The Finishing Touch That Your Hash Browns Are Begging For

If loaded hash browns aren't already on your radar, then let us change that now. It's time to start giving these crispy little potato patties the loaded potato treatment, pushing them from side dish to full meal. And honestly, the ways you could take this upgrade feel limitless. Just imagine crispy hash browns topped with fried eggs, jalapeño popper filling, pepperoni pizza toppings, Buffalo chicken, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. You can even cook up a whole array of topping combos to sample at once for a starchy spin on the viral deviled egg flights.

It works because hash browns have that rare combination of crunch, salt, and also a bit of subtlety that lets the toppings of your choosing do the talking. And they're also sturdy enough to hold saucier toppings, too. Whether you're making them yourself with shredded potatoes or you're relying on premade patties like Trader Joe's frozen hash browns, your first step will be preparing a good and crisp base. So if you are making them from scratch, check our list of mistakes to avoid when making homemade hash browns because excess moisture is enemy number one in the quest for crispiness. Once you have your hash browns all ready to go, it's time to get creative.

From obvious combinations to flavors that might become unexpected favorites, there are all kinds of toppings to load onto your hash browns. Go classic loaded potato by topping a patty with cheddar, popping it under the grill or broiler then throwing some sour cream, chives, and bacon bits on top. You could also try a warm, creamy chipotle chicken topping or a BLT-style tomato-bacon-ranch combo. Really anything that is nice and melty can be used here because the appeal here is all about the contrast between the crispy potato and the gooey toppings.

To make these impress, think of each layer bringing something different. So the bottom has the crunch, the middle brings the rich and saucy layer, and then you balance them out with a little brightness. For example, a bagel-style version could see a handful of chopped capers and smoked salmon on cream cheese, while a vegan version could feature plant-based cheese topped with crispy roasted mushrooms and pickled onions. Another option is to drizzle shredded chicken and cheese with the perfect homemade BBQ sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. A pizza-inspired version comes together easily with mozzarella, marinara, and mini pepperoni slices. A British-style brunch feels instantly elevated when you throw baked beans and cheese on top of hash browns instead of toast. 

Loaded hash browns are a stand-out meal for hosting. Simply prep the toppings in advance and when it's time to serve, the hash browns will cook quickly in a pan or air fryer. Depending on how you top them, these can be seriously impressive both aesthetically and in taste. You'll never look at hash browns the same again.