The popular American breakfast dish made from shredded potatoes fried until crispy is hash browns.
Hash browns are typically made by shredding or finely julienning potatoes, removing excess moisture, and frying them in a pan or on a diner griddle until browned and crisp. Russet potatoes are often preferred because their starch helps the shreds hold together and promotes a crunchy exterior.
The dish is commonly served beside eggs, bacon, sausage, or toast. Some versions are loose piles of shredded potato, while others are pressed into a single patty and frozen for easy cooking. Onions may be added, but they are not required for a dish to qualify as hash browns.
Hash browns are often confused with home fries. In American usage, home fries generally contain diced or cubed potatoes, while hash browns conventionally use shredded potatoes. Potato pancakes are another related dish, but they usually contain a binding ingredient such as egg or flour. The word “hash” comes from the French verb hacher, meaning “to chop.”