Hashbrowns are a popular breakfast food made from shredded or riced potatoes that are fried until crispy and golden brown. They have a delicious savory and starchy flavor that pairs well with many different condiments and toppings. The right condiment can take your hashbrowns from boring to extraordinary. When choosing a condiment for hashbrowns, consider complementary flavors and textures to bring out the best qualities of this versatile side dish.
Ketchup
Ketchup is a classic condiment choice for hashbrowns. The sweet and tangy tomato flavor provides a nice contrast to the rich, salty potatoes. Ketchup helps cut through the heaviness of greasy hashbrowns. It also adds a pop of color to the plate. Ketchup pairs especially well with crispy thinly shredded hashbrowns. The thinner shreds and increased surface area allow the ketchup to coat each morsel. Ketchup lovers will enjoy drenching their hashbrowns in this versatile condiment.
Salsa
For those who like a little extra kick with their hashbrowns, salsa is an excellent choice. The acidity from tomatoes, spice from chilies, and freshness from onions and cilantro brighten up hashbrowns nicely. Salsa packs more flavor than ketchup, adding lots of dynamic vegetable tastes. It provides a palate-pleasing crunch as well. Mild, medium, or hot salsa varieties will all complement hashbrowns wonderfully. Feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top too. Overall, salsa satisfies those craving a flavorful, spicy start to their day.
Sour Cream
Cool and creamy sour cream is a smart condiment for hashbrowns. It provides a luxurious finish to all that crispy potato. The subtle tang mellows out the saltiness of the hashbrowns. Dollops of rich, creamy sour cream contrast with the flaky potatoes in an indulgent way. Chives or scallions pair nicely when sprinkled on top too. Those watching their waistline can opt for Greek yogurt instead. But most will crave the silky, decadent taste of real sour cream on their hashbrowns.
Cheese Sauce
For ultimate comfort food, look no further than cheese sauce with hashbrowns. The classic combination provides a delightfully cheesy flavor and creamy texture. Start with a basic cheddar or American cheese sauce for an approachable breakfast dish. Or kick it up a notch with spicier cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda. Nacho cheese sauce delivers even bolder, creamier flavors. The options are nearly endless when choosing a cheese sauce to blanket your hashbrowns. Turning this into fully loaded cheese fries is not a bad idea either. Cheese sauce satisfies cravings and takes hashbrowns to the next level.
Guacamole
Fresh, flavorful guacamole can transform basic hashbrowns into something extraordinary. The rich, creamy avocado base provides lush mouthfeel against the crispy potatoes. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice add wonderful flavors too. The green color pops visually on a plate of hashbrowns as well. Feel free to keep things simple with just mashed avocado or explore more complex guacamole recipes. Add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. Guacamole wakes up the palate and gives hashbrowns an instant upgrade.
Hot Sauce
For those who like things spicy, hot sauce is the ultimate hashbrown topper. A few dashes instantly infuse hashbrowns with fiery flavor. Tangy, vinegar-based sauces pair best to help cut through the starchiness. Louisiana-style pepper sauces like Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or Crystal provide a nice balance of heat and acidity. Or opt for hotter varieties like sriracha to really crank up the spiciness. Mix and match different hot sauces to customize your preferred level of burn. Just steer clear of thick, creamy hot sauces that may overpower hashbrowns. Embrace the heat and start your day off with a spicy kick.
Maple Syrup
For a touch of sweetness, drizzle maple syrup over hashbrowns. The rich, buttery maple flavor balances beautifully with the salty potatoes. Amber-hued real maple syrup looks more appetizing than artificial alternatives too. Let the syrup soak in to achieve a scrumptious sweet and salty combination. Add a pat of butter on top for extra indulgence. Maple syrup shines alongside crispy shredded hashbrowns or roasted cubed varieties. Waffles and pancakes aren’t the only breakfast foods deserving of maple syrup. Hashbrowns can be part of a balanced sweet and savory breakfast when topped with this classic syrup.
Gravy
Savory gravy makes a satisfying topper for hashbrowns with its rich, meaty flavors. Sausage gravy, chicken gravy, or turkey gravy all pair deliciously with crunchy shreds of potato. The creamy, thick consistency nicely coats each morsel compared to runnier condiments. Biscuits and gravy get all the attention, but don’t count out gravy-smothered hashbrowns. For vegetarian options, mushroom or onion gravies can provide plenty of savory appeal. Wake up your taste buds first thing in the morning with hearty, homestyle gravy-drenched hashbrowns.
Soy Sauce
For an umami-rich flavor boost, try using soy sauce on hashbrowns. The salty soy seasoning brings out more savory, toasted flavors from the fried potatoes. Soy sauce performs especially well on shredded or cubed potato hashbrowns that absorb it nicely. Add a dash of sesame oil for even more depth. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious Asian-inspired dish. Or top it off with a fried egg for extra richness. Sprinkle on furikake seasoning for more flavors too. Soy sauce may seem like an unlikely match, but it draws out delicious flavors in hashbrowns.
Chimichurri
Take your hashbrowns to Argentina by topping them with zesty chimichurri sauce. This bright green puree contains parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and citrus. Dollop it over piping hot hashbrowns for an instant flavor infusion. The herbal notes, acidity, and olive oil cut through fried food heaviness brilliantly. Chimichurri adds freshness you won’t find in bottled condiments. It also provides a vibrant pop of color. Add onions or peppers on top to lean further into the Latin flavors. Chimichurri makes an unexpected yet amazing match for hashbrowns.
Hollandaise
For a luxurious breakfast, top your hashbrowns with rich, eggy hollandaise sauce. This classic French emulsion has a lush, velvety texture and buttery citrus flavors. Drizzle it over hashbrowns straight from the skillet and let it melt slightly for full effect. The decadence pairs perfectly with crisp, greasy potatoes. Add a poached egg on top too for an extra level of richness. Sprinkle on black pepper, paprika or cayenne for a flavorful finish. Turn your hashbrowns into a restaurant-worthy breakfast with this indulgent sauce.
Pesto
Herbaceous pesto makes a colorful, flavorful accent to hashbrowns. The basil, pine nut, and Parmesan provide lovely Mediterranean flavors. Rich olive oil and garlic give it even more appeal. Stir a spoonful of pesto right into shredded or cubed hashbrowns before cooking for the most even coverage. Drizzling on top after cooking also infuses loads of flavor. For a vegetarian breakfast, add tomatoes, spinach, and a poached egg on pesto hashbrowns. The possibilities are nearly endless with this green, garlicky sauce. Wake up your palate with pesto-blanketed hashbrowns.
Conclusion
When looking to upgrade basic hashbrowns, don’t overthink the condiment choice. Ketchup and salsa remain tried and true options for their subtle sweetness and spicy kick respectively. For richer flavors, smother hashbrowns with indulgent cheese sauce, guacamole, gravy or hollandaise sauce. Give them an international twist with chimichurri or soy sauce and furikake. Sweet yet savory maple syrup provides balance too. Always consider flavor profiles and textures to complement the fried potatoes best. With endless possibilities, hashbrowns lend themselves remarkably well to creative condiment pairing.