Craving McDonald’s crispy breakfast hash browns? Now you can make them at home with this McDonald’s hash browns recipe! This recipe delivers that perfect golden crunch on the outside with a tender, fluffy interior, just like the iconic hash browns you love.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re in the mood for a crispy side, these homemade hash browns bring the delicious McDonald’s experience to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the signature texture that has made McDonald’s hash browns a go-to favourite.
Jump to RecipeWhether you’re skipping the drive-thru or just want to try your hand at homemade perfection, this McDonald’s hash browns recipe is your solution for crispy, golden hash browns that hit the spot every time.
Equipment: What You’ll Need to Make Perfect Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns
Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need for this recipe:
- Box grater or food processor (for shredding the potatoes)
- Large mixing bowl (for combining the ingredients)
- Kitchen towel or paper towels (for drying the shredded potatoes)
- Skillet or frying pan (for frying the hash browns)
- Spatula (for flipping the hash browns)
- Plate (for serving)
- Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
McDonald’s Hash Browns Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesCraving crispy, golden hash browns like McDonald’s? This simple recipe brings the iconic breakfast favourite right to your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy that perfect crunch on the outside and a fluffy interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a delicious, crispy side!
Ingredients
2 cups shredded potatoes (preferably russet potatoes for their high starch content)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch (this helps make them extra crispy)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (optional for extra flavour)
Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1-2 cups depending on pan size)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Hash Browns
- Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, gather all your ingredients. For crispy hash browns, you’ll need shredded potatoes, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and oil. Make sure to have them pre-measured and ready to go for smooth preparation.
Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for the most authentic taste, make sure to use russet potatoes. Their high starch content will give you the crispy texture that McDonald’s hash browns are known for.
- Step 2: Prepare the Shredded Potatoes
The key to crispy hash browns is removing as much moisture as possible. Start by thoroughly rinsing the shredded potatoes under cold water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch that can make your hash browns soggy.
After rinsing, drain the potatoes and place them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Squeeze out all the moisture you can. The drier the potatoes, the crispier the hash browns will be when fried.
Pro Tip: For even better results, let the shredded potatoes sit for 10-15 minutes after squeezing out the moisture. The longer they sit, the crispier they will fry.
- Step 3: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried shredded potatoes with flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently, ensuring that the potatoes are evenly coated in the mixture. The flour and cornstarch help to create a crispy coating, while the salt and pepper add the perfect flavour.
Pro Tip: If you prefer extra crispy hash browns, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture. This will create a thicker, crispy exterior.
- Step 4: Form the Hash Browns
Now it’s time to shape the hash browns! Take a handful of the seasoned potato mixture and gently press it into a rectangular or oval shape, about ½ inch thick. Be sure to pack the potatoes together tightly to prevent them from falling apart while frying.
Pro Tip: For a more authentic McDonald’s look, aim to make them in small, oval shapes. You can use a spoon to scoop the mixture and form it into uniform shapes for consistency.
- Step 5: Fry the Hash Browns
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot, but not smoking.
Once the oil is ready, carefully place the formed hash browns into the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan — leave enough room for the hash browns to fry evenly. Fry each hash brown for 3-5 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tip: If the hash browns are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure they cook through without burning. You can also test the temperature by dropping a small piece of potato into the oil — it should sizzle right away.
- Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once golden and crispy, remove the hash browns from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve them hot and crispy, perfect for breakfast, alongside eggs, or with a dollop of ketchup!
Additional Tips for Perfect Hash Browns:
- Double Frying: For an extra-crispy finish, try double frying. Fry the hash browns until golden, then remove them and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, fry them again for 1-2 minutes until they are extra crispy and golden.
- Freezing: You can prepare the hash browns ahead of time and freeze them. Form the hash browns, fry them halfway through, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag. When you’re ready, fry them from frozen for the ultimate crispy result.
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your hash browns. Add finely chopped onions, garlic, or shredded cheese to the mixture for an extra kick of flavour.
McDonald’s Hash Brown Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 Hash Brown) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 10% |
| Calcium | 2% |
| Iron | 4% |
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories150
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
8g
11%
- Saturated Fat 1g 5%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 200mg 9%
- Total Carbohydrate
21g
8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Total Sugars 0g
- Protein 2g 4%
- Vitamin C 9mg 10%
- Calcium 20mg 2%
- Iron 0.72mg 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Enjoy your homemade McDonald’s hash browns with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Whether paired with morning coffee or as a side to your favourite meal, these crispy hash browns are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Order McDonald’s hash browns at home now—the golden, crispy perfection you can make in your own kitchen!
