Ready for a delicious twist on a loaded baked potato? Our loaded hash browns recipe is a go-to side dish, appetizer, or breakfast addition that’s quick, easy, and incredibly tasty. Made with convenient frozen shredded potatoes, this recipe is open to many additions like different cheeses, meats, and veggies. You are in for a customizable and satisfying meal, perfect for your next gathering or brunch. You can try them with my Croissant Breakfast Bake!
Why You'll Love These Hash Brown Squares
- No Stovetop Mess: Unlike frying hash browns in a skillet, these are baked in the oven for zero mess and perfectly even crispiness.
- Crispy Edges: Baking them in a single layer (before adding toppings) guarantees that every square has a golden, crunchy bottom.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This is the ultimate "sheet pan" style breakfast or appetizer. Just slice and serve!
What You Will Need:
- 3 cups of frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- 3 pieces of cooked and diced bacon
- 6 tablespoons of sour cream (optional)
- 1 scallion cut into small pieces (optional)
Here is How to Make Them!
The Hash Browns for the Loaded Hash Browns
The hash browns I used were shredded hash browns. I bought them at the local grocery store. The hash browns should be kept to an 8 x 8 inch area if you are using a baking sheet. The first step of baking the hash browns is to brown and crisp them. Bake them at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Once the hash browns are crisp, they are ready for the cheese and bacon!
The Cheese and Bacon
The addition of the cheese will help to keep the hash browns together. Once cooled it will harden to hold the hash brown pieces. Add the cheese in one layer to cover the hash browns. The bacon goes on next in one layer. Once the bacon has been added, you can put the baking dish back in the oven for about 7-10 minutes to melt the cheese. Take the hash browns out and let cool for about 10 minutes. Slice into 4-6 squares once cooled and add the sour cream and onions if you would like. If you need another appetizer, try the Nashville hot chicken dip! I hope you enjoy my loaded hash brown recipe!
FAQ's:
This recipe uses frozen shredded hash browns, which are convenient and cook up perfectly crispy for this dish.
The key is to bake them at a high temperature (425°F for 30 minutes) in a single layer to ensure they brown and crisp up properly before adding the toppings. Rotating the pan halfway through also helps.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can use various cheeses, or add cooked meats like sausage or ham, and even different vegetables to make it your own.
Yes, the addition of cheese helps bind the hash browns together. After baking, it’s crucial to let them cool for about 10 minutes, as the cheese will cool and harden, creating a connected square that holds its shape.
These are incredibly versatile! They make a great appetizer or side dish for gatherings, complement brunch perfectly, and can be served with optional sour cream and scallions, or your favorite loaded potato toppings.
If you are using a baking sheet, arrange the hash browns in roughly an 8x8 inch square. The recipe also states an 8x8 inch baking dish.
Recipe
Easy Loaded Hash Brown Casserole (Crispy Cheesy Squares)
Ingredients
- 3 cups of shredded frozen hash browns
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- ⅛ teaspoon each of sea salt and cracked pepper
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- 3 pieces of cooked and diced bacon
- 6 tablespoons of sour cream optional
- 1 scallion sliced into small pieces optional
Method
- In an 8 x 8 pan lined with parchment paper, layer the shredded frozen hash browns on the bottom of the pan. (see notes)
- Brush the melted butter on top of the shredded hash browns.
- Bake hash browns at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
- After the hash browns have baked and are browned, sprinkle the cheese on in a single layer, then layer the bacon. Place back in the oven for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Let the hash browns cool for about 10 minutes. The cheese should cool and make the whole bake one connected piece.
- Cut the hash browns into 4-6 pieces.
- Serve with sour cream and scallions.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Key Takeaways
- The loaded hash browns recipe is a customizable and delicious dish perfect for side, appetizer, or breakfast.
- You need frozen shredded potatoes, cheese, bacon, and optional toppings like sour cream and scallions.
- Bake the hash browns at 425°F for 30 minutes before adding cheese and bacon, then bake again for 7-10 minutes.
- Let the loaded hash browns cool for 10 minutes before slicing for best results.
- This recipe allows for various additions such as different cheeses and meats, making it versatile for any gathering.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.