Hash brown patties are a delicious and versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. While traditionally cooked on a stovetop, using the oven is a simple and convenient method that yields perfectly crispy patties every time.
To cook hash brown patties in the oven, you’ll need just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
One of the benefits of baking hash brown patties is that you can prepare a large batch at once, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
Preparing the Ingredients for Hash Brown Patties
Before you begin cooking hash brown patties in the oven, it’s important to have all of the necessary ingredients prepared and ready to use. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the ingredients:
- Peel and grate the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, take a grater and grate the potatoes into a bowl. Make sure to use the side of the grater with larger holes for a coarser texture.
- Soak the grated potatoes: After grating the potatoes, place them in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This will help remove excess starch and prevent the potatoes from sticking together.
- Drain the grated potatoes: Once the grated potatoes have been rinsed, gently press them against the colander to remove any excess water. It’s important to ensure that the grated potatoes are as dry as possible, as this will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Season the grated potatoes: Transfer the drained grated potatoes into a mixing bowl and season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
- Form the hash brown patties: Take a handful of the seasoned grated potatoes and press them firmly together to form a patty shape. Repeat this process until all of the potatoes have been used.
Once the ingredients for your hash brown patties are prepared, you are ready to proceed with cooking them in the oven. Make sure to preheat the oven to the required temperature and follow the cooking instructions for the best results.
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients
Before you begin cooking hash brown patties in the oven, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 small onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
These ingredients will ensure that your hash brown patties are flavorful and delicious. The potatoes will serve as the main ingredient, while the onion, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika will enhance the overall taste.
Making the Hash Brown Patties Mixture
Before you start making the hash brown patties, gather all the necessary ingredients and utensils. You will need:
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1. Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the grated potatoes.
3. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and all-purpose flour over the potato-onion mixture.
4. Use your hands to mix everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are well-combined.
5. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the potatoes to release some moisture. This will help the patties hold their shape.
6. After 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze out any excess moisture from the potato mixture. This will further help in forming the patties.
7. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Take a handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
9. Place the patties in the heated skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Once cooked, transfer the patties onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Your hash brown patties mixture is now ready to be cooked in the oven. Proceed to the next step for baking instructions.
Shredding and Squeezing the Potatoes
Shredding the potatoes is an essential step in making hash brown patties. Start by peeling the potatoes using a potato peeler. Once peeled, use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment to grate the potatoes. The size of the grater holes will determine the texture of the hash browns, so choose according to your preference.
After shredding the potatoes, it’s important to remove excess moisture to ensure crispy hash brown patties. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or a cheesecloth. Gather the ends of the cloth to form a pouch, then squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your hash brown patties will be.
Pro Tip: To prevent the potatoes from turning brown due to oxidation, you can place them in a bowl of cold water as you shred them. Just make sure to drain and dry them thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Forming and Baking the Hash Brown Patties
Once your shredded potatoes are prepared, it’s time to form them into patties and bake them in the oven. Follow these steps to make delicious hash brown patties:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure the patties cook evenly and become golden brown.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Take a handful of the shredded potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture. Place the squeezed potatoes into a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
Take a portion of the potato mixture and shape it into a round patty using your hands. Press down gently to flatten the patty, making sure it is consistently thick.
Repeat this process until you have formed all the patties you desire. The size and thickness of the patties can be adjusted according to your preference.
Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the hash brown patties on the sheet, leaving some space between each patty. This will allow them to cook and crisp up evenly.
Step 4: Bake in the Oven
Put the baking sheet with the hash brown patties in the preheated oven. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until the patties turn golden brown and crispy.
After the indicated time, check the patties to ensure they are cooked through and have a nice crunch. If needed, you can flip the patties halfway through the baking time to achieve an even browning on both sides.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the hash brown patties are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them as a delicious breakfast side dish or as part of a hearty meal.
Hash brown patties are best enjoyed fresh and hot, so serve them immediately. They pair well with a variety of toppings, such as ketchup, sour cream, or hot sauce.
Shaping the Patties
To shape the hash brown patties, follow these steps:
- Divide the shredded potatoes into equal portions, depending on the desired size of the patties.
- Take each portion and squeeze out any excess moisture by placing it in a clean kitchen towel and twisting it tightly.
- Flatten each portion into a round patty shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet.
If you prefer a more uniform shape, you can use a round cookie cutter or a biscuit cutter to shape the patties.
Remember to handle the patties gently to avoid breaking them apart. If the mixture seems too crumbly, you can add a little bit of melted butter or oil to help bind it together.
Once all the patties are shaped, it’s time to bake them in the oven!
Adding Flavor to the Hash Brown Patties
Hash brown patties are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. While they already have a fantastic taste on their own, you can easily enhance the flavors by adding some extra ingredients and spices. Here are a few ideas to amp up the taste of your hash brown patties:
1. Onions and Garlic:
Finely chop some onions and mince a clove or two of garlic. Saute them in a pan until they are golden and fragrant. Mix the sauteed onions and garlic with the hash brown mixture before shaping the patties. The addition of onions and garlic will bring a robust flavor to your patties.
2. Cheese:
Who doesn’t love cheesy hash brown patties? Grate your favorite kind of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and fold it into the hash brown mixture. The melted cheese will add a gooey texture and a savory taste to the patties.
3. Herbs and Spices:
Add a pinch of your favorite herbs and spices to elevate the flavors of your hash brown patties. Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika can enhance the taste profile. Sprinkle them into the mixture before shaping the patties.
4. Bacon:
If you’re a fan of bacon, why not incorporate it into your hash brown patties? Cook a few strips of bacon until crispy, then crumble them into small pieces. Mix the bacon bits with the hash brown mixture to infuse a smoky and savory flavor into the patties.
5. Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper:
If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your hash brown mixture. This will give your patties a spicy kick and take the flavor to the next level.
Experiment with these flavor-boosting ideas, or combine multiple options to create your own unique hash brown patties that suit your taste preferences. With these added ingredients, your oven-baked hash brown patties will be bursting with delicious flavors that everyone will love!
FAQ
What are hash brown patties?
Hash brown patties are a popular breakfast dish made from grated or shredded potatoes that are shaped into patties and then fried or baked until crispy.
Can I cook hash brown patties in the oven?
Yes, hash brown patties can be cooked in the oven. Baking them in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying, and it still results in crispy and delicious hash browns.
How do I cook hash brown patties in the oven?
To cook hash brown patties in the oven, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
What can I serve with hash brown patties?
Hash brown patties can be served as a side dish for breakfast or as a base for eggs benedict or a breakfast sandwich. They also pair well with bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit.
Can I freeze hash brown patties?
Yes, you can freeze hash brown patties for future use. After cooking them in the oven, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.