Crispy Cheesy Hash Browns

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by peeling the russet potatoes and then grating them using a box grater or food processor. The finer the grating, the crispier the hash browns will be. Once grated, place the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. This helps remove excess starch, which can prevent the hash browns from becoming crispy. Let the potatoes soak for 5-10 minutes to ensure the best texture. After soaking, drain the water and use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your hash browns will be!
   2. Season the potatoes: Transfer the grated and dried potatoes to a large bowl. If you’re using the grated onion (which adds flavor and moisture), stir it into the potatoes now. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
   3. Add cheese: Once the potatoes are well-seasoned, add the shredded cheddar cheese (or any meltable cheese you prefer). Mix the cheese into the potatoes, ensuring that the cheese is well-distributed throughout. The cheese will melt as the hash browns cook, adding a gooey, savory element to each bite.
   4. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (and butter, if using) over medium-high heat. The butter will add extra richness and flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter option. Once the oil is hot, but not smoking, you’re ready to cook the hash browns.
   5. Cook the hash browns: Take a handful of the potato mixture and form it into a loose patty. Carefully place it into the hot skillet. You can fit several patties in the pan at once, but be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Flatten each patty slightly with the back of a spatula to ensure even cooking. Cook the hash browns for 4-5 minutes on one side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip each patty carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, until both sides are crispy and browned. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to ensure the hash browns cook evenly without burning. Repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil or butter as needed between batches.