Creamy Hash Browns

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Creamy Hash Browns offer a comforting breakfast or brunch option, featuring tender potatoes cooked with savory bacon drippings and onions, finished with a splash of evaporated milk for richness. Perfect for sharing among family or friends, this dish combines crispy and creamy textures with savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 6 Tbsp. bacon drippings or butter
  • 6 cups diced raw potatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1 small can evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Melt bacon drippings or butter in a large frying pan; stir in diced raw potatoes, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
  3. Uncover; stir from the bottom of the pan, then sauté over low heat, turning often for 15 minutes.
  4. Pour evaporated milk over the mixture, stirring gently for 1 to 2 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier texture, try using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as they hold up well during cooking. If you're short on bacon drippings, unsalted butter or olive oil works as great substitutes. Adding garlic or herbs like thyme can enhance the flavor. Make sure to stir the mixture gently to avoid breaking the potatoes too much while incorporating the evaporated milk.

Serving Suggestions

These creamy hash browns are perfect as a hearty breakfast side dish or can be served alongside main dishes like Smokin Barbecue Riblers for a satisfying meal. For a complete breakfast, pair them with scrambled eggs and a fresh Spinach Salad Dressing for a balanced plate. They also complement dishes such as Pork recipes beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Creamy Hash Browns contains roughly 132 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1312mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

132 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 7.8g 10% DV
Carbs 11.6g 4% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1311.9mg 57% DV
Potassium 344.6mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 10.2mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 17.7mg 20% DV
Calcium 8.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen hash browns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns for convenience, but the texture will differ. If using frozen, skip the initial cooking steps and sauté them directly until heated through, adjusting the time accordingly to ensure they are crispy.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the bacon drippings with a plant-based oil, like olive oil or coconut oil. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying, and you can add additional vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition.

What can I do if my hash browns are too soggy?

If your hash browns turn out soggy, ensure you're using the right type of potato and that they're diced evenly. Next time, try pressing them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before cooking. Cooking them longer over low heat while stirring gently can also help achieve a better texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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