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Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Loaded Hash Browns

crispy cast iron skillet loaded hash browns - featured image
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A quick and easy breakfast recipe featuring crispy hash browns loaded with sautéed onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon, cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and grate the russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes into a large bowl of cold water and soak for 5 minutes to remove excess starch.
  2. Drain the potatoes in a colander and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
  3. Cook the bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  4. Add diced onions to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Remove onions and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the dried grated potatoes, sautéed onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Wipe out the skillet if needed, then heat over medium-high. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
  7. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the skillet, pressing down gently with a spatula to form a compact layer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook without stirring for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
  8. Carefully flip the hash browns in sections or all at once using a large spatula or plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter around the edges and cook for another 5 minutes until the other side is golden and cheese is melted.
  9. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Drying the potatoes thoroughly is crucial for crispiness. Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and preheat properly to avoid sticking. Flip carefully in sections if flipping whole hash browns is difficult. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and cheese with vegan alternatives. For vegetarian, omit bacon or replace with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash browns, breakfast, cast iron skillet, crispy potatoes, loaded hash browns, bacon, cheddar cheese, easy breakfast

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-cast-iron-skillet-loaded-hash-browns-best-easy-breakfast-recipe/