One of America's Favorites - Hash Browns

Shredded hash browns, pictured with slider sandwiches

Hash browns or hashed browns are a simple preparation in which potatoes are pan-fried after being shredded, diced, julienned or riced, in the style of a Swiss Rösti. In some cultures, hash browns or hashed browns can refer to any of these preparations, while in others it may refer to one specific preparation. Hash browns are a staple breakfast food at diners in North America and the UK, where they are often fried on a large common cooktop or grill.

In some parts of the United States, hash browns strictly refer to shredded or riced pan-fried potatoes and are considered a breakfast food, while potatoes diced or cubed and pan-fried are also a side dish called country fried potatoes or home fries (though many variations of home fries are par-cooked before frying). Some recipes add diced or chopped onions.

Hash browns are a popular mass-produced product sold in both refrigerated and frozen varieties. Hash browns are also available in dehydrated form.


Originally, the full name was "hashed brown potatoes" (or "hashed browned potatoes"), of which the first known mention is by American food author Maria Parloa (1843–1909) in 1888. The name was gradually shortened to 'hash brown potatoes'. Bite sized Hash Browns are small cylindrical dumplings, known as Tater Tots in the U.S. and Potato Gems in Australia, and are sold commercially at diners and in frozen food aisles in packets.



The word "hash" is derived from the French word "hacher" which means to hack or chop. This means hashed browned potatoes literally translate to "chopped and fried potatoes".

Hash browns patty

A chef may prepare hash browns by forming riced potatoes into patties before frying with onions
(moisture and potato starch can hold them together); however, if a binding agent is added (egg or oil for example), such a preparation constitutes a potato pancake. Frozen hash browns are sometimes made into patty form for ease of handling, and the compact, flat shape can also be cooked in a toaster oven or toaster. If a dish of hash browned potatoes incorporates chopped meat, leftovers, or other vegetables, it is more commonly referred to as hash.

Hash browns are also manufactured as a dehydrated food, which is sometimes used by backpackers.

Kitchen Hint of the Day!

The Rule of Thumb.....


This hint is simple one, but incredibly useful. When you shape your burgers, use your thumb to make an indent in the top. That way, as the burger cooks and the juices try and escape, they'll pool in the burger and get reabsorbed, instead of running down the side and getting lost in the pan. Indenting the burger always makes the patty a better shape; as the meat contracts it will even out into a flat patty. Burger on!

One of America's Favorites - Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast sausage (or country sausage) is a type of fresh pork sausage usually served at breakfast in

Breakfast sausage links

the United States. It is a common breakfast item in traditional American "farmer" or "country" breakfasts, as it originated as a way for farmers to make use of as much of their livestock (usually pigs) as possible. Often, scraps and trimmings that would ordinarily have been fed to a dog or discarded were instead ground, seasoned, refrigerated and later consumed by the farmer as an inexpensive, high-protein morning meal.

It is perhaps most popular for home consumption in rural regions, especially in the southern states, where it is in the form of fresh or smoked patties or links (the latter with natural casings, synthetic casings, or no casing at all). Most diners, fast-food restaurants, and family restaurants across the country will also offer one or more versions of it during breakfast hours, whether on a sandwich, in a breakfast platter, or both; some fine-dining establishments will also have a sausage option on their breakfast or brunch menu. The cased link variety is most similar to English-style sausages and has been made in the United States since colonial days. It is essentially highly seasoned ground meat, so it does not keep and should be stored and handled appropriately. Newer variations made from pork and beef mixtures as well as poultry can now be found. There are also vegetarian varieties that use textured vegetable protein in place of meat. In America, the predominant spices used for seasoning are pepper and sage, although there are varieties also seasoned with cayenne pepper, or even maple syrup. Some breakfast sausage is flavored with cured bacon or ham.

Most commonly served as patties or slices from a large roll, breakfast sausage also comes in links of

Another view of breakfast sausage

various lengths and diameters. It is normally fried in a pan. Some people like to pour ketchup or other condiments like maple syrup onto their breakfast sausages. Cooked breakfast sausage is also commonly mixed into egg casseroles before baking, and is a central component of sausage gravy.

Some common US brands include: Bob Evans, Jimmy Dean, Owen's Sausage, Purnell's Old Folks Country Sausage, Tennessee Pride, Johnsonville, Farmland and Jones.

All about Goetta from Glier's Goetta

What is goetta?
Pronounced “get-uh,” goetta is a German breakfast sausage that blends the textures and flavors of pork, beef, whole grain steel-cut oats, fresh onions, and spices. It is slow-cooked daily and perfectly prepared when browned and served. Producing over one million pounds of goetta each year, Glier’s Goetta is the best selling goetta in the world.

Why is goetta unique to Northern Kentuck and Cincinnati?

During the 1880s, waves of German immigrants were drawn to the fertile Ohio River valley that is Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati. The new community laid roots and flourished in the area. Along with many other elements of their culture, the Germans brought their favorite dish – goetta – with them. Just like it is in their homeland, goetta is a regional recipe.

How do I cook the perfect goetta patty?
First, slice the goetta into half-inch patties. Making sure they do not touch each other (to be sure they will not stick together), place the patties in a non-stick skillet that has been preheated to a medium temperature, 350 degrees. Let cook for about 6 minutes, allowing the first side to brown completely. Flip, and brown the other side until crisp. When both sides are golden brown, the goetta is ready to enjoy.

What is the secret ingredient of goetta?
Steel-cut, or pinhead, oats are the secret ingredient to delicious Glier’s Goetta. The simple, unprocessed whole grain oats are high in fiber and protein, low in calories, rich in Vitamin-B, and a huge contributor to the fact that Glier’s Goetta is completely free of trans fats. Not to mention, they’re delicious. The nutty texture and taste pinhead oats lend to Glier’s Goetta is unique to any other breakfast sausage.

What is the most popular way to enjoy goetta?
While most goetta loyalists are delighted by a simple crispy brown serving as a standout side to good ol’ fashioned eggs, goetta omelets, goetta grilled cheese sandwiches, and goetta ruebens are also popular. The greatest goetta taste controversy is whether it’s better topped with ketchup or syrup!

Where can I purchase Glier’s Goetta?
Glier’s Goetta is available at many retailers and restaurants in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area including: Kroger, Sam’s, Wal-Mart, Meijer, and Frisch’s, Perkin’s, Colonial Cottage, Price Hill Chili. To Glier’s Goetta fans around the globe, it is available for purchase through our website. Link right here to get it in the mail today.

What is the most popular variety of Glier’s Goetta?
Glier’s Goetta’s Original one-pound rolls are the most popular. To learn more about all of our delicious varieties, click here.

What is Glier’s Goettafest all about?
Founded in 2001, Glier’s Goettafest is a celebration of all things goetta, and the generations of families and friends who adore it. The free event during the first weekend of August is located along the Ohio River at Newport on the Levee, includes continuous live entertainment, and features over 30 clever and creative new recipes each year. Revelers come hungry for everything from goetta pizza to goetta fudge brownies.

How long can Glier’s Goetta be refrigerated?
Unopened, refrigerated Original Goetta has a four-month shelf life; Turkey Goetta has a two-month shelf life. The Slab and Mini Slab are good for 40 days; the Bun Links and Patties, 21 days. Glier’s Goetta can easily be frozen as well.

Can Glier’s Goetta be shipped?
Yes! Glier’s Goetta is shipped by our friends at Cincy Favorites every day. It may be ordered online at CincyFavorites.com or by calling 800-446-3882. Your Glier’s Goetta will be packed in a foam cooler with dry ice, and shipped to you the following business day.

Does Glier’s Goetta support local charities?
Glier’s Goetta is happy to donate our very popular Goetta Survival Kit – including a Glier’s Goetta recipe book, t-shirt, and Glier’s Goettafest mug – to fundraisers throughout the community. We are also proud to serve free samples of our Goetta Sliders at charity events like the local Heart Mini Marathon, Flying Pig Marathon, Hyde Park Blast, and Komen Race for the Cure.

Where can I find Oktoberfest Brand brats and metts?
Oktoberfest Brand is proudly sold at local Sam’s Clubs and online at CincyFavorites.com. The sausage that started the Gliers’ Family business in 1946 is also featured annually at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.

http://www.goetta.com/