The best homemade Hash Browns! Easy and crispy
The best homemade Hash Browns! Easy and crispy! is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Ricette Fresche on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $3.36 total, $0.84 per serving
Ingredients
- 900 g Potatoes (peeled and cut into wedges or sticks)
- 4 cups Cold Water (for boiling potatoes)
- 1 tsp Salt (for water and seasoning)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ tsp Paprika (sweet paprika for color and flavor)
- 4 tbsp Cornstarch (helps create a crisp crust)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for frying; high smoke point)
- 25 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 tbsp Wheat Flour (all‑purpose, for roux)
- 1 cup Whole Milk (preferably 2% fat)
- 40 g Cheese (grated; Parmesan, Gruyère, or any meltable cheese)
- ¼ tsp Additional Salt (to finish the sauce)
- ¼ tsp Additional Black Pepper (to finish the sauce)
Instructions
Prepare the potatoes
Wash the potatoes, peel if desired, and cut them into even wedges or sticks about 1‑2 cm thick.
Time: PT5M
Parboil the potatoes
Place the cut potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 5‑7 minutes until just tender but still firm.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: boiling
Drain and dry
Drain the potatoes in a colander and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Time: PT2M
Season and coat
Transfer the potatoes to a bowl, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, then toss with 4 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Heat oil
Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to a frying pan and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Fry the potatoes
Place the coated potatoes in a single layer. Fry for 3‑4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium-high
Drain fried potatoes
Transfer the fried potatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Time: PT1M
Make the cheese sauce – melt butter
In a small saucepan, melt 25 g butter over medium heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Create a roux
Add 1 tbsp wheat flour to the melted butter, whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly golden.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Add milk and thicken
Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Finish with cheese
Stir in 40 g grated cheese until fully melted. Season with the additional ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Serve
Plate the crispy potatoes and drizzle the cheese sauce over them, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, Cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour, Rice flour
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Wheat Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend, Rice flour
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half‑and‑half, Plant‑based milk (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Cheddar, Vegan cheese
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Frying Pan
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Plate with Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Parboiling potatoes just until tender (not fully cooked).
- Coating potatoes evenly with cornstarch.
- Ensuring oil is hot before adding potatoes.
- Making a smooth roux without lumps.
- Thickening the sauce to the right consistency before adding cheese.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
- Finish the fried potatoes with a light drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale twist.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes turn out soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding potatoes and do not overcrowd the pan. Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly and coat evenly with cornstarch.
Cheese sauce becomes lumpy.
Whisk the flour into the butter continuously to form a smooth roux, then add milk slowly while whisking. If lumps form, use an immersion blender to smooth the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently.
Freezer: Fried potatoes lose crispness when frozen; not recommended.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; leftovers should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 10 and refrigerate; reheat gently and add cheese just before serving.
- Parboil the potatoes a day ahead, keep them dry in the fridge, and fry when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of fried potatoes in Italian cuisine?
Fried potatoes, known as "patate fritte," have been a staple comfort food throughout Italy, especially in the north where potatoes are abundant. They are often served as a simple side in family meals and at festive gatherings, embodying the Italian love for simple, high‑quality ingredients.
What are the traditional regional variations of fried potatoes in Italy?
In Tuscany, potatoes are sometimes tossed with rosemary and garlic; in Sicily, they may be seasoned with oregano and served with a tomato‑based sauce. The version on Ricette Fresche adds a creamy cheese sauce, reflecting the northern Italian affinity for dairy‑rich accompaniments.
How is Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce traditionally served in Italian households?
It is typically plated hot, either as a standalone side or alongside grilled meats, and the cheese sauce is either drizzled over the potatoes or served in a small bowl for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmigiano adds a finishing touch.
On what occasions or celebrations is Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce traditionally enjoyed in Italy?
While not tied to a specific holiday, this dish appears frequently at family Sunday lunches, casual weekend gatherings, and as a comforting addition to holiday spreads where a quick, crowd‑pleasing side is needed.
How does Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
It reflects the Italian culinary principle of letting a few high‑quality ingredients shine. The crisp potato provides texture, while the cheese sauce showcases Italy’s rich dairy heritage, making it a perfect example of simple yet flavorful Italian comfort food.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold), butter, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, and a hard‑grating cheese like Parmigiano‑Reggiano. Acceptable substitutes are sweet potatoes, gluten‑free flour blends, plant‑based milks, and vegan cheese alternatives.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce?
They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or pork scaloppine, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, or a hearty minestrone soup. The richness of the cheese sauce balances well with acidic tomato‑based dishes.
What makes Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce special or unique in Italian cuisine?
The combination of a light cornstarch crust that stays crisp and a velvety cheese sauce is uncommon in traditional Italian cooking, where potatoes are usually boiled or roasted. This fusion of textures offers a modern twist while staying true to Italian flavor principles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams the potatoes instead of crisping them, and adding milk too quickly to the roux, which creates lumps. Also, over‑cooking the cheese sauce can cause the cheese to separate.
Why does this Crispy Fried Potatoes with Cheese Sauce recipe use cornstarch instead of flour for the coating?
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crisper crust because it fries at a higher temperature and absorbs less oil than flour. This keeps the potatoes airy inside while delivering a satisfying crunch.
What does the YouTube channel Ricette Fresche specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ricette Fresche specializes in easy‑to‑follow Italian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and clear step‑by‑step visual instructions for everyday meals.
How does the YouTube channel Ricette Fresche's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Ricette Fresche emphasizes quick, budget‑friendly recipes that use ingredients readily available in typical grocery stores, while many other Italian channels often showcase more elaborate, restaurant‑style dishes. The host also adds personal tips that make classic dishes approachable for beginners.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
