Whenever my family cooks a big Sunday breakfast we have to have some form of potato as a side dish. When it comes to cooking potatoes for breakfast there is more than one way to prepare them. Here are just three ways you can prepare potatoes to be eaten for breakfast, or any time of the day.
Shredded Hash Browns
Shredded hash brown pancakes are delicious. I would recommend that you use fresh potatoes over the pre-grated frozen hash browns when making this recipe. To make your shredded hash brown pancakes you need to start with peeled and washed potatoes. The amount of potatoes that you use will depend on how many people you are feeding. I generally find that one small sized potato is enough for one person.
You will need to add some butter or oil to your pan to fry your shredded hash brown pancakes. You only need enough to cover the bottom of your pan. When using butter you may need to add more during the cooking process. After you have greased your pan you will need to preheat it over medium heat.
Once your potatoes are grated and your pan has been preheated you will need to shape your shredded hash brown pancakes. Pick up a handful of shredded potatoes in your hand and squeeze all of the excess liquid out of them. After the excess liquid is squeezed from your grated potatoes you can place them in a pan and flatten with a spatula.
You will want to cook your shredded hash brown pancakes until they are golden brown in color. Once they are browned you will need to flip your potato pancakes over and brown the other side. After you have finished cooking your shredded hash brown pancakes place them on a paper towel to drain.
Shredded hash browns can also be cooked in the oven in casserole form. To find recipes for shredded hash brown casserole visit websites such as allrecipes.com.
Note: Your potatoes will likely turn pink after sitting for a while before cooking. This is completely natural and will not affect the flavor or outcome of your potato pancakes.
Home Style Potatoes
Home style potatoes are basically potatoes that have been cubed and then fried. There are many variations to this recipe allowing you to adjust it to your tastes. Here is a sample recipe for preparing your own home style potatoes which are great served with breakfast or as a side dish for another meal.
The amount of potatoes you use is up to you. For my family of four and a baby, we generally use three to four good sized potatoes for this recipe. Wash your potatoes, leaving them unpeeled, and cube into bite sized portions. The size of cubes is up to you, the smaller the cubes the quicker they will cook. If desired you can add chopped onions, our favorite, and even diced green bell pepper.
Next you will want to add some butter to your skillet, I usually add enough to coat the bottom of the skillet as well as a little extra to toss with the potatoes and other chopped vegetables and preheat over medium heat. Stir potatoes, and other vegetables, to coat with the butter and fry until tender and browned. The cook time depends on the amount of potatoes you use and the size of your potato cubes. Prick a potato with your fork to help determine doneness.
Note: For a delicious twist you can cover the potatoes with shredded cheddar after it has been plated and is still warm.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Mashed potato pancakes are a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes from the night before. These pancakes are quick to make and tasty making them a great option for a quick weekday breakfast food.
To start you will need about 2 cups worth of leftover mashed potatoes. Next you will want to stir in one egg that has been scrambled and some chopped onion if desired. There are a variety of spices that you could use to add some extra flavor to your potato pancakes such as chives, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and/or salt and pepper. After you have added in your seasonings, optional, you can now form your mashed potato patties using your hands to shape the mashed potatoes.
Now that you have formed your potato patties you will want to place a skillet over medium to medium high heat and add enough oil to fry your pancakes. Once the skillet has been preheated you will need to dredge your potato patties in some flour to help them keep their shape. Fry your patties until golden brown and then flip to brown the other side.
Note: These patties can also be a great way to serve leftover mashed potatoes for dinner the next day.
As you can see there are many ways you can prepare potatoes for breakfast such as the examples above. All of the above ideas would work well not only for breakfast but, for lunch and dinner as well.
