I Tried 6 Frozen Hash Brown Patties, and the Winner Was an Unexpected Gem

Hash brown patties are a breakfast MVP. Whether as a handheld snack from a drive-thru, a side dish with eggs, or a canvas for creative toppings at home, they offer crispy outsides, velvety insides, and endless versatility.

This time, we’re not talking about shredded hash browns cooked in a pan. Instead, we’re focusing on patties—the convenient, top-able slabs straight from the freezer. You might wonder, “If they’re all just potatoes, is there really much of a difference?” Oh, I assure you—there is!

While there was a clear winner, none of these patties came “ready to eat” out of the box. They’re underseasoned, likely anticipating your preferred preparation or toppings. If you’re enjoying them plain, don’t forget a generous sprinkle of salt while they’re warm.

How I Tested the Hash Browns

I cooked each hash brown patty in the air fryer at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 11 minutes—an average of the instructions across all brands. They were sampled plain and dipped in ketchup to mimic a common way they’re eaten.

Here’s how the six brands stacked up:

The Best Frozen Hash Brown Patties, Ranked

6th Place: Season’s Choice Hash Brown Patties (Aldi)

At first glance, Aldi’s patties look promising with golden brown spots and crisp edges. But this is a classic case of “looks can be deceiving.” The flavor is musty and old, like eating a potato in a basement. Once they cool, they turn mealy, losing the “hot and fresh” appeal. Unless you’re only using them as a vehicle for ketchup, it’s best to look elsewhere.

Aldi’s bulk box offers 20 patties, which is great for big families but overwhelming for smaller households or tight freezers. For context, that's about double the amount of every other brand on this list. I hope you have a lot of freezer space.

5th Place: Great Value Hash Brown Patties (Walmart)

See at Walmart

Walmart’s patties stand out visually—but not in a good way. They look like little tiles of drywall in a concerning yellow hue. The middle is more soggy than creamy, and the flavor finishes with a starchy aftertaste.

However, they have some redeeming qualities. The tender crackle on the outside adds a unique twist, and the onion-forward flavor, thanks to the liberal use of onion powder, is divisive but enjoyable. I get a sneaky suspicion that’s why they’re called “patties” and not “hash brown patties” or “potato patties." They’re patties alright! Onion patties.

These patties might work for certain recipes but fall short as a standout hash brown.

4th Place: McCain Quick Cook Hash Browns

See at instacart.com

McCain’s oval-shaped patties resemble the ones from McDonald’s. (Is this Ronald’s secret brand?) They offer a crispy exterior and creamy interior akin to mashed potatoes. However, they’re severely underseasoned—even for this lineup—and lean toward bland. You can taste the oil in these, but thankfully, it reads more "morning drive-thru nostalgic" than off-putting.

Though marketed as ready in nine minutes, even 11 minutes wasn’t enough to fully crisp them. If you’re nostalgic for a drive-thru breakfast, these might hit the spot, but be ready to add salt.

3rd Place: Trader Joe’s Hash Browns

Trader Joe’s hash browns are a household staple for good reason. They cook evenly in the air fryer, avoid tasting greasy, and have a pure potato flavor. They’re a fantastic blank canvas for toppings or seasonings but don’t expect anything spectacular on their own.

These reliable patties won’t wow you, but their simplicity makes them a versatile choice for home cooks.

2nd Place: Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns

See at Walmart

Ore-Ida doesn’t sell hash brown patties near me, so I tried their Crispy Crowns—tiny hash brown rounds that look like flattened tater tots. Like Walmart, Ore Ida boosts the flavor with onion, opting for the granulated form over powder, keeping it subtle and balanced.

This brand from my youth delivers solid potato products. The crispy crowns are no exception and would be just as excellent for breakfast as they are dunked into ketchup. Perhaps if I were able to try the full patties, they would come in first place, but their form holds them back slightly in this ranking.

1st Place: Kroger Seasoned Hash Brown Patties

See at kroger.com

This one really took me by surprise, outshining the rest with evenly golden brown surfaces, a satisfying crunch, and a pure potato flavor. They avoid being overly starchy or tasting like they’ve spent too long in the freezer.

I could do without all the added ingredients, but the flavor and texture make up for it. Sometimes it’s best not to question it, and go with your tastebuds. These patties are perfectly air-fryer friendly and deliver a consistently delicious experience.

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