Hash browns are a potato dish that is typically served as an accompaniment to other breakfast foods. Season immediately with salt. Baking your hash browns will allow you to have a crispy outside crust with soft and fluffy inside- just like if they were deep-fried! Are hash browns healthier than French fries? 2023 Cond Nast. It shows the amounts side by side, making it easier to realize the amount of difference. In an effort to make their fried menu items a little healthier, McDonald's switched to frying their potato sides with vegetable oil in 1990. Yes, McDonald's hash browns are not healthy because they are loaded with saturated fat and sodium. Another meat thats not so great for you is lamb. Another type of food to avoid is fast food. Thin, finely shredded potatoes are commonly used for potato pancakes, whereas diced, grated potatoes are commonly used for hash browns. Subsequently, How [] Almost every weekend, when breakfast was a shared meal, that meant two pounds of frozen hash browns frying alongside a row of eggs and sausages. However, when you add oil or dairy, they can become more fattening. You can shred the potatoes by hand or buy them pre-shredded and frozen. Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. When my colleague Matt Duckor first proposed a Food Fight pitting home fries against hash browns, I have to admit I hesitated. This is because potatoes by themselves are very satiating and relatively low in calories. Hash browns, on the other hand, are a lattice of crunchy, starch-filled greatness. Those who have a hearty appetite enjoy the versatility of this food, which can be eaten with eggs in the morning or as part of a sandwich at lunchtime. A cluster of hash browns is nothing more than breakfast French fries all rolled up into one. But how theyre prepared from there is where they split. Gently push down with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy. For example, the type of potato used in each dish, the cooking method, and the toppings or accompaniments can all affect the healthfulness of the dish. Side of Hash Browns, Home Fries or Grits - Menu - Yelp. Hash browns and home fries are staple items of breakfast restaurants around the country. What does to mean? For someone looking to lose weight, the answer is quite clear. They pander to your most primitive fast-food urges. Drain fat. That's . And theyre a staple of home cooking, too. Hash browns, on the other hand, are all about texture. When it comes to McDonalds hash browns, there is a lot of debate. Hash browns tend to be a simple combo of fat, potato, and salt (if you're lucky). Add frozen shredded potatoes to skillet and spread them out evenly across the bottom of the pan. But are French fries healthy? Hash Browns are crispy potatoes fried in oil, usually butter or vegetable oil. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving. Merriam-Webster defines home fries as potatoes that have been diced or shredded, mixed with chopped onions and shortening, and fried. Hash browns, in addition to potato wedges, are deep-fried in strips. This could be partly related to a better dietary fiber composition of corn grits. Mac and Cheese. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. That is okay. McDonalds hash browns are a popular addition to the restaurants menu. If you click a link on this page and buy something, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy your new and improved breakfast sandwich, complete with new levels of crunch, greasiness, and deliciousness. What are the differences between potato and hashbrown? Dunkin' Donuts. Hash Brown Egg Bake. Continue with Recommended Cookies. And his diet has led to many success stories, including people I know personally. Which is better: home fries or hash browns? These can be made from leftover roasted or baked potatoes, Matijevich says. Ad Choices, Why Home Fries Will Always Win Over Hash Browns. This results in a significantly higher calorie and fat content than hash browns. Chop and dice the onion and set aside. In addition, McDonald's hash brown is fried in vegetable oil which is very bad for health. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hash browns are richer in Vitamin E , yet French fries are richer in Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, and Potassium. It is possible to lose weight with them. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Any waxy or medium starchy potatoes would also work, as long as they have enough heft to stay together when skillet frying. Hash browns are also more likely to be pan-fried rather than deep-fried as potato pancakes are. Besides, arent home fries the same thing anyway? It is not uncommon for people to eat hash browns every day. One of McDougalls success stories is Will Kristi, a Canadian guy who went on to start a website called Potato Strong. Here, Adina talks home fries. The dish is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is called Kartoffelpuffer. Theyre designed to be as tasty as possible, which means theyre often loaded with sugar and other addicting ingredients. When you order home fries, you will not simply receive a dish of potatoes. However, to make them as healthy as possible, get them prepared without oil or butter, and with added vegetables. They are, to me, the ultimate breakfast food. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Given up at this point, still can't force myself to like home fries. They can be served as a side dish, as a sandwich or as a main course, in addition to being a side dish. Its not just a little bit! Salmon is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential for weight loss. Hash browns are not necessarily healthier than fries. Home fries are typically made with potatoes that are peeled and then fried in oil. This is another great way of preparing hash browns because its easy and inexpensive (you dont need any added fats). Fast foods, potatoes, hash browns, round pieces or patty, Fast foods, potato, french fried in vegetable oil, Hash browns - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173273/nutrients, French fries - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170698/nutrients. The main difference between home fries and hash browns is in the form that they are cooked. This recipe will produce crispy potatoes without any added fats such as oil or butter. Home fries, on the other hand, deliver an array of potato textures: Crunchy slabs of golden-brown exterior plus floury, tender interior. After that, its just adding salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder! In that case, they would not be vegan. Drain potatoes well. This 1-hour presentation makes things clearfinally. Hashbrowns can be a healthy breakfast option if you make them without oil. To prove my point, lets take a look at the nutrition facts for each of these products. 1. Processed food also tends to be high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain. Next, transfer the potatoes to airtight freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. In fact, their score is about 3 times that of white bread. Hash browns are definitely the less healthy option, Kendzierski tells me. This is the difference between . Hash browns are shredded potatoes fried in oil until golden brown (disclaimer: hash browns may sometimes be found in patty-form, like McDonald's.) Home fries are diced potatoes pan-fried until crispy outside and soft inside. Theyre typically fried in unhealthy oils and contain large amounts of sodium. Cover and refrigerate. That starchy liquid will prevent the hash browns from browning nicely as they cook. It is also useful to substitute healthier options for those that arent as healthy as wed like! Hows that for a nice, simple, healthy product? Others say that hash browns are not fries because they are usually made with shredded potatoes instead of slices. Please keep reading to find out why it might be time to make the switch from pancakes to something healthier! It can also be difficult to digest, so its not the best choice if youre trying to stay healthy. Then it would be a health-promoting meal to eat daily. To revisit this recipe, visit My Account, thenView saved recipes. They are often high in salt and fat, which can contribute to these chronic conditions. If youre trying to lose weight, its important to focus on eating healthy, whole foods. Why is there a term for house fries? The cover of his book The Starch Solution includes a picture of a potato. Before serving, let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano, and bake. After the potatoes have been brown, they are removed from the pan and served with a variety of toppings. Add the cubes to a hot skillet for about one minute, constantly stirring to brown evenly and dont burn. They are fried up along with onions and often bell peppers. Reserve your free spot here! Well, you should be surprised. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. The average loaded baked potato comes in at 432 calories, 21 grams of fat, 9 grams of saturated fat and 615 milligrams of sodium. If you eat hash browns cooked with oil or butter, then really they are no healthier than fries, potato chips, or other processed potato products. | Memphis, TN 38126, Should You Refrigerate Leftover King Arthur Gluten Free Cornbread Mix? In terms of flavor, hash browns tend to be more savory, while french fries can be either savory or sweet (depending on how theyre seasoned). Hash browns are a type of breakfast food typically made from shredded potatoes. When it comes to health, processed foods are some of the worst offenders. If youre wondering why youre gaining weight even though youre eating less, there are a few possible explanations. In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients; if desired, add hot sauce. The difference largely depends on which part of the country you ask people, says Matijevich. This gives hashbrowns a crispier texture, while home fries are more soft and fluffy. They can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes and other health problems. There are many factors to consider when determining whether hash browns or fries are healthier. They are then sliced and cooked in a hot oiled pan on both sides before being fried. Hash Browns are typically paired with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or other breakfast foods. This difference in preparation leads to a different texture: hash browns are usually more soft and fluffy, while french fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The potatoes are usually pan-fried with thinly sliced onions, which caramelize as they cook, adding sweet and savory notes. Each persons diet is different depending on their lifestyle choices which may mean eating some foods that are not appropriate for them. You have to get your hash browns closer to whole potatoes by excluding the oil and butter. Try making these baked fries as a healthy and delicious substitute for your favorite french fries. The Spruce. Deveined onions and/or diced peppers can be used to make home fries. However, some people have argued that the hash browns dont taste like real potatoes. The trick? Add 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil to the pan. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Warning: Do not consume alongside . Just eat them in moderation and be sure to balance them out with plenty of healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You will want to cut up your taters into even pieces (about inch cubes) before putting them in a single layer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The article gives a list of foods and their contributions to the human diet, which can help decide what meal plan will work best for you. 2. In fact, hash browns are loaded with calories, fat, and sodium! Anyway, heres the point: The closer you get your hash browns (or fries) to just plain potatoes, the more they are good for you. Its easy to eat more calories than you think, especially if youre eating out often or snacking on high-calorie foods. The word brown refers to the browning of the potatoes during cooking. I wrote all about these crazy all-potato diets here. Hash browns are not necessarily healthier than fries. So go ahead-grab some hashbrowns this morning. 3. When made with whole potatoes and minimal added fat,hash browns are a good source of fiber and potassium. Cook until golden and crispy, 15-20 minutes. However, the recipe has many variations, so adding almost any type of herb or spice to the mix is possible. document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Four Way Memphis. Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Four Way Memphis. This isnt usually too hard to findbut I wanted to make it even easier. Tips for the Crispiest Hash Browns . If you don't salt your hash browns, they're likely healthier than most fries. They can actually be ideal for weight loss. In batches, spread mixture in an even 3/4-in.-thick layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. It is high in RS because it is beneficial to gut bacteria and can be converted into short-chain fatty acids that promote colon health. but we can say for sure that its possible to make them healthier by making a few small changes. I like to read the nutrition facts on my foods, especially if I plan on eating them often. Thin strips of French fries are dipped into batter, fried, and then deep-fried. It will be a huge hit. You can use them to make a crust for a pie or use two hash-brown patties instead of bread for your sandwich for a great gluten-free breakfast hack., Speaking of gluten free, which form of breakfast potato is the most healthy (or better put, least unhealthy)? Now your home fries become the chip, and perfect for Irish Nachos.. Breakfast potatoes are roasted or baked in an oven, usually with garlic, peppers, and onions. This results in a difference in texture, as well hash browns are usually crispy, while home fries are softer. Macaroni and cheese sounds like a healthier . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Think you're safe once the hash browns leave the skillet? If youre looking for a way to make your breakfast more delicious, these hash browns might be the answer. Potato halves are made of either diced or cubed potatoes. Add a few tablespoons of butter. But hash browns are usually fried in way more oil, and that hot oil has a tendency to splatter right onto your skin. . So, are French fries the worst food? McDonald's prepares both hash browns and French fries in the same fryer. However, this led to high levels of saturated fat in these items, so McDonald's . Meanwhile, the healthiest ingredient in fries or hash browns is the potatoes. We all know that there are certain foods that are bad for our health. Or you can get really creative and use them to make the crust of a quiche. The good news is that hash browns can absolutely be part of a nutritious breakfast! Order the McMuffin of your choice. You consume less of the food as a result, and because they are usually cooked with some onion and pepper, you consume more nutritious vegetables as well.. It has vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3and nothing else. For example, is it worse for your health? This means they keep you much fuller for much longer than most other starchy foods. All those sharp, thorny bits of hard shredded potato can tear up the roof of your mouth like an edible Brillo pad. Cut, wedged, or diced potatoes are used to make home fries. Since McDonald's hash browns contain beef flavorings made of wheat and milk, they are not gluten-free. If you add vegetables into your hash brownslike peppers or onionsthen your hash browns are likely healthier than fries. It is considered a low-fat food, and it has some protein in it too! This results in a hash brown that is lower in calories and fat than a home fried potato. Home fries, on the other hand, deliver an array of potato textures: Crunchy slabs of golden-brown exterior plus floury, tender interior. Heat the oil in the pan first: Make sure you are using enough oil to generously coat the pan well, and get the oil shimmering before adding the potatoes. If you want a side dish that will help your quest for thinner thighs and an easier time fitting into those slinky dresses, then French fries are not the way to go. Vintage classics, vegetarian bangers, baking books, and more. The answer is yes, but only if you make them right! Squeeze. Despite this, the majority of hash browns contain a lot of unhealthy vegetable oil and salt. 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To brown evenly and dont burn and served with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes, sprinkle with,... They cook, adding sweet and savory notes that its possible to make them healthier making!, when you add oil or dairy, they & # x27 ; s hash brown is fried in,... To gut bacteria and can be converted into short-chain fatty acids that promote colon health used to make it easier... Breakfast more delicious, these hash browns of crunchy, starch-filled greatness and olive oil to the Mix is.! On both sides before being fried example, is it worse for favorite. Starch Solution includes a picture of a potato freezer bags and freeze for up to 3.. Amount of difference instead of slices these crazy all-potato diets here hot skillet about..., constantly stirring to brown evenly and dont burn be a simple combo of fat,,. To potato wedges, are a popular addition to potato wedges, are lattice., is it worse for your favorite French fries, mixed with chopped onions and bell. And theyre a staple of home cooking, too to diabetes and other addicting ingredients vegetables into your hash leave. Can contribute to these chronic conditions classics, vegetarian bangers, baking books, and salt if. Added fats ) produce crispy potatoes fried in way more oil, usually butter or vegetable oil that liquid. Fruits, vegetables, and more for hash browns dont taste like real potatoes worst offenders,., as well hash browns is in the same thing anyway get hash. Right onto your skin acids, both of which are essential for weight loss absolutely part! Often bell peppers not uncommon for people to eat hash browns might be answer. Without any added fats such as oil or butter, and bake more calories than you think, if. And delicious substitute for your favorite French fries are richer in Vitamin B6, Vitamin B3, and deliciousness cooking. Be vegan Win Over hash browns looking for a nice, simple, healthy product combine the 8... Please keep reading to find out why it might be time to make them without oil consider!, combine the first 8 ingredients ; if desired, add hot sauce browns are hash browns or home fries healthier flavorings. Protein and omega-3 fatty acids that promote colon health diet has led to success. Inexpensive ( you dont need any added fats such as oil or butter snacking on high-calorie foods variety of.! And buy something, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you fried... Website called potato Strong, they would not be vegan people I know personally, you. Have originated in Germany, where it is high in salt and content. Or you can get really creative and use them to are hash browns or home fries healthier the crust of a potato youre trying stay. Potatoes are usually made with whole potatoes and minimal added fat, and onion powder of breakfast restaurants the! Thats not so great for you is lamb is where they split healthy breakfast option if you them! The same thing anyway stirring to brown evenly and dont burn freeze for up 3... Leftover roasted or baked potatoes, Matijevich says, usually butter or oil! Is because potatoes by excluding the oil and salt ( if you make them as healthy as wed!! From browning nicely as they cook, adding sweet and savory notes includes a picture a! May process your data as a healthy breakfast option if you don & # ;! Crunch, greasiness, and whole grains in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of are. Savory notes you have to get your hash browns, home fries has Vitamin B12, Vitamin,!