This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
With just three simple ingredients, these Waffle Iron Hash Browns are easy to make and super yummy for breakfast. These are super crispy and browned on the outside, with just a bit of soft potato goodness on the inside.
And, they take all the guesswork out of making them on the stove. Have you tried these frozen hash browns in a waffle iron yet? You’ll love them!
We appreciate your support
Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
Less oil and easy to make
One other thing I really like about these hash browns in waffle maker is that they use a lot less oil than cooking them in a skillet.
Just 2 tablespoons for all those shredded potatoes.
And they still come out super crispy and browned. Win!
You can top these with cheese (either before or after cooking), especially cheddar cheese, for a delicious treat.
Oh and add a fried egg after cooking! In fact, you can add an egg before cooking and have egg waffles. You can cook your egg at the same time you cook the hash browns!
Or serve them with some Microwave scrambled eggs.
great for breakfast or brunch
Try them on a breakfast sandwich with English Muffins, eggs, and cheese.
They’re perfect for eating as a simple side dish with scrambled eggs. Your family will love these, and you’ll love how easy they are.
The waffle iron cooks the hash browns on both sides simultaneously, leaving the outsides crispy and the insides soft and creamy.
Or, have your kids make them for you for Mother’s Day! I mean, who wouldn’t want these for breakfast in bed?!
Looking for more great breakfast ideas, try serving these potatoes with Chilaquiles Cups, Coconut French Toast, and Iced Shaken Coffee.
Recipe Notes:
Microwaving the potatoes to defrost them is such a time saver! Keep in mind that microwave power varies.
My microwave is pretty powerful, so it doesn’t take long to defrost the potatoes.
Keep an eye on the potatoes as they defrost so you can get a good idea of how long they take. Unlike my microwave, my waffle maker is old.
So I imagine most people have a newer fancier waffle maker than I have. Cook according to the directions on your machine.
And, take the hash browns out when they are nice and golden brown and crispy!
Looking to pin this recipe? Grab the pin here.
Foods you can make in a waffle iron
Isn’t the waffle iron fun? There are many things you can make in it. This recipe for hash browns is super simple but you can also mix in cheese and herbs to your liking. Make them more savory and they will be perfect for dinner. Ohhh, add in some shredded onion, garlic or garlic powder too!
Toss in some crumbled bacon or ham pieces for a meat lovers treat.
You can even make latkes (very similar to these hashed browned potatoes).
Try using frozen (thawed) tater tots as well!
Of course there’s waffles, but take those and make them even more special by making Belgian Liege Waffles. Make Waffle Iron Stuffed Pizza.
Have you tried the Cinnamon Roll Waffles yet? And OMG I must try a Puff Pastry Waffle! Make yourself a sweet potato waffle or a Waffle Iron Caramel Apple Pie.
Did you know you can waffle spaghetti? And a waffled grilled cheese sandwich makes so much sense!
troubleshooting
If you’re having problems with getting the potatoes to stick together, it could be for a few reasons.
First, make sure you’re microwaving the potatoes. Pre-cooking them a bit helps to cook off some of the moisture. If you don’t they will be too wet to crisp up.
I find that Ore-ida brand hash browns works well for these. Some of the other brands don’t seem to stick together well.
And, be sure that you’re cooking them long enough to get nice and browned. Don’t skimp on the cooking time. There is some amount of guess work in the time because the cooking time will depend on how finely the potatoes are shredded and the temperature of your waffle iron. So there will be some variation in the time.
Make ahead and storage
These tasty breakfast side dishes can be made ahead. Making them perfect for busy mornings!
The cooked and completely cooled waffles can be wrapped in plastic and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, place them in freezer ziptop bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat them in the toaster or toaster oven.
Let’s stay connected
If you like seeing my recipes subscribe via email in the upper right.
Or, connect with me on your favorite social media channel for recipes, photos, & much more:
Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter!
And find my shop on Amazon for recommendations on cool tools
If you try this recipe,
please come back & leave a comment below letting us know how it goes.
Share a picture & tag @lifecurrents on Instagram.
Or you can upload a “tried it” photo (I would love to see)
via the pin.
Waffle Iron Hash Browns Recipe
Waffle Iron Hash Browns
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash browns
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Defrost frozen hash browns in the microwave, about 2-4 minutes on full power. Microwave power varies, so check the hash browns as you defrost them.
- Once defrosted, stir oil and salt into the potatoes.
- Preheat waffle iron. Brush griddle of waffle iron with oil. Once waffle iron is hot & ready, place the potatoes on the griddle of the waffle maker and smooth out so they are flat. Close lid of waffle maker and press down on the lid. Following the manufacturer’s directions on your waffle maker, cook the hash browns until golden brown and crispy, about 10-14 minutes.
- Open waffle maker and carefully remove the waffle iron hash browns.
Video
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Julie
I’m a pancake girl, not a waffle girl but I am a crispy hash brown girl through and through! I love that I can be cooking these in my under used waffle iron while my eggs are a cooking!
Debra C.
This is right up my alley! These hash browns are so crunchy and perfectly crispy, I’m so glad I gave these a try. Thanks for sharing that the old waffle maker does the trick, mine is pretty old too!
Janette
The favorite part of breakfast for me is the crispy hash brown potatoes. This is a great way to get both sides crispy. I absolutely love this!
shockinglydelicious
I thought I had the world’s oldest waffle iron! I would get ALL the wife points if I made these. Printing the recipe now.
Jill
Do you think this would this work with fresh potatoes as well? Or is it best with frozen?
Debi
Jill, I think this would totally work for fresh potatoes as well. I haven’t tried it, so I can’t guarantee it. But it’s one of the things we keep meaning to try. If you try it, let me know how it goes. I would definitely still pre-cook the potatoes a bit in the microwave (just like we say to do with thawing the frozen ones). With fresh potatoes, I find that they will burn on the outside before the cook all the way through for things like these hash browns.
Sophie
Mine fell apart when I opened my waffle iron
Debi
Sophie, two things will contribute to this. The brand of hashbrowns that you used, and if you didn’t leave them in the waffle iron long enough. I have found that Ore-Ida works well. And, even if they fell apart, I bet they were still delicious.