This Halloween, start your day with a spooky and satisfying breakfast: Haunted Hash Browns! These crispy potato ghosts are not only adorable but also incredibly easy to make. They’re the perfect festive breakfast or brunch for both kids and adults.
I first made these little potato ghosts when my kids were little, and they were an instant hit. Now, they’re a beloved family tradition. I can’t wait to share this simple and delicious recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love It
- Fun and Festive: These Haunted Hash Browns are a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween or any spooky occasion. They’re sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these adorable potato ghosts, making them a perfect breakfast or brunch option for little ones. Getting kids involved in shaping the ghosts can also be a fun activity!
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these hash browns are a breeze to prepare.
- Deliciously Crispy: The secret to crispy hash browns is removing excess moisture from the potatoes. This ensures golden brown, crispy perfection every time.
Haunted Hash Browns
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These Haunted Hash Browns are a fun and festive Halloween breakfast treat. Crispy potato ghosts are easy to make with simple ingredients, perfect for both kids and adults. Get creative with the spooky olive eyes and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, grated
- ½ medium yellow or white onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
- Small can or jar of sliced black olives
- Ketchup or salsa for dipping
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and grate the potatoes, squeezing out excess moisture. Finely chop the onion.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape the Ghosts: Shape small handfuls of the potato mixture into ghost-like figures.
- Fry the Hash Browns: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the ghosts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain and Decorate: Drain the hash browns on paper towels. Add black olive eyes while still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with ketchup or salsa.
Notes
For extra crispy hash browns, thoroughly dry the grated potatoes. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Get creative with the olive eyes or use other ingredients for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ghostly ingredients! This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Potatoes: 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, grated. These will create the crispy base for our ghostly shapes.
- Onion: ½ a medium yellow or white onion, finely chopped. This adds just a touch of savory flavor.
- Egg: One large egg, which will help bind the hash browns and give them a beautiful golden color.
- Flour: Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This will help the hash browns hold their shape.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions.
- Oil: For frying, your choice of vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
- Black Olives: A small can or jar of sliced black olives will be perfect for creating spooky little eyes for our ghosts.
- Ketchup or Salsa: For dipping, because what are hash browns without a tasty dip?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Onion
Peel and grate the potatoes. Place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is key to achieving extra-crispy hash browns. Finely chop the onion.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Step 3: Shape the Ghosts
Take a small handful of the potato mixture and shape it into a ghost-like figure. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 4: Fry the Hash Browns
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the hash brown ghosts in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Drain and Decorate
Remove the hash browns from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, add the black olive eyes to each ghost.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Haunted Hash Browns immediately with ketchup or salsa for dipping.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- Grate and squeeze: After grating the potatoes, remove excess moisture by squeezing them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This will result in crispier hash browns. You can also check our Korean potato pancakes recipe for more potato inspiration.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the hash browns in batches to ensure even cooking and browning. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy hash browns.
- Adjust heat as needed: Start with medium-high heat, but adjust as needed to prevent burning.
- Get creative with the eyes: Try using other ingredients for the eyes, such as small pieces of red pepper for a fiery look.
Flavor Twists
- Cheesy Ghosts: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture before shaping.
- Spicy Specters: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Spirits: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the potato mixture for an aromatic twist. For even more spooky creations, take a look at our themed recipe ideas.
- Sweet Potato Spooks: Substitute grated sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a naturally sweet and colorful variation.
- Zucchini Zombies: Try using grated zucchini instead of potatoes for a healthier, lower-carb option.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake the hash browns in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Can I use other vegetables besides potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes or even zucchini would make a delicious and healthy twist on this recipe.
Can I add cheese or other spices?
Feel free to add cheese to the mixture, such as shredded cheddar or mozzarella. For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapenos or other spices.
How do I store leftover hash browns?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in a pan or in the oven.
How to Serve
Serve these Haunted Hash Browns immediately for maximum crispiness. Ketchup and salsa are classic dipping companions, but get creative! Try serving them alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a complete breakfast spread. For more ghostly inspirations, check our collection of Halloween recipes. They’re equally delightful for brunch or even a fun Halloween-themed dinner.
That’s a Wrap
These Haunted Hash Browns are sure to be a hit with everyone, young and old. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and just the right amount of spooky. Enjoy!
Check out our other fun breakfast recipes for more morning inspiration. Don’t forget to share your spooky creations with us on social media! We’re on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
