If you love McDonald’s hash browns but want a lighter, healthier version, these Hash Brown Patties are the perfect copycat. Made with real potatoes, egg whites, reduced-fat cheddar, and heart-healthy olive oil, these healthy hash browns are baked (or air-fried!) to crispy perfection with only 1g saturated fat and just 119mg sodium per serving. With no deep frying required, they’re low carb, lower in fat, and easy to make. Whether you're making a healthier breakfast for yourself or a crowd, or looking for a healthy hash brown recipe to serve alongside eggs, these patties are budget-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and freezer-friendly. Packed with flavor from fresh chives and spices, they deliver that cheesy crunch you crave without having to spend time and money at the drive-thru.
Looking for the perfect breakfast pairing? Check out our healthy breakfast egg recipes that make delicious mains with these hash brown patties. Or if you're short on time, pair them with one of our healthy juice recipes for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.
BONUS: Want to make these even faster? We’ve included a simple guide for air fryer hash brown patties at the bottom of the page!
Lighter Cheesy Hash Browns Without Losing the Crunch
These hash brown patties taste just like the ones you’d grab from your favorite breakfast spot, but with a much healthier nutrition label. You’ll still get that satisfying crisp thanks to grated red potatoes and a light brush of olive oil, but we bake them instead of deep frying. Using egg whites binds everything together without added cholesterol, and a little reduced-fat cheddar gives you that classic cheesy hash browns flavor. They’re simple to prep and freeze well too, making them a smart make-ahead breakfast. If you’ve ever searched for how to make homemade hash browns without a greasy mess, this version nails it.
Yes, especially when baked or air fried like this version. These healthy hash browns are lower in fat, sodium, and calories than typical fried ones. Each patty has just 107 calories and 62 mg of sodium.
They can be, if made like this. These patties are lower in fat, use egg whites instead of whole eggs, and have only 15 grams of carbs with 2 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein to help with fullness. They’re a smart way to enjoy a familiar comfort food without stalling your progress.
Red potatoes or Yukon Golds work well because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely. Russets are more traditional but tend to release more starch and water. For how to make hash browns from scratch with a lighter texture, reds are a good go-to.
Yes! Shape the patties and freeze them uncooked between layers of parchment paper. Cook directly from frozen. Just add 5 minutes to the oven or air fryer time.
Soaking shredded potatoes in ice water pulls out excess starch. This step is key to crisping them up and preventing soggy hash browns.
Yes, but it will raise the cholesterol and calorie count slightly. One whole egg equals two egg whites.
Reduced-fat cheddar works great here because it melts well and keeps the fat content down. You could also use part-skim mozzarella or a low-fat Mexican blend.
If you’re a fan of breakfast potatoes, these other recipes keep the flavor high and the nutrition in check. Each one is baked, not fried, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
A good dip takes these hash brown patties to the next level. These low sodium options bring bold flavor with ingredients like nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and vinegar-based tang instead of added salt. Each one is easy to whip up at home and made to fit heart-healthy, diabetic-friendly, or low-sodium diets.
If you’re regularly reaching for a drive-thru breakfast, this recipe will seriously cut back your sodium and fat intake while saving you money over time. McDonald’s hash browns may taste good, but they’re deep-fried, higher in sodium, and double the fat of this homemade version. Plus, our version includes added protein and fiber to keep you full longer.
McDonald’s Hash Brown
Health eCooks Hash Brown Patties
This swap takes minutes to prep and keeps you in control of what goes in your breakfast. Making a batch ahead on the weekend will let you skip the deep fryer and the fast food line.
Recipe yields 10 servings
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare a large bowl of ice water; set aside. Peel and grate potatoes. Place grated potatoes in prepared ice bath to remove surface starch.
In small batches, squeeze as much excess moisture from grated potatoes as possible using your hands or placing them in cheese cloth. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Add cheddar cheese, egg, egg whites, chives, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the shredded potatoes. Mix to combine.
Take a handful of potato mixture and pack it on the prepared baking sheet into 10 patties in the shape of your choice. Bake in oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until brown and crispy. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before serving.
Serve warm with your choice of low fat or low sodium dips. Enjoy!
Want the fastest and crispiest version of this recipe? This is it! Air fryer hash brown patties come out golden in half the time of baking and with even less oil. Here’s how to make them:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Make Hash Brown Patties in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Line the basket with an air fryer-safe parchment liner or lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Form the patties as directed, then place them in a single layer in the basket. Work in batches if needed. Air fry for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
These are perfect if you’re learning how to make hash browns from scratch and want them done fast without having to turn on your oven.
Use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or Russets for a crispier bite. Just be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture after shredding, especially with Russets — they hold more water.
You can swap in 2 whole eggs for the 4 egg whites. This will slightly increase the cholesterol and fat, but the patties will still hold together well.
Use 2 teaspoons of dried chives or substitute with chopped fresh green onions. You’ll still get that mild onion flavor.
Use part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat pepper jack, or a low-fat Mexican blend. Keep the amount the same for the best texture.
Avocado oil works well here. It handles high heat and adds a neutral flavor. Avoid coconut oil, which can overpower the dish.
Use 1 small fresh garlic clove, finely minced, or try onion powder for a slightly different flavor.
Use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative that melts well. Look for one with lower saturated fat to keep it heart-healthy.
Here's how to make that swap work:
This simple sweet potato hash brown recipe gives you a slightly sweeter flavor and adds more vitamin A. If you're looking up how to make sweet potato hash browns, this version keeps the texture crisp on the outside with a tender center. No soggy middles here!
