This Easy Potato Hash recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch, served with fried eggs on top, for a hearty, comforting, and delicious, super simple meal.
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What is Potato Hash?
Potato hash is a popular breakfast or brunch dish that typically consists of diced potatoes that are sautéed or fried with vegetables such as onions and peppers and sometimes meat such as bacon or sausage. The dish is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs and can be served with eggs cooked in various styles, such as fried or poached, on top. Potato hash is a hearty and filling dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a popular and versatile breakfast option.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Yukon gold or russet potato: The grated potatoes serve as the main ingredient in the hash, providing a hearty and starchy base. They crisp up when cooked, adding texture and a rich potato flavor.
- Sweet potato: The grated sweet potato adds a touch of natural sweetness to the hash. It complements the regular potato and adds vibrant color to the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is used for cooking potatoes and vegetables. It helps achieve a crispy texture while adding a pleasant taste to the hash.
- Poblano or bell pepper: The chopped pepper adds a mild heat and distinct flavor to the hash. Poblano peppers have a slightly smoky taste, while bell peppers offer a milder and sweeter flavor.
- Yellow squash and green zucchini: These chopped vegetables contribute a fresh and mild flavor to the hash. They add color, texture, and moisture, enhancing the overall taste and appearance of the dish.
- Red or yellow onion: The chopped onion provides the hash a savory and aromatic element. It adds depth of flavor and complements the other ingredients.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: These seasonings enhance the taste of the hash by bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Salt adds a savory note, while black pepper adds a subtle kick.
- Cilantro: The chopped cilantro is used as a garnish and adds a refreshing and herbaceous flavor. It provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the hash.
- Eggs: The eggs are cooked in small wells within the hash, adding protein and richness. They bind the ingredients together and create a satisfying and complete meal.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Potato Hash
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Pierce both potatoes a few times, put them in the microwave, and cook on high until cooked through 5 to 10 minutes; alternatively, you can boil them. Carefully remove the skin from the sweet potato. Dice both potatoes into ½ to ¾-inch pieces and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the poblano peppers, squash, zucchini, and onions, and cook for a few minutes. Add the diced potatoes to the veggies and cook until golden brown. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
In a separate pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and crack in the eggs. Cook until the whites have set, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve the potato hash with a fried egg on top of each portion. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Potatoes: You can use different types of potatoes, such as red or fingerling potatoes, or even sweet potatoes instead of Yukon gold or russet potatoes.
- Poblano or bell pepper: You can substitute any mild chili or sweet bell peppers.
- Yellow squash and green zucchini: You can use other types of summer squash, such as pattypan or crookneck squash, or a different vegetable, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- Olive oil or butter: You can use any cooking oil or fat that you prefer, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
- Cilantro: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute parsley or basil.
- Eggs: If you don't eat eggs, you can skip them or substitute them with tofu or a plant-based egg substitute.
- Salt and pepper: You can use different types of seasoning, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cumin.
Variations
- Meaty potato hash: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or chorizo to the potato hash for a more hearty and protein-rich dish.
- Vegetarian potato hash: Omit the meat and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or kale for a vegetarian version.
- Southwest potato hash: Add black beans, corn, and chopped jalapeño peppers to the potato hash for a spicy and flavorful twist.
- Mediterranean potato hash: Add diced tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the potato hash, and top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Sweet potato hash: Use only sweet potatoes or add more sweet potatoes to the recipe for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
- Potato hash with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top of the potato hash before serving for a cheesy and comforting meal.
- Vegan potato hash: Omit the eggs and use a plant-based egg substitute, such as tofu or chickpea flour, to make a vegan version.
- Breakfast potato hash: Top the potato hash with a poached egg, hollandaise sauce, and chopped chives for a classic breakfast dish.
How to Serve
- Topped with fried, poached, or scrambled eggs: Potato hash pairs well with eggs, which adds extra protein and flavor to the dish.
- As a side dish: Potato hash can be served as a side dish with your favorite breakfast or brunch items, such as toast, bacon, or avocado.
- On its own: Potato hash can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, especially if you add meat or more vegetables to make it more filling.
- With a side of salsa or hot sauce: Add a dollop of salsa or hot sauce on top of the potato hash to give it an extra kick.
- With a side of fruit: Serve the potato hash with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced melon, to balance the flavors and add some natural sweetness.
- In a breakfast burrito: Use the potato hash as a filling for a breakfast burrito, along with scrambled eggs, cheese, and other toppings.
- As a brunch buffet item: If you're hosting a brunch party or potluck, potato hash can be served as a part of a brunch buffet along with other breakfast dishes like quiche, muffins, and fruit salad.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow it to cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat: There are a few different options:
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potato hash in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated.
- On a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and add the potato hash. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
- In the microwave: Transfer the potato hash to a microwave-safe container and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Make-Ahead
Prepare the potato hash according to the recipe instructions. Let the potato hash cool down to room temperature. Transfer the potato hash to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the potato hash using one of the methods described in the "How to Store & Reheat" section above. Serve the potato hash with eggs or your favorite breakfast or brunch items.
Tips for Making The Best Potato Hash
- Use the right type of potatoes: For the best texture and flavor, use starchy potatoes such as russet or Yukon gold.
- Dice the potatoes evenly: Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use a non-stick skillet: This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan and ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the potatoes until golden brown: giving them a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking.
- Season well: Use salt and pepper to taste, and don't be afraid to add other seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cumin.
- Add veggies and herbs: Mix in chopped onions, bell peppers, and other veggies of your choice to add flavor and nutrition to the dish. Adding herbs such as cilantro or parsley can also enhance the flavor.
- Serve with eggs: The combination of potato hash and eggs is classic and delicious. Fry, poach, or scramble eggs and serve them on potato hash.
- Customize to your liking: Add bacon, sausage, cheese, or any other ingredients you like to make the dish your own.
FAQ
Why are my potatoes not crispy?
Ensure you diced the potatoes into small, even-sized pieces (½ to ¾ inch). This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the potatoes, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in soft potatoes. Pat the diced potatoes dry with a paper towel before adding them to the skillet to remove excess moisture.
How can I prevent the eggs from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick skillet to fry the eggs, or ensure the skillet is well-greased with olive oil before adding the eggs. Ensure the skillet is preheated to medium heat before cracking the eggs. A hot skillet can help prevent sticking.
Can I customize this recipe with other vegetables or seasonings?
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Some options include diced tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, or different herbs and spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.
How do I adjust the cooking time for the eggs to get my desired level of doneness?
The suggested cooking time for the eggs in the recipe is 3 to 4 minutes for set whites. If you prefer runny yolks, cook them for a shorter time (around 2-3 minutes), or for firmer yolks, cook them longer (4-5 minutes).
Why is my potato hash too mushy?
If your potato hash turns out mushy, it's likely due to excess moisture. Make sure to dry the diced potatoes before cooking and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can trap steam and prevent browning, resulting in a mushy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is already gluten-free as long as you don't add any ingredients containing gluten. Double-check the labels of any seasonings or sauces you use to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
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Recipe
Easy Potato Hash
Ingredients
- 1 Yukon gold or russet potato , scrubbed
- 1 sweet potato , scrubbed
- 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 poblano pepper or bell peppers , chopped
- 1 small yellow squash , chopped
- 1 small green zucchini , chopped
- 1 medium red or yellow onion , chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper , to taste
- 1 small bunch of cilantro , chopped
- 5 large eggs , as needed
Instructions
- Pierce both potatoes a few times, put in the microwave, and cook on high until cooked through 5 to 10 minutes, alternatively, you can boil them.
- Carefully remove the skin from the sweet potato. Dice both potatoes into ½ to ¾ inch pieces and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the poblano peppers, squash, zucchini, and onions and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the diced potatoes to the veggies and cook until golden brown. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- In a separate pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and crack in the eggs. Cook until the whites have set, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve up the potato hash with a fried egg on top of each portion. Enjoy!
Notes
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potato hash in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated.
- On a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and add the potato hash. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
- In the microwave: Transfer the potato hash to a microwave-safe container and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.