Dehydrate Frozen Hash Browns

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Dehydrate frozen hash browns (shredded potatoes) to save a ton of freezer space, make them shelf-stable, and have instant potatoes for breakfast hash browns or casseroles whenever you need them!

Package of frozen hash browns on a dehydrator tray of dried hash browns.

Drying frozen has browns (aka shredded potatoes) seems odd to dehydrate, but the benefits can make pantry storage quick and easy!

Saves a ton of space in your freezer;
Makes camping meals easier to pack;
Is much less expensive than purchasing commercially dried hash browns, even including electric costs.

How to Dehydrate Frozen Hash Browns

This is one of the easiest dehydrating projects for beginners. While dehydrating fresh potatoes can be done, it can be time-consuming depending on the process. Baking or boiling first (instead of shredding and blanching) can help.

Allow bag of shredded potatoes to thaw for about thirty minutes (optional)
Spread shreds onto dehydrator trays lined with mesh, parchment/baking paper or fruit leather sheets.
Dry at 125°F/52°C for 3-6 hours
Test for dryness
Condition
Store in an airtight container for up to five years.

The Before and After of dehydrating frozen shredded hash browns.

Condition

Don't miss this vital step! Conditioning allows you to catch any areas of moisture before they turn into mold.

This step does not have to be done for meat that is stored in the freezer or will be used within a few days.

Place meat in an airtight jar with a little space for movement.
Simply shake the jar once a day for five days to watch for signs of sticking, moisture buildup, or mold.
If you see sticking or moisture, put the beef back into the dehydrator to dry more. If you see mold, toss it.

Yield

50% volume loss
2.8 to .8 ounces weight

Rehydrating

Rehydrating hash browns is as easy as soaking in enough water to just cover the potatoes. I found fifteen minutes was more than sufficient.

If your recipe calls for you to use fresh hash browns that have been squeezed of all moisture, follow that guideline once your shredded potatoes are rehydrated.

In some cases, you can actually cooked straight from the dried state. If your recipe has a lot of liquid in it already, you can let it rehydrate your potatoes (the hash brown breakfast casserole I make can be made the night before to soak), or add a bit more liquid to ensure it has enough liquid.

Darcy's Tips

Check the ingredients list on your hashbrowns. Some brands have oil added, which will be fine, but may make shelf-stable storage for the long-term less reliable. Rancidity is an issue, but you'll know it if it happens.
Do this same process with O'Brien Potatoes (potatoes, onions, and peppers), and use for breakfast fair or put them into soups!
While I use a Cosori dehydrator, any dehydrator you have will work! If you need ideas on what to purchase, I can help you decide which dehydrator is best for you.

Uses

Hashbrown breakfast casserole serving on a plate on top of the casserole platter. — Hashbrown breakfast casserole on blue plate on a bed of dehydrated hash browns.

Drying frozen hash browns is the best way to save a ton of freezer space. They work just like frozen with a bit of time to rehydrate, and you can make

Breakfast hash browns
Hash Brown Casserole
Hash Brown Waffles
Potato Soup

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen hash browns patties be dehydrated?

While they can be dehydrated, the rehydrated version doesn't perform well, and the oil content makes them unreliably shelf-stable.

Do frozen hash browns have oil?

Depending on the brand, some hash browns may contain oil

Can tater tots be dehdyrated?

While they can be dehydrated, the rehydrated version doesn't perform well, and the oil content makes them unreliably shelf-stable.

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