Loaded Hash Browns – Perfect Breakfast and Brunch Recipe

If you love breakfast, brunch, or a comforting side dish, Loaded Hash Browns are a must-try. Imagine perfectly golden, crispy shredded potatoes layered with melted cheddar, savory bacon, fresh green onions, and topped with creamy sour cream. Every bite is packed with flavor and texture, making it irresistible for any meal of the day.🥔

Unlike basic hash browns, this recipe includes rich, hearty toppings that transform a simple breakfast staple into a decadent, restaurant-style dish. Crispy edges, tender interiors, gooey cheese, and bacon crumbles create a harmony of flavors everyone will love. This dish is perfect for brunch parties, holiday breakfasts, or as a hearty side for dinner.

Loaded Hash Browns

Golden, crispy hash browns loaded with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream 🥔🧀 — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Hash Brown Base

• 4 cups shredded potatoes fresh or thawed frozen
• 2 tbsp butter or oil

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream for topping
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Peel and shred potatoes (or use thawed frozen). Rinse and pat dry to remove excess starch.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spread potatoes evenly and press slightly. Cook 5–7 minutes without stirring until golden.
3. Flip potatoes and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Cover for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
5. Garnish with green onions and add sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness.

Why You’ll Love These Hash Browns

• Extra crispy texture – golden, crunchy edges with a soft center.
• Loaded with flavor – cheese, bacon, green onions, and creamy sour cream.
• Quick and versatile – can be baked, pan-fried, or air-fried.
• Family-friendly – loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for brunch or dinner – pairs with eggs, burgers, or grilled meats.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded potatoes (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup sour cream, for topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes
   Peel and shred fresh potatoes, or use thawed frozen shredded potatoes. Rinse in cold water and pat dry to remove excess starch.
2. Cook hash browns
   In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Spread shredded potatoes evenly, pressing slightly. Cook 5–7 minutes without stirring for a crisp base. Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden.
3. Add toppings
   Sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon over the potatoes. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
4. Garnish and serve
   Sprinkle with green onions and add a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately for the crispiest, cheesiest experience.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers.
• Spicy kick: Add cayenne or paprika to the potatoes before cooking.
• Cheese variations: Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend works well.
• Meal prep: Cook potatoes ahead of time and reheat in a skillet for crispy edges.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked hash browns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispiness.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving, 1 cup)

• Calories: 310
• Carbs: 22 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g