How long are you supposed to cook regular hash browns?

Cooking regular hash browns for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown is an ideal guideline that balances achieving the right texture and flavor. This cooking duration allows the hash browns to develop a crispy exterior while ensuring that the interior is cooked through and tender.

If you cook them for less time, they may remain soggy or undercooked, lacking the ideal crispiness that many enjoy. Conversely, longer cooking times may result in overly dark or burnt hash browns that can change their flavor profile negatively. The recommendation to watch for a golden brown color is particularly important as it indicates that the sugars in the potatoes are caramelizing, enhancing both the taste and appearance of the dish. This is why the specific time frame of 5-6 minutes on each side is optimal for preparing hash browns.