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Mary Berry Hash Brown

Mary Berry Hash Brown - recipe card

Crispy, golden hash browns with tender shredded potato and onion, bound with egg and flour for perfect shape. Inspired by Mary Berry’s classic technique, these are ideal for a hearty breakfast or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 lb total), peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1 small onion, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is essential for achieving crispy hash browns — excess moisture will cause them to steam rather than brown.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed potato-onion mixture with the beaten egg, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir with a fork until evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if too wet, add 1 extra teaspoon of flour.
  3. In a 12-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the butter melts and foams, then the foam subsides — about 2 minutes. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating it is hot enough for frying.
  4. Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, scoop the potato mixture and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Immediately flatten each mound with the back of a spatula to form even patties about 1/4-inch thick. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Fry the hash browns for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them. The first side is ready when the edges are golden brown and the bottom is deep golden. Listen for a steady sizzle — if it fades, the pan temperature has dropped and you need to increase the heat slightly for the next batch.
  6. Using a thin metal spatula, carefully flip each patty. The underside should be an even golden-brown crust. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the second side is also golden and the center is cooked through (test by pressing gently — it should feel firm).
  7. Transfer cooked hash browns to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F / 93°C oven while you finish remaining batches. This prevents them from steaming on a plate and losing crispness.
  8. Repeat with remaining potato mixture, adding more butter and oil to the pan as needed (use 1/2 tablespoon each per batch). Serve immediately with eggs, bacon, or as a side to any breakfast dish.

Notes

Store leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 375°F / 190°C oven for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot and crisp. Alternatively, reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. For longer storage, place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen directly in hot oil, adding 2 to 3 minutes to the total cooking time.

Nutrition

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