How to Make Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Hash Browns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hash browns are a classic breakfast side dish that most people love. But what if you could take your hash browns to the next level by using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Not only are sweet potatoes delicious, but they’re also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Even better, you can make crispy sweet potato hash browns in the oven instead of frying them, so they’re healthier and easier to clean up. In this blog, we’ll show you how to make crispy baked sweet potato hash browns with simple instructions anyone can follow.
What You’ll Need:
Before we jump in, let’s gather the ingredients and tools needed. You’ll only need a few basics, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1 small onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce
Tools:
- A grater (to shred the sweet potatoes)
- A mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (or cooking spray)
- Oven
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. You can use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt. After washing, peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. If you like to keep the skin for extra fiber and nutrients, that’s fine too—it comes down to personal preference.
Once peeled, grab your grater and shred the sweet potatoes into thin strips. You want them to look like little matchsticks. A box grater works perfectly for this task.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Transfer the shredded sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. If you’re using onion for extra flavor, finely dice it and add it to the bowl. Next, drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the sweet potatoes. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
Now it’s time to season! Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together using your hands or a spoon, making sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
To prevent sticking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly across the sheet. Try to arrange them in a thin, even layer with no big clumps. This step is important—if the sweet potatoes are too crowded, they won’t crisp up properly.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Bake the sweet potato hash browns for about 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. After about 15 minutes, use a spatula to turn the hash browns so both sides get crispy. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes of baking to make sure they don’t burn.
You’ll know the hash browns are ready when they’re golden brown around the edges and slightly crispy on top.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your hash browns are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. You can serve them as is, or sprinkle some fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and color. If you like a little spice, drizzle hot sauce or add a pinch of chili flakes.
Serve the hash browns with eggs, avocado toast, or yogurt for an easy and healthy breakfast. They’re also a great side dish for lunch or dinner—try pairing them with grilled chicken or salmon.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
You might be wondering why baking hash browns is preferable to frying. There are several reasons! First, baking requires less oil, which means fewer calories and a healthier dish. Second, baking eliminates the mess and hassle of frying, like splattering oil and having to clean a greasy pan. Finally, baking allows the sweet potatoes to cook evenly, ensuring they’re crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
Tips for Extra Crispiness:
If you really want your sweet potato hash browns to be extra crispy, here are a few bonus tips:
1. Dry the Sweet Potatoes: After grating, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze out any excess moisture. The drier the sweet potatoes, the crispier they’ll get.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to spread the sweet potatoes in a single thin layer on the baking sheet. Crowding traps steam, which makes them soggy instead of crispy.
3. Use High Heat: If you’re short on time, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Just make sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts:
Crispy baked sweet potato hash browns are a tasty, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this guilt-free treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you’ve tried this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your home!
Let us know how your sweet potato hash browns turn out—did they meet your expectations? Did you add any fun twists or toppings? Share your tips and experiences in the comments! Happy cooking!
