Easy Cottage Cheese Hashbrowns Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cottage Cheese Hashbrowns make a quick and flavorful breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and fresh. With crispy hash browns topped with tangy cottage cheese and peppery microgreens, this dish combines textures and bright flavors effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 2 frozen hash brown patties
• 1/2 cup plain cottage cheese
• 1 garlic clove, sliced in half
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup arugula or microgreens
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven or air fryer to 450°F (232°C). Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer on a nonstick baking tray or a foil-lined tray lightly sprayed with cooking oil.
2. Step 2: Bake the hash browns for 7 minutes, then flip them over and continue baking for another 7-8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Step 3: While the hash browns bake, strain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese. In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the arugula or microgreens with the lemon juice to add a fresh, tangy flavor.
5. Step 5: Once the hash browns are done, rub the cut sides of the raw garlic clove sparingly over their surface to impart a subtle garlic flavor.
6. Step 6: Top the hash browns with the seasoned cottage cheese mixture and the dressed microgreens. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
7. Step 7: Optionally, grate parmesan cheese over the finished dish for an extra layer of savory flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free option, substitute cottage cheese with mashed avocado or a plant-based cream cheese.
• Use fresh herbs like chives or parsley in the cottage cheese mixture for added brightness.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• Try using sweet potato hash browns for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-rich twist.

Storage

Store any leftover hash browns with toppings separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the hash browns in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness before adding fresh toppings again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use freshly shredded potatoes shaped into patties. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they become crispy and fully cooked, usually about 10-12 minutes per side at 450°F.

Is it necessary to rub garlic on the hash browns?

Rubbing the raw garlic adds a subtle layer of flavor without overpowering the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can skip this step or finely mince garlic and mix it into the cottage cheese topping instead.

Easy Cottage Cheese Hashbrowns Recipe

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4.6 from 114 reviews

This Easy Cottage Cheese Hashbrowns recipe transforms simple frozen hash brown patties into a flavorful and nutritious meal. Topped with a zesty cottage cheese mixture, fresh microgreens dressed in lemon juice, and a hint of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, this dish is perfect for a quick breakfast or light lunch that’s crispy, creamy, and packed with bright flavors.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Hash Browns

• 2 frozen hash brown patties

Cottage Cheese Topping

• 1/2 cup plain cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper

Microgreens Salad

• 1/4 cup arugula or microgreens
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Finishing Touches

• 1 garlic clove, sliced in half
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Hash Browns: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 450°F (232°C). Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer on a nonstick or foil-lined baking tray lightly sprayed with cooking oil to ensure they crisp evenly.
2. Bake Hash Browns: Place the tray in the oven or air fryer and bake for 7 minutes. Flip the hash brown patties and bake for another 7 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy to your liking.
3. Prepare Cottage Cheese Topping: While the hash browns cook, strain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese. In a bowl, combine the strained cottage cheese with lemon zest, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create a flavorful, creamy topping.
4. Toss Microgreens: In a separate bowl, gently toss the arugula or microgreens with lemon juice to add a fresh and tangy brightness to the greens.
5. Finish Hash Browns and Assemble: After baking, rub the cut side of the garlic clove sparingly over the hot hash browns to infuse them with subtle garlic flavor. Then, top each hash brown with the seasoned cottage cheese and dressed microgreens.
6. Final Touches and Serve: Drizzle the assembled hash browns with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top for a hint of heat. Optionally, add grated parmesan cheese to enhance the savory flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

• Straining the cottage cheese helps prevent the topping from becoming watery and keeps the hash browns crispy.
• If you prefer more garlic flavor, you can finely mince the garlic and mix it into the cottage cheese instead of rubbing it on the hash browns.
• Arugula or microgreens can be substituted with baby spinach or mixed salad greens based on availability.
• For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cottage cheese alternative or mashed tofu.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance; omit if you prefer no heat.

Keywords: hash browns, cottage cheese, breakfast, easy recipe, microgreens, lemon zest, crispy, savory, quick meal