Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes (preferably russet for their starchy content)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
• Optional herbs or spices (like paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes:
   • Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, though leaving the skin on provides extra nutrients and texture.
   • Grate the potatoes using the coarse side of a grater. If you have a food processor with a grating blade, that works too and saves time.
   • Once grated, wrap the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key to getting crispy hash browns as it removes excess water.

2. Season and Mix:

   • Transfer the dried grated potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

3. Shape the Hash Browns:

   • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and portion the potato mixture onto the sheet. Flatten them into thin patties—this maximizes the surface area, increasing the crunch factor.

4. Bake to Perfection:

   • Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
   • Carefully flip each hash brown and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until both sides are crisp and golden brown.

5. Serving:

   • Serve your crunchy hash browns hot from the oven. They are perfect alongside a hearty breakfast or as a tasty side with your favorite main dishes.

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Hash Browns:

• Ensure the potatoes are as dry as possible before mixing with oil and seasonings. Any residual moisture will steam the potatoes rather than crisp them.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Spacing them out allows for better heat circulation, which is essential for that desired crunchiness.
• For an even more golden top, you can broil the hash browns for a few minutes at the end of cooking—just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

With this oven-baked method, you’ll enjoy a deliciously crunchy, less greasy version of the classic hash browns, perfect for a guilt-free, comforting breakfast or brunch. Enjoy your healthier hash browns with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite sauce for an extra flavor kick!

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