If you’re craving a crispy, fluffy, and utterly satisfying side that’s also vegan and baked to perfection, you’re going to adore this Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe. I absolutely love how these hash browns turn out – they’re lightly crispy on the edges, tender inside, and come with a tangy gochujang dip that gives a gentle spicy kick you never knew you needed. Stick around and I’ll walk you through every detail so you can nail these in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: These hash browns are baked, not fried, making them lighter yet still crispy.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, even beginner cooks will succeed.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: The secret step of squeezing out moisture and adding back the starch ensures crunch without toughness.
- Delicious Flavor Blend: The mix of gochujang, maple syrup, and lime juice for the dip takes this dish from great to unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe uses just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue, while a few simple pantry staples elevate the texture and flavor. Pro tip: always look for firm sweet potatoes to grate easily without turning mushy.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose fresh, firm ones without soft spots or sprouts for the best texture.
- Salt: Enhances natural flavors and helps to draw out moisture from the potatoes.
- Olive Oil: Adds subtle richness and helps create that coveted crispy crust.
- Spring Onions (white parts only): Provide a mild, fresh oniony bite that’s not overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for the best aromatic punch; adjust to your taste.
- Cornstarch (or potato/tapioca starch): Key to binding the hash browns and boosting crispiness without heaviness.
- Neutral Vegan Yoghurt (like Nush): Adds creaminess and moisture without overpowering; you can substitute with vegan cream.
- Gochujang Paste: A spicy, slightly sweet Korean chili paste; check for gluten-free options if needed.
- Maple Syrup: Balances the heat with a natural sweetness for the dip.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip and cuts through the richness perfectly.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and seasonings to match your taste buds or our seasonal veggies stocked in your fridge.
- Herb Infusion: I sometimes add finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy twist—the aroma fills the whole kitchen!
- Spice it Up: Swap the black pepper for smoked paprika or a bit of cayenne if you want more heat.
- Mix of Roots: Try mixing sweet potato with a little grated parsnip or carrot to add different textures and flavors.
- Cheesy Vegan Version: Toss in a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan right before baking for a melty, cheesy finish.
How to Make Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe
Step 1: Grate and Salt Your Sweet Potatoes
First things first: get your sweet potatoes grated coarsely, either with a food processor or a manual grater if you prefer. I love using a food processor because it saves time, but a hand grater works just as well and gives a nice texture. Once grated, sprinkle the salt over and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step draws out extra moisture which we’ll squeeze out later, helping you get crispy hash browns rather than soggy ones.
Step 2: Extract Excess Moisture and Rescue the Starch
After the 15-minute wait, place the salted shredded potatoes into a clean muslin cloth or kitchen towel. Here’s what I learned: squeezing out moisture is the secret to avoiding soggy hash browns, and don’t rush this step. You’ll likely get around half a cup of liquid — let it settle, then carefully pour off the water, reserving the starchy sediment at the bottom. Fold that powerhouse starch right back into your sweet potato shreds. This little trick makes all the difference in achieving that coveted crunch!
Step 3: Mix in Flavor and Bindings
Now, combine your sweet potato with the olive oil, chopped white parts of the spring onions, black pepper, and cornstarch. The oil helps with browning and flavor, while the cornstarch binds everything together without making the hash browns dense. Give it a gentle mix — you want everything evenly combined but not mashed.
Step 4: Shape and Prepare for Baking
Lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil — I swear by a classic aluminum tray for this recipe because it helps with crisp edges better than non-stick ones! Use a round cookie cutter or egg ring (about 3 inches diameter) to hold the shape while you scoop the mixture in without pressing it down too hard. You want the hash browns to be loosely packed so heat can penetrate and cook them evenly. If freestyle is more your style, just spoon and shape carefully — don’t flatten too much, and tidy edges with a knife if necessary to keep them neat and to avoid burnt bits.
Step 5: Bake, Flip, and Finish Baking
Bake your formed hash browns at 200°C (390°F) for 15 minutes without the fan. At this point, they’re delicate so use a flexible spatula (I keep a favorite silicone one just for this) to carefully lift them off. Brush the tray with more oil again, flip each hash brown, and place it directly on the oiled spot. Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 6: Whip Up the Gochujang Dip
While your hash browns bake, mix 1 teaspoon gochujang paste, a teaspoon of maple syrup, 80ml vegan yoghurt, and a squeeze of lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the salt and lime juice until it hits just the right balance between spicy, sweet, and tangy. This dip adds a pop of flavor that’s absolutely addictive with every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Moisture Squeeze: Trust me, I used to skip this, and my hash browns came out mushy—squeezing well makes all the difference.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the ingredients gently to avoid compressing the potato shreds too much, so they stay light inside.
- Aluminum Tray for Crispiness: Using an old-school aluminum baking sheet gives better browning and crunch than non-stick pans.
- Be Patient While Flipping: Use a flexible spatula and flip carefully to avoid breakage—your hash browns are fragile but worth it!
How to Serve Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little flaky sea salt or finishing salt like Maldon on top right after baking to boost the flavor. A tiny handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley gives a fresh herbal pop, and a little extra drizzle of lime juice just before serving brightens everything up beautifully.
Side Dishes
These hash browns are perfect alongside a simple avocado and tomato salad, sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or even a smoky black bean chili for a heartier brunch. I also like pairing them with tofu scramble or vegan sausages for a full breakfast spread that everyone raves about.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, I’ve served these stacked with a dollop of the gochujang yoghurt dip between layers, topped with microgreens and edible flowers — it’s both stunning and tasty! You can also place them on skewers as finger food or turn them into a crunchy base for a vegan “egg” benedict using chickpea flour omelet slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the fridge, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed the same day for maximum crispness.
Freezing
Freezing works surprisingly well! After baking and cooling completely, flash-freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen at 200°C for an extra 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
Reheating
I always reheat in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave to keep them crisp. A few minutes at 180°C reactivates that perfect crunch and warms them through without overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I make this Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe without spring onions?
Absolutely! Spring onions add a subtle sharpness but you can leave them out or swap with finely chopped chives or even minced garlic for a different kick.
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Is there a substitute for gochujang in the dip?
If you can’t find gochujang, try a mix of mild chili paste with a little miso paste to replicate the sweet-spicy-depth, or just add a pinch of smoked paprika and hot sauce for a quick replacement.
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a creamier texture. If using regular potatoes, make sure to rinse and squeeze out starch well to avoid sogginess.
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Why do I need to add the starch back after squeezing out liquid?
The starch retrieved from the liquid acts as a natural binder, helping your hash browns hold together while crisping up nicely without becoming dense or heavy.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—and I’m confident it’ll find a cozy spot in yours, too. It’s comforting and simple, yet surprisingly special with its crispy edges and lip-smacking dip. Next time you want a plant-based breakfast or a snack that feels indulgent but is guilt-free, give these a try. You’ll find yourself making them again and again, just like I do when friends pop over for brunch!
Print
Baked Vegan Sweet Potato Hash Browns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: makes 7 hash browns
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked vegan sweet potato hash browns made with simple ingredients and served with a tangy, spicy gochujang dip. These hash browns are naturally gluten-free, oil-brushed for crispness, and perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Hash Browns
- 450 g / 1 lb sweet (orange) potatoes
- heaped ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 2 spring onions, white parts only, finely chopped
- a good grind of black pepper, adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour / potato starch or tapioca starch
Gochujang Dip
- 80 ml / 1/3 cup neutral tasting vegan yoghurt (natural Nush recommended) or vegan cream
- 1 tsp gochujang paste (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ lime (or lemon) juice, to taste
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Grate Sweet Potatoes: Coarsely grate the sweet potatoes using a food processor or manual grater to prepare the base for the hash browns.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 200° C / 390° F (no fan). Prepare a baking sheet—an old-fashioned aluminum sheet is recommended over a non-stick one. Have an 8 cm / 3″ diameter cookie cutter or egg ring ready.
- Salt and Drain Sweet Potatoes: Add salt to the grated sweet potatoes and let sit for 15 minutes. Then place the mixture in a clean muslin cloth or kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess moisture. Allow the extracted liquid to sit so starch settles to the bottom. Drain the water and add the settled starch back to the sweet potato mixture for better crispiness.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the sweet potatoes with olive oil, finely chopped spring onions, freshly ground black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly but keep the mixture loose for better cooking texture.
- Shape Hash Browns: Lightly oil the baking sheet. Place the cookie cutter on the oiled area and fill it with the sweet potato mixture to just under 1 cm (0.35″), spreading evenly with a fork without compacting tightly. If freeforming, use a spoon and avoid flattening too much. Tidy edges with a knife to prevent burning.
- Bake First Side: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Carefully loosen the hash browns from the tray using a flexible spatula, being gentle as they are fragile at this stage.
- Flip and Bake Other Side: Re-brush the baking tray with oil, flip each hash brown onto the oiled spot, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare Gochujang Dip: In a small bowl, mix vegan yoghurt or cream with gochujang paste, maple syrup, lime juice, and salt to taste. Adjust lime and salt for tanginess and seasoning.
- Serve: Serve the hash browns immediately with a sprinkle of salt and a side of the spicy, tangy gochujang dip.
Notes
- These hash browns are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option that’s still crispy and delicious.
- Make sure to squeeze out all moisture from the grated sweet potatoes to achieve a crispy texture.
- The starch recovered from the sweet potato liquid is key to getting the perfect crispiness.
- Use a flexible spatula for flipping to avoid breaking the delicate hash browns.
- The gochujang dip adds a spicy and tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato flavor.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten-free (if using gluten-free gochujang) and suitable for plant-based diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hash brown (approximate)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4.2 g
- Sodium: 318 mg
- Fat: 2.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.5 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
