Hash browns, a common breakfast side dish, are shredded and fried potatoes. Although the dish is easy to make, knowing the proper technique will turn average hash browns into a crispy delicacy. This guide is designed to teach you how to make hash browns that turn out perfectly crispy and golden every time.

• To make hash browns for four people, you will need the following ingredients and materials.

1. One pound of potatoes
2. Two to three tablespoons of cooking oil, butter, or a combination thereof
3. Salt and pepper for seasoning
4. A large skillet or frying pan
5. A spatula
6. A potato peeler
7. A grater
8. A large bowl
9. Ice and cold water to fill bowl
10. A potato ricer, salad spinner or paper towels

1. Wash and peel the potatoes

2. Grate the potatoes; do not grate the potatoes until you are ready to cook them. If left to sit, the potatoes will become brown and get mushy

3. Place grated potatoes in bowl, and cover with ice water. Let sit for 20 minutes, then strain (this removes excess starch for crisper hash browns)

4. Use a potato ricer, salad spinner, or paper towels to remove all the excess moisture from the potatoes

5. Place the skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high

1. Once your skillet is hot, add the oil or butter (or both to keep the butter flavor but reduce burning)

2. Allow the oil to heat up for about one minute, or until is has liquefied (in the case of butter) and become transparent

3. Place the grated potatoes in the skillet

4. Spread the grated potatoes out so that there is a thin, even layer on the bottom of the pan

5. Season potatoes with your desired amount of salt and pepper

6. Cook the potatoes for about six to seven minutes. To test for doneness, lift up one edge of the potatoes; when the bottom is golden brown, they are ready to be flipped

7. Use your spatula to flip the potatoes over

8. Cook the other side for another six or seven minutes, or until it is golden and crispy

9. Once the hash browns are done, remove them from the skillet, separate them into four portions and serve immediately

• There is no need to serve your family and friends soggy hash browns! By taking the extra time to give your potatoes an ice water bath, you can ensure a golden-brown crisp every time. Although they are easy to make, knowing exactly how to cook the perfect hash browns will make any breakfast you serve a hit.