Back in the early 1970s, McDonald's revolutionized, and quite possibly created the fast food breakfast. With the introduction of the Egg McMuffin, they had one food item that contained an entire breakfast, almost. The only thing missing - a breakfast potato product. Enter the McDonald's Hash Brown.
McDonald's Hash Browns are a pinnacle of culinary engineering. Crunchy crisp oval, deep fried with super-diced Russet potatoes inside. Unlike hash browns that came before these held together into one unit as opposed to being loose pieces. This was a miracle at the time in several regions of this country.
Now, as with anything at fast food restaurants, the quality and taste depends on who's at the fry station and how well they can follow directions. Often in recent times, I have noticed that Mickey D's Hash Browns have become greasier than they were back on church Sundays when we used to go after services when I was a kid. The diced Russets have become smaller and more compact I have also noticed.
Just like McDonald's famous fries, many have attempted to recreate this breakfast item, but few even come close.
Do you want fries with that Egg McMuffin? Or better yet, the rarer, cooler treat - would you like a Hash Brown to sandwich on top of your burger? Some of the McDonald's, including the one nearest me, started making breakfast available from midnight on, but still ending at 10:30 AM. The After Midnight Menu was a hit, and so it has made the chain consider further action. They're now doing it all over the place.
