Hash browns are the unsung heroes of the breakfast world—crunchy, golden, and packed with that satisfying potato punch. And regarding hash browns, few places are as prestigious as the Waffle House. The Waffle House Breakfast hashbrowns have gained a cult following, a testament to their unrivaled taste and versatility. These variations go beyond the ordinary, from smothered to covered, chunked to top.
In this definitive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Waffle House hash browns, exploring the different options you can order, tips for recreating Waffle House-quality hash browns at home, and everything else you need to know to master the art of Waffle House hash browns.
History of Waffle House Hash Browns
Waffle House, founded in 1955, started with simple beginnings. Their signature hash browns, however, weren’t always on the menu. The credit for their creation goes to Joe Rogers Sr., a Waffle House manager in the 1970s. Inspired by a customer’s request for “crispy fried taters,” he experimented, perfecting a recipe with dehydrated potatoes, a grill, and a generous amount of butter. The rest, as they say, is hash-brown history.
Waffle House Hash Browns
Before we get to the good stuff, we need to know: What do Waffle House hash browns taste like? Hash browns are more than just a side dish at Waffle House. They’re like a blank sheet you can fill with your favorite toppings. Waffle House hash browns are made with real, fresh potatoes and are chopped to order, ensuring they are as fresh and tasty as possible. These are the different kinds of hash browns that are available:
How to make Waffle House Hashbrowns
The secret to Waffle House breakfast hashbrowns is in their simplicity. Here’s how to recreate that iconic flavor at home:
Ingredients
- 4 large Idaho or Russet potatoes, peeled
- 1/4 cup clarified butter or ghee
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by grating your peeled potatoes using a medium-hole grater. Run cold water over the chopped potatoes until the water runs clear. This will get rid of any extra starch.
- Use a clean cooking towel or paper towels to pat the grated potatoes dry and squeeze out any extra water.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Make the butter clear, then add it and let it melt. Add the chopped potatoes in a single layer when the oil is hot. Don’t put too many potatoes in the pan at once; you may have to cook the hash browns in groups.
- Add pepper and salt. Don’t move the potatoes for three to four minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- After flipping the hash browns, cook them for three to four more minutes or until the other side is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve your hash browns plain or with your favorite Waffle House toppings.
Endless Ways to Enjoy Waffle House Breakfast Hashbrowns
Hash browns at Waffle House are more than just a side dish; they’re a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some popular ways to enjoy them:
- The Classic Combo: Pair your hash browns with eggs, bacon, sausage, or a juicy steak for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
- The Hash Brown Bowl: Waffle House offers several pre-made bowls, like the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Hashbrown Bowl, or you can create your own with your favorite toppings.
- The Waffle & Hash Brown Combo: Combine the sweetness of a waffle with the savory goodness of hash browns for a unique and delicious breakfast.
- The Late-Night Snack: Craving something savory after dark? A plate of hash browns, scattered or smothered, is a perfect solution.
- Get creative: Add them to omelets and burritos or use them as a base for a breakfast pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can order them scattered, smothered, covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped (with cheese), topped (with protein), or country (with gravy).
While delicious, they can be high in calories and sodium, especially with certain toppings. Opt for scattered, diced, or chunked options for a lighter version.
Yes! There is a hidden recipe for Waffle House, but there are a lot of recipes online that taste just like the restaurant.
Waffle House has over 1,900 locations across 25 states in the US. Use their website or app to find one near you.
