Black forest ham
The breakfast classic pairing of sausage gravy over hash browns is also a winner. Smother your spuds in creamy, peppery sausage gravy for pure comfort food bliss.
Cheesy Combos
Melty, ooey-gooey cheese takes hash browns over the top. For epic cheesy decadence:
- Mix in shredded cheese then top melted cheese on top too for double cheesy impact.
- Make easy baked nacho hash browns with cheddar, salsa, and jalapeños.
- Fold in a Mexican style queso sauce made with Monterey jack and tomatoes.
- Top cheesy hash browns with a fried egg for an ultimate breakfast treat.
However you combine them, cheese and hash browns are a match made in breakfast heaven. Embrace the cheesiness!
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies add fresh contrast to rich, indulgent hash browns. Brighten up your hash browns with:
- Diced apples or pears
- Dried cranberries or cherries
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Chopped spinach
- Diced mushrooms
- Bell pepper
- Zucchini
- Corn
- Onion
Fruit balances salty, savory flavors. For a sweet touch, mix in some diced apples or raisins. Veggies provide texture and freshness. Sautéing mushrooms, peppers, or onions first adds even more flavor.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, and chives add a pop of color and brightness too. Toss them in at the end for maximum freshness. Herby hash brown flavour combos:
- Parsley, garlic, and parmesan
- Basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella
- Cilantro, lime, and jalapeños
- Chives, bacon, and cheddar
Let fresh herbs inspire new hash brown flavor directions beyond just “breakfast” flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Global Flavors and Ingredients
Think outside the breakfast box by adding ingredients from around the world. Some global flavor ideas include:
- Italian: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan, basil
- Mexican: Salsa, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, queso fresco
- Indian: Curry powder, garam masala, cilantro
- Greek: Feta, spinach, red onion, lemon
- Thai: Peanut sauce, red chili peppers, green onions
Use your favorite ethnic recipes for inspiration too. For example, make Korean hash browns with kimchi or Japanese style with furikake seasoning. The possibilities are endless!
Mexican Hash Browns
With its bold, bright flavors, Mexican makes a perfect flavor profile for spicing up hash browns.
- Chorizo and onions
- Jalapeños and cheddar
- Salsa and black beans
- Queso sauce
- Cilantro, lime, cotija cheese
Think tacos, but in hash brown form! Top with guacamole, sour cream, or more salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired experience. Ole!
Mediterranean Hash Browns
The fresh flavors of the Mediterranean also translate deliciously to hash browns:
- Feta cheese and spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes and basil
- Artichoke hearts and olives
- Pesto
- Hummus
Made these Mediterranean masterpieces even heartier by adding cooked chicken breast or chorizo. Opaa!
Loaded Baked Potato Hash Browns
For the ultimate in over-the-top indulgence, make loaded baked potato hash browns. Combining all the classic baked potato toppings on crispy hash browns is a surefire winner. Must-have ingredients include:
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Butter
- Broccoli
Finish it off with extras like jalapeños, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or crispy fried onions. Frito pie inspiration also works beautifully – top cheesy hash browns with chili, cheese, onions, and Fritos or tortilla chips. Load ’em up!
More Toppings!
If this list has proved anything, it’s that hash browns handle toppings incredibly well. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! More unique toppings to try:
- Barbecue pulled pork or chicken
- Chili
- Marsala wine mushroom sauce
- A fried egg
- Hollandaise
- Gravy
- Korean barbecue marinade
- Crab meat
- Lobster meat
- Shrimp
- Avocado
- Guacamole
The variations are endless. And don’t forget condiments to add texture and tang:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Hot sauce
- Pickle relish
Get creative with combinations, think outside the box, and come up with your own signature loaded hash browns.
Simple Additions
While we’ve covered some over-the-top options, even simple additions can take your hash browns up a notch. Easy extras:
- Butter or olive oil for flavor
- Onion powder and garlic powder
- Chopped chives or green onion
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Hot sauce
- A sprinkle of parmesan
A tiny bit of butter or good olive oil adds richness. Onion and garlic powder provide a savory depth without too much work. Finishing touches like chives, black pepper, or hot sauce add little pops of flavor. Keep it easy but impactful.
Home Fries
For an even simpler approach, make home fries. Just cube potatoes, toss with oil and seasoning (try paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper), and roast at high heat until crispy. Sprinkle with herbs or cheese at the end. Minimal effort, maximum satisfaction.
Cooking Methods
However you’re flavoring them up, cooking method impacts the texture of your hash browns. Mix it up!
- Pan fried: Crispy exterior with fluffy interior
- Oven roasted: Flavorful, browned chunks
- Sheet pan method: Maximum crispy surface for loaded hash browns
- Griddle: Flattens and browns for diner-style
Frying on the stovetop in a skillet gives you those coveted crispy bits, but roasting in the oven ensures everything cooks evenly. A sheet pan lets you scatter and flatten hash browns for maximum crisping surface to pile on those toppings. And for fun, try flattening hash browns on a griddle almost pancake-style. Dip into different techniques.
Twice-Fried
For the ultimate crispy hash browns, fry once to cook through, then fry again at high heat to get them ultra crispy on the outside. Lay them on a paper towel-lined plate after the second fry to soak up excess grease. Next level!
Serving Suggestions
However you make them, hash browns pair perfectly with so many breakfast favorites:
- Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs
- Bacon, ham, or sausage
- Pancakes or waffles
- French toast
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Breakfast burritos or tacos
- Avocado toast
- Lox and bagels
Pile your dressed-up hash browns alongside (or on top) of any egg dishes, sandwiches, or breakfast entrees. Or skip the extra protein and enjoy them as a hearty meal on their own. However you choose to serve them up, spiced up hash browns make for a mouthwatering morning!
Conclusion
Hash browns aren’t just a boring sidekick – with a little creativity, they can be the star of your breakfast! It’s incredibly easy to spice up plain old hash browns with mix-ins like cheese, meat, veggies, herbs, sauces, and other fun toppings. Global flavors, breakfast classics, and over-the-top loaded options are all fair game. Hash browns are the ultimate blank canvas for your breakfast imagination. So dig in to those potatoes, get creative, and take your hash browns to the next level!