Breakfast potatoes go by many different names depending on the region, but they are most commonly known as home fries, hash browns, potato hashes, or country fried potatoes. They are a staple breakfast side dish made from potatoes that are pan-fried until brown and crispy.
What are the origins of breakfast potatoes?
The exact origins of breakfast potatoes are unclear, but potatoes have been a staple breakfast food for centuries. Some sources suggest that pan-fried potatoes were likely introduced to America by Irish immigrants in the 19th century. The Irish had a long tradition of frying up leftover boiled potatoes for breakfast. These fried potatoes were known as colcannon in Ireland.
Other sources point to Swiss and Austrian mountain cooks as possible originators of pan-fried potatoes. They would fry up potatoes in pork fat as a way to use up leftovers. This dish was known as rösti or hašbrown.
Regardless of their exact origins, pan-fried potatoes quickly became a breakfast staple in diners and cafes across America in the early 20th century. The recipes evolved over time, incorporating regional influences and preferences.
What are the different regional names for breakfast potatoes?
Here are some of the common regional names for breakfast potatoes in different parts of the United States:
- Home Fries – The most generic and widely used term, common along the East Coast and Midwest.
- Hash Browns – Popular term in the Pacific Northwest and West Coast states.
- Potato Cakes – Used in parts of Pennsylvania and the Midwest.
- Boxty – An Irish spin on fried potatoes popular in Northeastern states.
- Tater Tots – Shredded and shaped potatoes popularized by Ore-Ida in the Pacific Northwest.
- Southern Fried Potatoes – With additional seasonings, common in Southern states.
- Potato Pancakes – Shredded potatoes made into patties, common in the Midwest.
- Breakfast Potatoes – Generic name used especially in Western states.
So in summary, “home fries” and “hash browns” are the two most common regional names for breakfast potatoes in the United States.
How are breakfast potatoes made?
While recipes can vary, most breakfast potatoes are made by pan-frying potatoes until they are browned and crispy. Here is the basic process:
- Cut potatoes into small cubes, strips, or shreds.
- Parboil or microwave potatoes until partially cooked (optional).
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add potatoes to the skillet and flatten them out.
- Fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown bottom.
- Turn potatoes and cook other side until browned.
- Continue turning and frying potatoes until all sides are crispy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
The best potatoes to use are starchy varieties like russet or Yukon gold. Waxy potatoes don’t get as brown and crispy. Some additional cooking tips:
- Use a cast iron or nonstick skillet for best browning.
- Cut potatoes to uniform size for even cooking.
- Leave potatoes in larger pieces if you want soft, chunky potatoes.
- Shred potatoes on a box grater for shredded hash browns.
- Parboil potatoes first for faster cooking time.
- Add onions, peppers, herbs and other veggies for more flavor.
What are some common ways to customize breakfast potatoes?
Here are some ideas for customizing plain breakfast potatoes:
Seasonings
- Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano, jalapeños
- Rosemary, sage, thyme
- Curry powder
Add-ins
- Onions, bell peppers, jalapeños
- Ham, bacon, sausage
- Cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack
- Scallions, chives
- Tomatoes, spinach
- Salsa
Regional Styles
- Tex-Mex Style – Cumin, chili powder, salsa, peppers, onions, cheddar
- Southern Style – Sausage gravy, Cajun seasoning
- Southwestern – Corn, black beans, peppers, chili powder
- Greek Style – Feta, oregano, red onions, lemon
- Indian Style – Curry powder, coriander, ginger, cilantro
Mix and match seasonings and add-ins to create your own signature breakfast potatoes!
What are some breakfast potato recipe ideas?
Here are a few delicious breakfast potato recipe ideas to try:
Classic Diner-Style Home Fries
Crispy cubed potatoes seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and parsley.
Hash Brown Casserole
Layers of shredded hash browns, cheese, cream soup, eggs, and meat baked into a casserole.
Skillet Potatoes O’Brien
Potatoes pan-fried with bell peppers, onions, and Southwest seasoning.
Greek Baked Potatoes
Thick potato slices baked with oregano, feta, and olives.
Herb Roasted Potatoes
Potato wedges or cubes roasted with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
Potato Pancakes
Shredded potatoes mixed with egg and flour, pan-fried into latkes.
Breakfast Burrito Potatoes
Diced potatoes with onions, peppers, chili powder, cumin, and cheese.
Southern Cheesy Potatoes
Sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce with bacon.
Cajun Breakfast Potatoes
Spicy pan-fried potatoes with Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning.
Get creative with your own flavor combinations! Breakfast potatoes pair well with eggs, meat, cheese, veggies, beans, etc. Adjust cooking methods and seasonings to your tastes.
What are some ways to serve breakfast potatoes?
Here are some classic ways breakfast potatoes are served:
- As a side to eggs, bacon, sausage, etc. in a traditional breakfast
- In a breakfast sandwich or wrap
- Topped with cheese sauce, salsa, etc. as an appetizer
- Mixed into a breakfast bowl or hash
- In a casserole or baked dish
- As a base for skillet dishes like burritos or frittata
- On a breakfast pizza
- As a topping for bruschetta
- On top of nachos
- Served over greens for a salad
Some popular combinations include:
- Eggs Benedict with home fries
- Breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, cheese on home fries “bun”
- Burrito bowl with home fries, eggs, beans, salsa
- Skillet hash with potatoes, corned beef, onions
- Nachos topped with home fries, cheese, jalapeños
Breakfast potatoes pair well with almost any breakfast food. Get creative with serving ideas!
What are the benefits of breakfast potatoes?
Here are some of the benefits that make breakfast potatoes a healthy choice:
- High in nutrients – Potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and iron.
- Complex carbohydrates – The starch in potatoes provides long-lasting energy.
- Fiber – Potato skins contain fiber that promotes digestion.
- No cholesterol – Potatoes contain no cholesterol or fat.
- Versatile – Complement different diets and cuisines.
- Satisfying – Keeps you feeling full and energized.
Potatoes got a bad reputation from fad diets, but in moderation they can be part of a nutritious breakfast. The key is to avoid loading them with too much fat, salt, or sugary toppings.
What are some breakfast potato substitutes?
If you want to change up your breakfast routine, here are some tasty substitutes for breakfast potatoes:
- Cauliflower – Shredded and pan-fried into “cauliflower hash browns”
- Sweet potatoes – Diced and pan-fried with cinnamon
- Plantains – Sliced and pan-fried with cumin
- Winter squash – Diced butternut or acorn squash, roasted
- Taro root – Steamed and mashed with herbs
- Jicama – Diced and pan-fried with lime
- Radishes – Shredded and pan-fried into radish cakes
- Celeriac root – Shredded and pan-fried into fritters
- Broccoli – Florets pan-fried with garlic and olive oil
These alternatives provide many of the same benefits as regular potatoes, while adding diversity to your diet and new flavors to enjoy.
What are the most popular breakfast potato dishes?
According to Google search trends, some of the most sought after breakfast potato recipes and dishes are:
Hash Browns
By far the most popular type of breakfast potatoes. People search for simple “hash browns” more than any other potato variation.
Home Fries
The second most popular variation, home fries are essentially synonymous with hash browns in many regions.
Potato Pancakes
These shredded potato fritters are the third most popular breakfast potato dish.
Breakfast Casserole
Hash browns baked in a cheesy egg casserole is another top search term.
Potatoes O’Brien
Pan-fried potatoes with onions and peppers is also frequently searched.
While hash browns and home fries dominate searches, people are also very interested in creative baked potato casserole recipes and dishes like pancakes and skillet potatoes.
Conclusion
Breakfast potatoes are a versatile and tasty staple that have earned their place alongside eggs, meat, and pancakes on the breakfast table. They go by many names like home fries, hash browns, and potato pancakes depending on region. While basic pan-fried potatoes are the most popular, there are endless ways to customize them. Bake them, spice them, stuff them – breakfast potatoes are the ideal canvas for creativity and customization!