How to Dehydrate Hash Browns
This is our step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate hash browns. Dehydrating frozen hash browns is real easy to do. So it just makes good sense to dehydrate what you use day-to-day and have it on hand in your pantry for when it’s needed and to expand your list of foods that can be dehydrated while saving time on prep work. It’s also one of the best foods to dehydrate for long-term storage, as it keeps well and rehydrates quickly.
Equipment
- Removable mesh screen insert (one for each dehydrator tray)
- Common kitchen tools (including cutting boards, chef's knife, strainer, steamer basket, colander, can opener, etc.)
- Canning jars with tight-fitting lids
- Desiccant packets for moisture control (optional)
Ingredients
- frozen hash browns
Instructions
Process the Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes
- Working in batches, steam the frozen hash browns for approximately two minutes until they are just tender.frozen hash browns
- Plunge the steamed hash browns into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Then drain.
Prepare the Dehydrator
- Layer the hash browns onto the removable mesh screen inserts; one 30-ounce bag of frozen hash brown potatoes that are steam-cooked will fill two to three Nesco 13.5-inch round dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate the Hash Brown Potatoes
- Set the dehydrator thermostat temperature to 135 °F (57 °C). Dry for 18 to 24 hours until done.
- Check on the hash browns every few hours and break apart the bigger pieces into smaller fragments to help prevent case hardening.
When are the Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes Done
- When done, the dehydrated hash browns will be crisp and brittle and will crumble into smaller pieces when crushed. There should be no wet or mushy pieces.
Equalizing and Conditioning Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes
- After a short cooling period, loosely pack the dehydrated hash browns into a clean, dry canning jar with a tight-fitting lid, leaving some headspace.
- Every day, for 7 to 10 days, check the jar for moisture. Roll the jar contents around and note any clumping or sticking. If seen, put it all back on the dehydrator for several more hours.
- If you notice any mold at all, even the slightest bit, throw it all out.
Storing the Dehydrated Hash Brown Potatoes
- Use appropriate-sized canning jars for storage. Depending on how well you dehydrate the hash browns and your pantry storage conditions, it should keep for at least 12 months.
- An optional food-safe desiccant packet will aid with moisture control.
- Attach or include a label describing the jar contents and the date the product was dehydrated. The label identifies the canning jar contents, and the date helps with the rotation schedule. A first-in, first-out rotation helps us to use items that have been on the shelf the longest, so we're using the oldest food first.
Notes
Drying times will vary depending on your dehydrator and environmental conditions. Refer to your dehydrator owner’s manual for recommended temperatures and times for dehydrating specific foods. Remember to use drying times as a guide.
Nutrition
Serving: 15gCalories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gSodium: 15mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Nutrition information is only an estimate and may differ depending on the ingredients you use.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!