McDonald’s Hash Brown Recipe

Craving the iconic McDonald’s hash browns at home? Look no further! This easy-to-follow recipe will help you recreate those golden, crispy hash browns that everyone loves. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious breakfast treat ready in no time. 

Perfect for weekend brunches or a quick breakfast on the go, this McDonald’s hash brown recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Personal Experience

As a long-time fan of McDonald’s hash browns, I was thrilled to discover how simple it is to make them at home. The results were spot-on and utterly delicious!

Equipment List

• Box grater or food processor
• Large bowl
• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Frying pan
• Spatula
• Baking sheet (optional)
• Paper towels

Ingredients List

• 4 medium Russet potatoes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

McDonald’s Hash Brown Recipe – Step by Step Preparation

Step 1:

Grate Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and then grate them using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes into a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Step 2:

Drain and Dry: After 5 minutes, drain the potatoes and use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy hash browns.

Step 3:

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dried potatoes, flour, egg, salt, pepper, and onion powder (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4:

Shape Hash Browns: Form the mixture into small patties, roughly the size and shape of McDonald’s hash browns.

Step 5:

Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the hash brown patties to the pan.

Step 6:

Fry: Cook the hash browns for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.

Step 7:

Drain: Remove the hash browns from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Tips for Success

• Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to remove as much moisture from the potatoes as possible to ensure crispy hash browns.
• Consistent Heat: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat while frying to achieve even cooking and browning.
• Don’t Overcrow the Pan: Fry the hash browns in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Use Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for hash browns due to their high starch content.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning – properly seasoned hash browns are key to that authentic McDonald’s taste.

Variations

1. Cheesy Hash Browns: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture for a cheesy twist.
2. Spicy Hash Browns: Mix in a teaspoon of paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
3. Herb Hash Browns: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor.
4. Sweet Potato Hash Browns: Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative.
5. Vegan Hash Browns: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use gluten-free flour.

Conclusion

Recreating McDonald’s hash browns at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this beloved breakfast item anytime you want. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some fun variations, these homemade hash browns are sure to impress.

FAQs

Can you freeze homemade hash browns?

Yes, you can freeze homemade hash browns. After shaping them, place the hash browns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.

Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be cooked directly from frozen, either by frying or air frying.

How do you reheat leftover hash browns?

To reheat leftover hash browns, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

How do you shape the hash browns?

To shape the hash browns, take a handful of the potato mixture and form it into a flat, oval shape. You can use a mold or your hands to shape them to resemble McDonald’s hash browns.