If you have a soft spot for breakfast classics that bring all the best flavors together, then you are going to love this Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden shredded potatoes layered with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions, finished with a cool dollop of sour cream. This dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, these loaded hashbrowns never fail to delight and satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of crispy texture and melty, savory flavors starts with a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each component in this dish plays a crucial role: the shredded hashbrowns create that crunchy base, cheddar cheese adds rich creaminess, bacon brings a punch of smoky goodness, and green onions contribute a fresh, bright finish.
- Frozen shredded hashbrowns (4 cups): Using thawed frozen hashbrowns makes this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing crispiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding gooey texture and bold flavor.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Provides a smoky, salty crunch that elevates every bite.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Offers a mild oniony zest and pops of color.
- Vegetable oil or butter (2 tbsp): Perfect for getting that golden crust on the hashbrowns.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creamy tanginess that balances the richness when served on the side or on top.
How to Make Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Heat the Oil
Start by warming your vegetable oil or butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key to achieving that irresistible crispy bottom layer of hashbrowns.
Step 2: Cook the First Side
Spread the thawed hashbrowns evenly in the skillet and press them down slightly. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes so they develop a deep golden crust. Patience here rewards you with maximum crunch.
Step 3: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Carefully flip the hashbrowns to cook the other side, another 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures each bite is perfectly crispy and cooked all the way through. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper at this stage to enhance the overall flavor.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt
Once both sides are crispy, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hashbrowns. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 1 to 2 minutes—the ooey-gooey cheese is what transforms this dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 5: Top with Bacon and Green Onions
Finally, scatter the cooked and crumbled bacon along with the fresh chopped green onions on top. Serve your Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe hot with sour cream on the side or spooned generously on top for that perfect tangy contrast.
How to Serve Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra garnish can really make your loaded hashbrowns sing. Besides the crispy bacon and green onions already in the recipe, feel free to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic breakfast staples like fluffy scrambled eggs, savory sausage links, or even a fresh fruit salad to add a sweet note and balance out the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve the loaded hashbrowns scooped onto individual plates and topped with a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg. Another fun idea is to turn this hashbrown mixture into crispy patties and serve them as a handheld breakfast indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover loaded hashbrowns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that they’ll lose some crispness but will still be delicious when reheated.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover loaded hashbrowns, it’s best to do so before adding the sour cream and fresh toppings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To bring back that delightful crisp texture, reheat the hashbrowns in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This method restores the crunch without drying them out. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresher texture, grate your own potatoes, rinse and drain them well to remove excess starch, then pat dry. This will give you a fantastic homemade twist on the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers to keep the savory depth and texture.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and has bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Can I prepare Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe ahead of time for a brunch party?
Definitely! You can cook the hashbrowns and add cheese in advance, then quickly reheat and top with bacon and green onions just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
How do I make loaded hashbrowns extra crispy?
Make sure to use a good amount of oil or butter and press the hashbrowns down firmly when cooking. Cook them undisturbed on each side to develop a deep, golden crust—this is the secret to perfect crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of indulgent. Next time you want a memorable breakfast or a simple yet hearty side, give this recipe a whirl. I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
Print
Loaded Hashbrowns Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Loaded Hashbrowns recipe featuring crispy shredded potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions, perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Hashbrown Base
- 4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat oil or butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a crispy base.
- Cook first side: Spread hashbrowns evenly in the skillet and press down slightly. Cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip and cook second side: Flip the hashbrowns carefully and cook for another 5–7 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked hashbrowns, cover with a lid, and cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Top and serve: Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top. Serve hot with sour cream on the side or dolloped on top for a creamy finish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a cast iron skillet if available.
- Thaw hashbrowns fully before cooking to avoid steaming and achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
