Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

Most recipes require soaking your raw, shredded potato in cold water to rinse off the excess starch, then squeezing every last bit of moisture out before tossing it in a pan.

Dry Potatoes = Crispy Hash Browns

This makes sense—potatoes are loaded with moisture, which makes browning difficult. By getting rid of excess water, you enable the potatoes to brown more evenly and quickly.

If you use a waxy potato, they'll stick together nicely, but they won't get as crispy as you might want. Another option is to add more ingredients that will act as binders. Try adding cheese to your hash browns because when the cheese melts it will be like a gooey glue that holds your potatoes together.

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

Give them a cold water bath: Once your fries are chopped, toss them into a large bowl. Then cover the fries completely with cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This will help to rinse off the excess starch and help the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Heat the oil in the pan first: Make sure you are using enough oil to generously coat the pan well, and get the oil shimmering before adding the potatoes. Spread the potatoes in a thin layer: A thin layer of shredded potatoes in the pan will help the hash browns crisp up better and cook more evenly.

Preparation. 1) Fill a bowl with cold water and set aside. 2) Grate the potatoes with a box grater and place them immediately into the cold water. 3) Allow the potatoes to sit in the water for about 5 to 10 minutes.

To ensure ultimate crispness, be sure to rinse the grated potatoes with cold water until the water runs nearly clear and to use a very hot, well-seasoned pan. As with all potato dishes, remember to season well.

A: Exposure to air or oxygen is the cause of this situation when the potatoes are cut and stored in advance for any future cooking.

Why are my homemade hash browns soggy? ›

Another thing to keep in mind for crispy hash browns is that you shouldn't salt the potatoes until you are about to flip them. She Loves Biscotti explains that salting too soon will also cause the potatoes to release water which can cause them to steam and be soggy, too. So, in essence, soak, squeeze, salt.

Cast iron skillets get super hot and will give the hash browns the perfect golden, crispy crust. Make sure you use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Don't add the potatoes until the oil is hot and shimmering. Spread the potatoes in a thin layer in the pan so they cook evenly.

Using a drier, starchier potato such as Idaho, and rinsing away the excess starch is a sure-fire way to crispy, golden hash browns. Butter helps both browning and flavor, while oil lowers the smoke point, allowing your pan to do the steady, even cooking needed for perfectly crisped potatoes.

Both! Butter caramelizes on the outsides of the potatoes, bringing delicious flavor and crispiness. Oil keeps the butter from burning and the potatoes from sticking to the pan, promoting evenly cooked hash browns. For a meaty, smoky flavor, swap in bacon fat for the vegetable oil or half of the butter.

Sprinkle shredded potatoes into hot butter in an even layer; season with cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook potatoes until a brown crust forms on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip or stir and continue to cook until potatoes are browned and crusty all over, about 5 more minutes.

Bake, don't boil

Baking sweet potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, especially when done whole. It intensifies their flavor and creates a richer taste compared to boiling, which can result in a watered-down, bland flavor.

Types of Potatoes to Soak

"Sweet potatoes can also be peeled and stored in water for up to 24 hours."

When chopping sweet potatoes in advance, make sure to store them in cold water in the refrigerator. That said, if you're cooking sweet potatoes in advance, don't worry about the water. Cooked sweet potatoes do just fine when stored in an airtight container.

After cutting sweet potatoes, the easiest way to prevent browning is to submerge them in water. You can store them in water in the fridge for 3-4 days in advance.