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Campfire Hash Browns

Campfire hash browns with golden, crispy skillet potatoes cooked in a cast iron skillet over a campfire grate. Frozen hash browns and diced onion are seasoned and pan-crisped, then topped with optional cheese and green onions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Campfire Hash Browns
  • 20 oz frozen hash browns Frozen; no need to thaw before cooking.
  • 1 onion Dice for even browning.
  • 0.25 cup butter or oil Use butter for richer flavor or oil for easier browning.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Seasoning for savory depth.
  • 1 tsp paprika Adds color and mild warmth.
  • 1 salt To taste.
  • 1 pepper To taste.
  • 1 shredded cheese Optional topping.
  • 1 green onions Optional topping.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Start the skillet
  1. Heat the butter or oil in a large cast iron skillet over the campfire until melted and shimmering.
  2. Add the frozen hash browns and onion, then spread into an even layer so the potatoes contact the pan.
Season and crisp
  1. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then press the potatoes lightly into the layer for contact.
  2. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown and crispy with darker edges.
Finish and serve
  1. Top with shredded cheese and green onions if desired, then let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes on the hot skillet.
  2. Serve hot as a side dish or breakfast base.

Notes

For the crispiest campfire hash browns, spread potatoes thin and avoid stirring too often during the first 10 minutes; flip only when you see firm, browned edges. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet until hot and crisp. Freezing is not ideal for texture, but you can freeze for up to 1 month if needed—recrisp in a skillet after thawing. Dairy-free option: use oil instead of butter and skip or substitute a dairy-free shredded cheese if you want the melty top.