These Healthy Sweet Potato Hash Browns are a fun twist on your breakfast favorites! They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with tasty sweet potato goodness.
Honestly, I love how easy they are to make. Just shred, fry, and enjoy! They go perfectly with eggs, or you can munch on them alone like I do—because who can resist a good hash brown? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! They add a sweet flavor and are loaded with nutrients. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes can work as a substitute, though they won’t have the same sweetness.
Spinach or Kale: I love adding greens for extra nutrition. You can skip them if you prefer, or swap with other greens like Swiss chard or even bell peppers for a different twist.
Green Onion: This adds a nice crunch and mild onion flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular onion finely chopped or even leeks for a different taste.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: I usually opt for these healthier oils for frying. If you want a drop in calories, you could use cooking spray instead.
How Do I Make My Hash Browns Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy hash browns is all about moisture control. After shredding, be sure to squeeze out as much water as you can. This step can make or break your hash brown’s texture!
- Use a box grater or food processor to shred the sweet potatoes.
- Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean towel and twist tightly to remove moisture.
- Cook them on medium heat; too high can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry them in batches if needed for that perfect crunch.
Healthy Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach or kale (optional for added greens)
- 1 small green onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for frying
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25-30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by peeling and shredding the sweet potatoes using a box grater or a food processor. Once you have your shredded sweet potatoes, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can; this will help achieve crispy hash browns!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded sweet potatoes with the chopped spinach or kale, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Heating the Oil:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want the skillet hot enough to crisp the hash browns but not so hot that they burn.
4. Forming the Patties:
Take about 1/3 cup of the sweet potato mixture and shape it into a flat patty in your hands. You may want to make a couple of patties at a time, depending on the size of your skillet.
5. Cooking the Hash Browns:
Carefully place the patty into the hot skillet. Press it down slightly with a spatula to flatten it. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If needed, you can drizzle a little extra oil into the pan before cooking the next batch.
6. Draining Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil while you finish cooking the remaining patties.
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious sweet potato hash browns hot! Top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your healthy, crispy sweet potato hash browns as a nutritious breakfast or side dish. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and nutritional benefits, regular potatoes will still work. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to get them crispy again!
Can I Freeze Hash Browns?
Absolutely! To freeze, cook the hash browns as directed, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
You can get creative! Try adding grated zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to remove any excessive moisture, as it can affect the crispiness.
