Homemade Hash Browns with Smoked Ham

Name: Homemade Hash Browns with Smoked Ham
Yield: serves 4 to 6
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling; 1/4 cup vegetable shortening; 4 ounces smoked ham, diced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Pinch cayenne pepper

December 9, 2011

Pat: Don’t even think about servin’ me fried eggs and toast unless they come with a side of crispy, golden hash browns. We make ours with salty browned smoked ham. I’ve been making them this way for years. My girls love ’em, and if my girls love ’em you know they’re good. Sometimes I’ll use a food processor to shred the potatoes coarsely; other times I’ll cube them and fry them up until they are golden brown and crispy. And if I really want to go overboard, sometimes I’ll top each serving with a slice of American cheese.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.