Ina Garten’s Waffle Iron Hash Browns is a crispy, golden delight that adds a creative twist to traditional hash browns. Using a waffle iron to cook the shredded potatoes ensures even crispiness with minimal effort. These hash browns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a fun side dish.
What are Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns?
Waffle Iron Hash Browns are shredded potatoes seasoned and cooked in a waffle iron, creating a crisp, waffle-like pattern. This ingenious method from Ina Garten guarantees perfectly cooked hash browns without flipping or frying.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns
- Crispy Perfection: The waffle iron creates evenly crispy hash browns.
- Easy and Fun: A simple yet creative way to cook potatoes.
- Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side.
- Minimal Oil: A healthier alternative to pan-fried hash browns.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns
- Russet potatoes – 2 large, peeled and shredded
- Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp, melted
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Optional toppings: Chopped chives, sour cream, shredded cheese, or hot sauce
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and shred the russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded potatoes with melted butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook in the Waffle Iron: Spread a generous handful of the seasoned potatoes evenly onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and press gently to flatten the potatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the hash browns from the waffle iron and serve immediately. Garnish with optional toppings like chives, sour cream, or shredded cheese, if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns?
- Eggs: Serve with scrambled, fried, or poached eggs.
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy contrast.
- Breakfast Meats: Pair with bacon, sausage, or ham for a hearty meal.
- Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad for a brunch dish.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer ketchup, aioli, or hot sauce on the side.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns
- Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess water from the shredded potatoes ensures crispiness.
- Grease the Waffle Iron: Lightly grease the waffle iron to prevent sticking.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Check the hash browns after 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Customize Seasoning: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Work in Batches: Depending on the size of your waffle iron, cook the hash browns in multiple batches.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns
- Cheesy Hash Browns: Mix shredded cheese into the potato mixture for extra flavor.
- Spicy Hash Browns: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Sweet Potato Hash Browns: Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier option.
- Herbed Hash Browns: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill.
- Loaded Hash Browns: Top with crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked hash browns in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the waffle iron or oven.
Nutrition Value
- Calories: ~150 per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: ~10% of the daily value
FAQs
How Do You Keep Hash Browns Crispy in a Waffle Iron?
To keep hash browns crispy in a waffle iron, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes before cooking. Additionally, preheat the waffle iron thoroughly and avoid overcrowding it, so the potatoes cook evenly and crisp up properly.
Can You Use Frozen Hash Browns in a Waffle Iron?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns in a waffle iron. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This prevents excess moisture from making the hash browns soggy.
How Long Should You Cook Hash Browns in a Waffle Iron?
Hash browns typically take 8-10 minutes to cook in a waffle iron, depending on the heat setting and thickness. Check after 8 minutes to ensure they’re golden brown and crispy.
What Are the Best Toppings for Waffle Iron Hash Browns?
The best toppings for waffle iron hash browns include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, crumbled bacon, avocado slices, or hot sauce. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a personalized twist.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Waffle Iron Hash Browns are a fun and delicious twist on a breakfast classic. With their crispy texture and endless topping possibilities, these hash browns are sure to be a hit at any meal. Try this easy recipe today and elevate your breakfast or brunch game!
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Hummus
- Ina Garten Beef Stock
- Ina Garten Onion & Fennel Soup Gratin
- Ina Garten Smoked Salmon Spread
Ina Garten Waffle Iron Hash Browns Recipe
Waffle Iron Hash Browns are shredded potatoes seasoned and cooked in a waffle iron, creating a crisp, waffle-like pattern. This ingenious method from Ina Garten guarantees perfectly cooked hash browns without flipping or frying.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes – 2 large, peeled and shredded
- Unsalted butter – 2 tbsp, melted
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Optional toppings: Chopped chives, sour cream, shredded cheese, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and shred the russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded potatoes with melted butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook in the Waffle Iron: Spread a generous handful of the seasoned potatoes evenly onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and press gently to flatten the potatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the hash browns from the waffle iron and serve immediately. Garnish with optional toppings like chives, sour cream, or shredded cheese, if desired.