Why the Crispy Potato Pancakes (Using Frozen Hash Browns) Is a Must-make
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal, you’ve got to try making crispy potato pancakes using frozen hash browns.
These pancakes are a game-changer! They’re quick to whip up and require minimal prep time.
I love how versatile they are; you can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making every bite satisfying.
You can customize them with your favorite toppings, too. Trust me, once you try these pancakes, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
You won’t regret giving this recipe a shot!
Ingredients of Crispy Potato Pancakes (Using Frozen Hash Browns)
If you’re ready to plunge into the world of crispy potato pancakes, you’re in for quite a treat. These little gems pack a punch of flavor and are super easy to whip up, especially with frozen hash browns. Imagine crispy edges, tender insides, and a delightful topping of zesty red pepper salsa. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for any meal.
Plus, you can easily customize them to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. So, let’s talk about what you’ll need to gather for this delicious recipe.
Here’s a handy list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these crispy potato pancakes:
- 3 cups Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
- 2/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 red peppers (for roasting)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup black olives (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Now, before you rush off to the store, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. First off, using Simply Potatoes makes life so much easier. They’re already mashed, so you can skip the peeling and boiling part, which is a win in my book.
If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for another cheese you love—cheddar or feta would work great too. And when it comes to the salsa, don’t stress if you’re missing a few ingredients; the beauty of cooking is that you can adapt recipes based on what you have.
Maybe throw in some diced tomatoes or jalapeños for an extra kick. Cooking should be fun, so get creative with it!
How to Make Crispy Potato Pancakes (Using Frozen Hash Browns)
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of making crispy potato pancakes using frozen hash browns. First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in 3 cups of Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes. If you’re like me and have a habit of misplacing things, you’ll be relieved to know you don’t need to peel or boil any potatoes here.
Add in 2/3 cup of crumbled goat cheese, 1 tablespoon of cumin for that warm, earthy flavor, and 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper. A pinch of salt, too, because we need that flavor to pop. Mix it all together until it’s combined, and then, here’s the fun part: take a heaping tablespoon of this mixture and shape it into a cute little patty, about an inch wide.
Place those patties on a cookie sheet and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour—or overnight if you’ve got the patience. Trust me, that chill time makes all the difference in keeping them together when frying.
Now, while those patties are getting cozy in the fridge, let’s whip up that vibrant red pepper salsa. You’ll want to roast 2 red peppers over a gas flame or under your broiler until they’re beautifully charred. Then, the trick is to let them steam in a plastic bag until cool enough to handle.
Once they are, peel off that blackened skin, chop them up, and toss them into a medium bowl. Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup of chopped green onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped black olives. A splash of lime juice (about 1 tablespoon) rounds it all out. This salsa is fresh, zesty, and absolutely worth the extra few minutes.
When you’re ready to fry up those pancakes, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a 10-inch frying pan over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes. In a small bowl, combine 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup of milk.
Then, grab your panko breadcrumbs—2 cups of those golden little crunchies—and set up a little assembly line. Dip each potato patty first into the egg mixture and then coat both sides with the breadcrumbs. Fry them in batches for about 4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and making your kitchen smell like heaven.
Drain them on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil. Finally, top each pancake with a generous scoop of your homemade salsa, and serve them hot. They’re crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Who knew being a chef could be this fun and delicious?
Crispy Potato Pancakes (Using Frozen Hash Browns) Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic crispy potato pancakes, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen.
You can easily swap out goat cheese for cheddar or feta for a different flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of cumin, try paprika or garlic powder instead.
For a veggie boost, add finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the mix. You can even experiment with different breadcrumbs, like seasoned or whole wheat.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for extra crunch and kick.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun customizing these delicious pancakes!
What to Serve with Crispy Potato Pancakes (Using Frozen Hash Browns)
Crispy potato pancakes are a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
I love serving them with a zesty roasted red pepper salsa, which adds a vibrant flavor contrast. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top provides a creamy texture that complements the crunch.
For a fresh touch, a simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette works wonders. Don’t forget some sliced avocado or guacamole for added richness!
Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or dinner, these pairings elevate the experience and make it truly memorable.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your crispy potato pancakes turn out perfectly, I recommend a few key tips that can enhance both flavor and texture.
First, make sure to refrigerate your patties for at least an hour; this helps them hold their shape while frying. Use fresh herbs like cilantro for a vibrant taste.
When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan; it’ll lower the oil temperature and make them soggy.
Finally, serve them hot and fresh for the best experience. If you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer for that crispy finish.
Enjoy your delicious creation!