How Trader Joe's Viral Hashbrowns Are Being Enjoyed In Endless Ways

As a grocery store with a devoted fanbase, Trader Joe's is well-known for its many tasty, private label items that can't be found anywhere else. One notable product is the chain's hashbrowns, which are derived from Idaho-grown potatoes. These fully cooked hashbrowns are as convenient as they are crunchy, and retail for $2.49 per 22 ½-ounce package (though you should check your local Trader Joe's to confirm the exact price).

According to the packaging, it's recommended that the hashbrowns be baked in the oven or heated in a skillet to achieve the optimal flavor and texture. However, the recipe options are virtually limitless, as hashbrowns pair beautifully with a wide range of ingredients. Along with traditional breakfast preparations featuring eggs, toast, and animal or plant-based proteins, industrious home chefs on social media have been developing their very own recipes. Many of these dishes have caught the attention of netizens looking for bold new ways to enjoy their favorite breakfast side dish.

When feeding a large family or a houseful of guests, a hashbrown casserole could be just the thing. One recipe posted to TikTok calls for adding eight Trader Joe's hashbrowns to a baking dish and covering them liberally with a layer of shredded cheese. You then add another layer of hashbrowns and incorporate eggs, milk, and seasoning into a bowl, pouring the creamy mixture over the hashbrowns and baking until golden brown.

Of course, you can also experiment with a healthy hashbrown recipe featured on the popular social media site. Place hashbrowns on a baking sheet, then mash up some avocado. Incorporate onions, as well as salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the pseudo-guacamole. Taking the seasoned mixture and placing it atop the baked hashbrown makes this a spuds-centric take on avocado toast. Additional seasoning or salsa can also be used to top the finished dish.

While similar, TikTok's quick hashbrown breakfast recipe uses an air fryer to achieve the perfect crispy texture. It's as easy as placing one hashbrown into an air fryer and setting the device to 400 degrees for 12 minutes. You can add sliced avocado and a fried egg to the finished hashbrown, along with everything bagel seasoning to taste. 

While these recipes are certified crowd-pleasers based on their social media response, they're not the only hashbrown recipes in town. 

TikTok is filled to the brim with recipe ideas, especially when it comes to hashbrown preparations. One innovative user of the platform even topped their Trader Joe's hashbrowns with caviar, adorning the crisp potato patty with a swipe of creme fraiche, a dollop of the coveted fish eggs, and a finishing sprinkle of dill for a fun riff on classic flavors.

Another inspired TikTok recipe is hashbrown Frito pie. For this dish, you'll want to grab a bag of Fritos or some other brand of corn chips, a can of chili, pickled jalapeño slices, cheddar cheese, and milk. Heat everything besides the potatoes and corn chips in a pot, then use the mixture to top individual hashbrowns. Don't forget to break up some chips and sprinkle them liberally over the top for a taste and texture boost. 

For a truly surprising morning treat, breakfast "sushi" is definitely worth considering. Using the browned potato patties in place of rice, cover each hashbrown with cream cheese before slicing them into sushi-sized bites, then place a bit of smoked salmon onto each portion. Toppings are basically up to you, but the recipe's creator recommends popular bagel accompaniments like capers, red onions, green onions, and cucumbers, and even finishes with a pinch of everything bagel seasoning.

Clearly, Trader Joe's shoppers love the brand's hashbrowns. Some people even panicked when they couldn't find any in stores, but TJ's swears the spuds are sticking around.