Hash Brown Waffles Recipe

If you're looking for a game-changing breakfast that combines the best of both worlds, hash brown waffles are about to become your new morning favorite. These crispy, golden beauties transform traditional hash browns into perfectly portioned waffle-iron-shaped delights. Hash brown waffles deliver that satisfying crunch on the outside with a tender, fluffy interior that makes every bite worth savoring.

What makes hash brown waffles so special is their versatility and simplicity. Just grab some shredded potatoes, a few pantry staples, and your waffle maker, and you're ready to create an impressive breakfast in minutes. These work beautifully topped with eggs, cheese, or avocado for a loaded experience everyone will love.

Why Hash Brown Waffles Are a Breakfast Game-Changer

Hash brown waffles have taken the brunch world by storm, and for good reason. They offer all the crispy, potato goodness of waffle house hash browns but with a fun twist that makes them easier to serve and customize. The waffle iron does all the heavy lifting, creating those signature crispy edges and pockets that hold toppings perfectly. No more flipping and babysitting hash browns in a skillet; just press, wait, and enjoy.

These potato waffles are incredibly forgiving and work with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Want to make them cheesy? Toss in some cheddar. Craving something lighter? Skip the cheese and add fresh herbs. Looking for a vegan hash brown waffles option? Simply swap out any dairy and you're good to go. The beauty of this hash browns breakfast recipe is that it adapts to your dietary needs while still delivering that satisfying crunch we all crave in the morning.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Golden Secret to Perfect Crispiness
• FAQ
• Wrapping Up Your Perfect Breakfast
• Related
• Pairing
• Hash Brown Waffles

Ingredients

For the Hash Brown Waffles

• Shredded potatoes
• Egg (or flax egg)
• All-purpose flour (or almond flour)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Finely chopped onion
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Melted butter or olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Fried or poached eggs
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado
• Crispy bacon bits
• Fresh chives or green onions
• Hot sauce or salsa

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

1. Peel and shred your potatoes using a box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment.
2. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
3. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible; this is the most important step for achieving crispy hash brown waffles.
4. Transfer the dried potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

1. Add the egg, flour, shredded cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with potatoes.
2. Pour in the melted butter or olive oil.
3. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes while your waffle maker heats up.

Step 3: Cook in the Waffle Maker

1. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat and spray both sides with cooking spray or brush with oil.
2. Scoop about ½ to ¾ cup of the potato mixture onto the center of the waffle iron (amount depends on your waffle maker size).
3. Close the lid and press down gently to help the mixture spread evenly.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy; don't open too early or the waffle might stick.
5. Carefully remove the hash brown waffle using a fork or silicone spatula.
6. Repeat with remaining mixture, keeping finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer your crispy waffles to serving plates.
2. Top with your favorite breakfast accompaniments like fried eggs, cheese, or sour cream.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
4. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting perfectly crispy hash brown waffles comes down to a few key techniques. The most important tip is removing as much moisture as possible from your shredded potatoes. Excess water is the enemy of crispiness, so take the time to really squeeze those potatoes dry.

Essential Tips for Success:

• Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for crispier results
• Don't overfill the waffle maker: Use less mixture than you think; it will spread as it cooks
• Let the waffle maker do its job: Don't open the lid too early or the waffle will stick
• Adjust cooking time: Want extra crispy hash browns in waffle maker? Add an extra minute or two
• Season generously: Potatoes need adequate salt to really shine

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this shredded potato recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. Once you master the basic technique, you can get creative with flavors and ingredients to make these potato waffles your own.

Popular Variations:

• Loaded Waffle House Hash Brown Bowl Style: Add bell peppers, jalapeños, diced ham, and extra cheese to the mixture for a fully loaded version inspired by waffle house hash brown options
• Mediterranean Twist: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired brunch potato dish
• Southwest Flavor: Add corn, black beans, pepper jack cheese, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex version
• Vegan Hash Brown Waffles: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), use dairy-free cheese, and substitute olive oil for butter
• Sweet Potato Version: Swap half the regular potatoes with shredded sweet potatoes for added nutrition and a slightly sweet flavor
• Herb and Garlic: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic for an aromatic savory waffle recipe

Dietary Modifications:

• Keto-friendly: These are already fairly low-carb, but for strict keto, use cauliflower rice instead of half the potatoes
• Gluten-free: Simply use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour
• Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative
• Low-sodium: Reduce salt and use fresh herbs for flavor instead

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes creating perfect hash brown waffles much easier. While you don't need a lot of fancy equipment, a few key items will help you achieve the best results every time.

Essential Equipment:

• Belgian or standard waffle maker: Either style works; Belgian creates thicker waffles with deeper pockets while standard makes thinner, crispier versions
• Box grater or food processor: A food processor with a shredding attachment saves time if you're making large batches
• Clean kitchen towels: Essential for removing moisture from the potatoes; cheesecloth also works well
• Large mixing bowl: Gives you plenty of room to mix without making a mess
• Silicone spatula or fork: Helps remove the finished waffles without damaging your waffle maker's surface
• Cooking spray or oil brush: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• No waffle maker? You can make these in a panini press or even shape them into patties and pan-fry them
• Skip the food processor and use a simple box grater; it takes a few extra minutes but works perfectly
• Regular dish towels work just as well as fancy cheesecloth for drying potatoes

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about hash brown waffles is how well they store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prep and busy mornings. Properly stored, these waffles maintain their crispy texture and delicious flavor.

Refrigerator Storage:

• Let the waffles cool completely on a wire rack before storing
• Place parchment paper between each waffle to prevent sticking
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy

Freezer Storage:

• Flash-freeze waffles on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to freezer bags
• Store frozen waffles for up to 3 months
• No need to thaw before reheating; pop them straight into the toaster or oven
• For best results, reheat in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes

Meal Prep Strategy:

• Make a double batch on Sunday and freeze individual portions for quick weekday breakfasts
• Prepare the potato mixture the night before and store in the refrigerator; just give it a quick stir before cooking
• Pre-shred your potatoes and store in water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning

FAQ

Wrapping Up Your Perfect Breakfast

Hash brown waffles are the ultimate breakfast innovation that brings together convenience, flavor, and that irresistible crispy texture. Whether plain or loaded with toppings, these hash brown waffles deliver a satisfying breakfast without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Now that you've mastered hash brown waffles at home, check out our Greek Yogurt Waffles Recipe for a lighter, protein-packed option. And when the holidays roll around, our Gingerbread Waffles Recipe brings warm spices and festive flavors to your breakfast table.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in 20 minutes; breakfast goals achieved! 🧇 ~ Viola

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Pairing

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