7 Ways to Turn Frozen Hash Browns into a Healthy Dinner

April 10, 2024

Courtesy of Taste With The Eyes

Having a variety of frozen vegetables on hand is one of the secrets to cooking at home more often. Not only do they save you time and money — reducing shopping trips, and avoiding fresh produce going to waste — they’re also just as nutritious, if not more so, as their fresh counterparts. One of the veggies that’s versatile and a guaranteed crowd pleaser: frozen hash browns.

Though we often associate frozen hash browns with breakfast, the truth is, they’re just shredded potatoes, and potatoes are good any time of day. They get a bad rap for being unhealthy — and granted, fries and chips aren’t the most optimal choices. But prepared healthfully and eaten in moderation, potatoes are nutritious, rich in vitamin C and potassium. Look for brands that are just loose shredded potatoes, with no oil or binders added (some contain a little dextrose to help with browning, but it’s a negligible amount).

Keep a bag of hash browns in your freezer, and you’ll always be ready to whip up a healthy, hassle-free dinner everyone will love.

1. Egg and Cheese Hash Brown Waffles

Courtesy of Yellow Bliss Road

Granted, hash brown waffles do seem suited to breakfast, and you could certainly enjoy them in the morning. But we also love this gluten-free twist on potatoes as a side at dinner. Serve them with fish, chicken, burgers, pork tenderloin, or whatever you’re having as a main. Pro tip: Make extras, and rewarm in the a.m.

Try this recipe from Yellow Bliss Road.

2. Gluten-Free Quiche with a Hash Brown Crust

Courtesy of JoyFoodSunshine

Quiche is a great make-ahead dish that’s tasty and satisfying any time of day — plus, you can customize it based on what you have on hand. The hash brown crust here is not only delicious, but also healthier than most regular pie crusts, which are typically made with white flour. Make it as written, with bell peppers, tomato, bacon, and cheddar, or change it up to suit your taste.

Try this recipe from JoyFoodSunshine.

3. Potato-Crusted Salmon

Courtesy of Taste With The Eyes

We don’t usually think of hash browns as elegant, but they certainly are here. Use your frozen hash browns to make an easy crust for omega-3-rich salmon, and suddenly you’re serving a restaurant-worthy dish. Even with the lemon-herb sauce, this recipe is still quick enough for a weeknight, though it would also be perfect for company.

Try this recipe from Taste With The Eyes.

4. Mexican Hash Brown Bowl

Courtesy of Brand New Vegan

We all love a grain bowl — why not a hash brown bowl? With black beans, spinach (or kale), peppers, and a few pantry spices, this is a delicious twist that you can have on the table quickly. Top it with salsa, sliced avocado, and any other toppings you enjoy.

Try this recipe from Brand New Vegan.

5. Salmon Cakes with Hash Browns

Courtesy of Good in the Simple

Here hash browns and salmon are paired again, but this time in patty form. Start with frozen hash browns and canned wild salmon, add spinach and eggs, and you have tasty, gluten-free patties that work beautifully on top of salad or a rice bowl. Pro tip: Make them into nuggets shapes for kids.

Try this recipe from Good in the Simple.

6. Cheesy Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Courtesy of Front Range Fed

Who doesn’t love a cheesy chicken casserole? And with just five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this one is sure to become a favorite. We might swap Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream and add some veggies (chopped onions and bell peppers, for example), but you do you.

Try this recipe from Front Range Fed.

7. Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Courtesy of Healthy Midwestern Girl

We love this plant-based twist on comforting shepherd’s pie. It features a crispy hash brown topping, plus lots of veggies and fiber-rich lentils in the filling. It’s a fuss-free, hearty, flavorful dish that’s super-satisfying and also very budget-friendly.

Try this recipe from Healthy Midwestern Girl.