For Tastier Hash Browns, Make Them Like Denny's

The hash browns of your dreams are probably somewhere in a Denny's diner right now, steaming hot and golden crisp as they arrive on a breakfast plate alongside other popular Denny's menu items. Not to worry, though, because the secret to making them isn't merely confined to the beloved chain's back kitchen — you can recreate them anytime you want, from the comfort of your own home. All it takes are dehydrated hash browns. According to purported former employees on the popular subreddit r/dennysrestaurant, the dried, pre-made hash browns are first delivered in a box. They're subsequently rehydrated, often by soaking in hot water, and then, after reforming, cooked on the griddle. 

As it turns out, this might actually be one of the most important tips for perfectly cooked crispy hash browns. Since they're already par-cooked and dehydrated, there's no need to worry about the inconsistent quality and moisture levels of individual spuds like you would with fresh ones. This ensures an even cooking process, so nothing ends up dried out or soggy. Upon getting rehydrated, some of their freshness is revived, just in time to hit the griddle. This is how they always leave the Denny's kitchen promptly, with a perfectly crispy exterior and delectably tender center that suggests they were made from scratch.

While it is unclear who Denny's dehydrated hash brown supplier is, you can always try any of the many dehydrated hash brown brands available at your local supermarket. In general, the cooking process is quite similar, starting with rehydrating the hash browns with hot water for roughly 10 minutes (or however long the instructions suggest). Then, using paper towels, gently press out the excess water. Moisture remains the number one enemy of crispy hash browns, including the pre-cooked version, so don't forget this crucial step in the process. Finally, brown the pieces on your griddle or pan, which should take around 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. At this stage, just leave them to brown evenly and don't move the pieces around too much. 

You can serve the hash browns just like they do at Denny's, with the same ingredients you'd use to turn frozen hash browns into a main course. Pair them with eggs, sausages, bacon, and toast for a filling, satisfying breakfast. More elaborately, consider recreating some of Denny's signature dishes and add hash browns on the side as a trusty companion. This can be a hearty plate of country fried steak and eggs, or a breakfast sandwich filled with ham, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese. In fact, you could even bring the dearly departed Everything Loaded Hash Browns back to life, which featured hash browns smothered in green onions, country gravy, and cheese.