Aldi Frozen Hash Browns (Season’s Choice) Review
Author’s Note: Not a paid review. These are my own weird little opinions. I have no affiliation with Aldi.
If you don’t feel guilty, you are doing it wrong.
There are probably people in the world who don’t like hash browns. But I don’t know who they are. Who are you? We’ll get you help.
Aldi sells these large, frozen hash browns in a 20-pack for roughly $5. I’ve bought two packages in as many years. So, 40 big hash browns. More than 5 pounds of hash browns. All for my own little stomach. Yikes. So I must like these. They taste a lot like McDonald’s hash browns (possibly better), and they’re fairly foolproof to cook.
Taste and Texture
They’re crispy-crunchy on the outside, and tender-soft on the inside. The chopped potato blobs have a lovely firm structure — not too raw, but not mushy. Even without sauce, Aldi’s hash browns are flavorful and delicious.
I would describe the taste as deeply savory with just the right amount of salty goodness. Surprisingly, there aren’t any extra seasonings in these — no onions or garlic or pepper or anything. Weird. More about the ingredients later.
Since I don’t love breakfast, I’ve been known to eat these hash browns for dinner. They’re a nice substitute for french fries or tater tots. In fact — in my humble opinion — these are wildly more satisfying than tater tots! I think it’s the crispy shell. Because that’s where the potato flavor concentrates. Mmmm. Scrumptious. Even Gollum would like these. Wouldn’t spoil a nice fish.
(Are you looking for another tasty frozen option from Aldi? Here’s my review of the Maryland and Boardwalk frozen crab cakes, which were surprisingly good.)
Each hash brown patty is about 4 inches long. They’re not terribly thick. But that’s part of the appeal — the flat profile keeps them uber crunchy, and easy to bite. Despite the thin profile, these are pretty sturdy little guys — you can pick them up without them falling apart. I love self-contained food.
History of Hash Browns
Hash browns are an original American breakfast food, dating back to the early 1800’s. McDonald’s started making their signature hash brown patties in the 1970’s. Ore Ida began selling mass-produced hashbrown patties in the 1950’s. Technically, “hash browned potatoes” can refer to any type of chopped and fried potatoes, not just patties.
Ingredients in Aldi Frozen Hashbrowns
Here are the ingredients, from the label:
- Potatoes
- Vegetable Oil (Contains one or more of the following: Soybean Oil, Canola Oil)
- Salt
- Yellow Corn Flour
- Potato Flakes
- Dextrose
- Disodium Dihydrogen Pyrophosphate (to promote color retention)
- Contains bioengineered food ingredients
Yes, I hate these ingredients. These hash browns are not exactly health food. They were not meant to be. Eat them, and feel guilty. That’s the only way. It is the law.
If you don’t feel guilty, you are doing it wrong.
These are imported from Canada. Thanks, Canada! I love you.
Nutrition Facts in Frozen Hashbrowns from Aldi
A serving is 1 hash brown and contains 120 calories. You get 6 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. There’s also 1 gram of fiber, and 0 grams of sugars. A single hash brown has 13% of your daily value of sodium, but it also has 4% of your potassium.
Price and Servings
Due to wretched inflation, these hash browns have increased in price to $5.40. Since there are 20 patties per 42.33 ounce package, each hash brown costs about 27 cents. Still cheaper than McDonalds, and more convenient than waiting in line!
Shelf Life
The “best by” date on my package allows almost 2 full years to consume. Well, I guarantee they won’t last that long!
Since I am a single person, the frozen patties are a huge convenience. I can cook exactly as many as I need, while the other stay fresh in the freezer. It’s great having these “on hand” for whenever the mood strikes. As guilty as that mood may be.
Cooking Instructions
There are three different cooking options, from the label:
Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees
- Put single layer of frozen patties in air fryer basket
- Cook for 11-13 minutes, or until golden
Oven
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Spread frozen patties in a single layer on a non-stick pan
- Bake for 10 minutes
- Flip patties
- Bake another 8-10 minutes, or until golden
Fryer
- Heat oil to 375 degrees
- Put single layer of frozen patties in fryer basket
- Carefully lower basket into hot oil
- Fry 2.75-3.25 minutes, or until golden
- Shake basket frequently
I’ve tried making these in both my counter-top toaster oven (which has an air-fryer function), and my regular oven. Both methods work equally well, IMHO. Regardless of the method, I cook mine on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and I flip them over half-way through. Otherwise, they are too toasty on the top, and soggy on the bottom. It takes about 16 minutes in my countertop toaster/air fryer, and about 20 minutes in my regular oven.
Dramatic Conclusion
I’ve purchased these Aldi hash browns twice in the past couple years, so I clearly like them. They’re not something I’d eat every day — far from healthy. But, for a fun treat, it’s hard to beat the crispy-tender carb fest. These taste as good as fast food. I enjoy them as a convenient side item with dinner, or as a portable afternoon snack.
The End.
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