Frozen hash browns are potato and onion rosti cakes made in a triangle shape which are partly cooked before freezing. These can be cooked in a microwave and most of us prefer to do so as it is super easy and quick.
To cook frozen hash browns in the microwave, you just need to follow the instructions given below:
- Take a microwave-safe bowl and arrange all the hash browns you want to cook in a single layer. Try not to overlap or stack them as these will make cooking difficult.
- Cover it with a lid to retain the moisture in the hash browns. Cook them on high for 1 ½ – 2 minutes.
- Flip all the hash browns and cook again for 1 ½ – 2 minutes.
- Repeat this step until they are good enough to eat. This will take approximately 3-5 minutes to microwave all of them. However, the time taken will depend on the size/shape of hash browns and the power of the microwave.
- Once cooked, leave them for 1-2 minutes to settle. Add some butter and black pepper to enhance their taste. Serve hot with your favorite breakfast accompaniments like cooked bacon and eggs.
While cooking hash browns in the microwave, ensure that they dry out. There may be much moisture in them in certain brands and in case it is not present, add a little water or oil to the plate which keeps the hash browns moist.
Can you microwave hash browns?
Yes, you can microwave hash browns. Cooking hash browns in the microwave are quick and easy, also require no previous preparation as well.
However, while microwaving hash browns, there would not be much change in the color and it remains almost the same as when you take them out of the packet.
I use the microwave for cooking hash browns only when there is no other option left or have less time for cooking. These hash browns do not have the same taste and texture as they have when cooked in the oven or fried in a skillet.
Microwave is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for cooking almost all kinds of dishes but the color, taste, and texture can differ to some extent.
Can you cook frozen hash browns in the oven?
Yes, you can cook frozen hash browns in the oven. It is a healthier version and very little oil is required to bake it in the oven.
This method requires very few simple things, to begin with. Below is the method to cook frozen hash browns in the oven:
- The first step is to preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take a cookie sheet or a baking tray and line it with an aluminum sheet with a shiny side up.
- Use a butter-flavored cooking spray and spray it with foil.
- Lay the hash browns on the foil with proper spacing. Try not to stack them one over the other.
- Spray the cooking spray on the top of the hash browns.
- Bake for 30 minutes. In between this, flip the hash browns and spray a little oil again.
- When hash browns turn golden-brown, they are fully cooked.
- Remove them from the oven and serve them hot with salt and pepper according to taste.
By adding thinly sliced onions to hash browns before baking, the flavor can be increased. Serving baked hash browns with fresh tomato salsa or hot sauce will enhance their flavor.
Are frozen hash browns cooked?
Yes, frozen hash browns are cooked and packed. These are an easy alternative to all the procedures of making hash browns like cooking, peeling, and shredding.
While making frozen hash browns, potatoes are boiled and go through the full procedure of cooking. Whenever you want to eat a delicious breakfast, hash brown is a good option that saves a lot of time and effort.
Apart from buying from the market, you can make frozen hash browns at home as well.
To make frozen hash browns at home, follow the below steps:
- Take some peeled or unpeeled potatoes and boil them till they become soft.
- Shred or crush them and put them into the water to remove all the starch.
- Drain all the water and dry them thoroughly by using paper towels. You can even squeeze the shreds to drain the water.
- When dried properly, shape them into triangular shapes or any shape of your choice.
- Hash browns are ready to freeze and pack in freezer bags or air-tight containers.
How to get frozen hash browns crispy?
To get frozen hash browns crispy, bake them either in the oven or fry them on the skillet.
The method to cook frozen hash browns in the oven is already mentioned above. You can refer to that and try for sure to get crispy golden brown hash browns in just 30 minutes. By this method, you can get crispy hash browns with less grease and fat.
Another method to get frozen hash browns crispy is to fry them on a cast-iron skillet. The method is explained below:
- Take a cast-iron skillet and pour 3-6 tablespoons of vegetable oil into it.
- Place the skillet on the stovetop and heat the oil on medium-high heat to approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put the frozen hash browns in the skillet and cover them.
- Cook them for 5 minutes and then use a spatula to flip them.
- Cook for another 5 minutes. Ensure to check in between from time to time to prevent them from burning.
- Once hash browns become golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove them from the skillet.
- Serve the crispy hot hash browns with salt and pepper and enjoy.
How to cook frozen hash browns in a frying pan?
To cook frozen hash browns in a frying pan, you need to fry them in oil. The method for this is mentioned in detail above which you can refer to.
It is an easy way to get crispy hash browns in just 10 minutes and these are quick and yummy. I am sure if you try this method, you won’t try any other method to cook hash browns.
However, if you are keeping a count on calorie intake, this method to cook hash browns is surely not for you. Cooking frozen hash browns in a frying pan has lots of calories as the fat content is more.
To cook them more healthily, baking in the oven should be used. By this method also, you will have crispy tasty hash browns but I like fried hash browns more.
Should I thaw frozen hash browns before cooking?
Yes, you should thaw frozen hash browns before cooking like any other food item.
You can still cook frozen hash browns without thawing in the microwave or on a skillet but they may become soggy and mushy. Also, while cooking them the heat may spread unevenly and the outside part of the hash browns may be cooked while the inside part remains frozen.
To avoid this, you should thaw frozen hash browns before cooking. In this way, any excess moisture will be removed and they will be crispy.
You can thaw frozen hash browns by any of the 2 methods:
- You can thaw them by keeping them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Or, you can even thaw them in the microwave by putting them in a microwavable bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2-3 minutes on frozen mode or medium setting. Once the hash browns are done, the excess fluid present must be drained.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen hash browns in the microwave is the easiest and quickest method in which you get cooked hash browns in just 2-3 minutes. But for crispy hash browns, you must try the oven or skillet method.
Hope you like this article on hash browns and is helpful to you. Use the tricks and tips mentioned above next time whenever you prepare hash browns for breakfast.