How Many Calories Are in 2 Hashbrowns?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for two hashbrowns varies significantly depending on the preparation and source, ranging from as little as 60 for some small fast-food versions to over 300 for larger or different recipes. This wide range is a testament to how the method of cooking, the ingredients, and the size of the portion can dramatically alter the nutritional value of this popular breakfast item. Understanding the differences is key for anyone watching their calorie intake.

Quick Summary

This article examines the calorie content of two hashbrowns across various common sources, including popular fast-food restaurants, pre-made frozen products, and different homemade preparation methods. It provides a detailed nutritional comparison and practical tips for reducing calories while still enjoying the dish. The analysis highlights how factors like cooking oil and ingredients impact the final count.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The calorie count for two hashbrowns can vary greatly, from around 60 calories for smaller, healthier options to over 400 for larger restaurant servings.
Fast-Food Is Higher: Deep-fried fast-food hashbrowns, such as from McDonald's or IHOP, contain significantly more calories and fat than baked or air-fried versions due to their preparation method.
Homemade Is Healthier: Cooking hashbrowns at home offers the most control over ingredients and cooking methods, allowing for a much lower calorie count by baking or air-frying with minimal oil.
Air-Frying Reduces Calories: Using an air fryer for frozen or homemade hashbrowns can produce a crispy texture with a fraction of the oil, drastically reducing the total calories and fat.
Portion Size Matters: Even within the same category, the physical size of the hashbrown patty can make a big difference, so always check the serving size listed on nutritional information.
Substitute for Low-Carb: For a low-carb and lower-calorie alternative, hashbrowns can be made from shredded cauliflower or radishes instead of potatoes.

Hashbrowns are a breakfast staple, but their nutritional profile is not one-size-fits-all. The number of calories you consume in two hashbrowns can be drastically different depending on where they are from. While shredded potatoes themselves are relatively low in calories, the cooking process—specifically, deep-frying in oil—is what adds the bulk of the calories and fat.

Fast-Food Hashbrowns: A Nutritional Breakdown

Fast-food restaurants are known for their golden, crispy hashbrowns, which are often deep-fried to achieve that signature texture. The high-fat cooking process significantly increases the calorie count. The patties are typically uniform in size, making their calorie counts consistent within a single brand, but they can vary between different chains.

For example, McDonald's in the US lists one hashbrown at 140 calories, meaning two would contain 280 calories. However, other versions may differ. A single patty from IHOP, for instance, adds about 220 calories, so two would be 440 calories, assuming a standard serving is one. The total can quickly add up, especially when paired with other breakfast items.

Factors Affecting Restaurant Calorie Counts

Several factors influence the calorie count of fast-food hashbrowns:

Oil Type: The type of oil used for deep-frying impacts the total fat and saturated fat content.
Cooking Time: Longer cooking times can lead to more oil absorption.
Patty Size: Larger or thicker patties will naturally have a higher calorie density.
Preparation: Some chains may include additional ingredients or coatings that affect the final caloric total.

Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient and Variable

Frozen hashbrowns offer a convenient way to enjoy the dish at home, but their calorie content is not standardized across all brands. While the base ingredients are similar, the amount of added oils and sodium can differ. The way you prepare them at home, whether baked or pan-fried, will also determine the final calorie count. For example, some frozen varieties may list around 120-150 calories per patty before additional oil is used for cooking.

To keep calories in check, air-frying or baking frozen hashbrowns with a light cooking spray is a much better option than deep-frying. Air-frying can produce a crispy result with a fraction of the oil needed for pan-frying, drastically reducing the total fat and calories.

Homemade Hashbrowns: The Ultimate Control

Making hashbrowns from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients and cooking method, making it the easiest way to manage calories. A basic recipe uses shredded potatoes, a binder like eggs or flour, and minimal oil. By opting for an air fryer or using a non-stick skillet with a light oil spray, you can create a much healthier version.

A home-cooked hashbrown made with minimal added fat can be surprisingly low in calories. For instance, a small, homemade patty might only contain around 70-80 calories before cooking oil is factored in. Choosing a low-fat cheese or omitting it entirely for a simpler recipe also helps reduce the caloric total.

Comparison of Hashbrown Calorie Counts

To illustrate the calorie differences, here is a comparison table showing the approximate calories for two hashbrowns from different sources. These values are estimates and can vary based on portion size and preparation.


Source	Serving Size	Calories (Approx.)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)
McDonald's (US)	2 Patties	280	16	36
IHOP (US)	2 Side Servings	440	28	40
Frozen (Baked)	2 Patties	~250	~14	~27
Homemade (Air-Fried)	2 Patties	~150-200	~4	~30
Chick-fil-A	2 Patties (small)	30-60 (based on small size, assumes ~15-30 per patty)	~4-6	~6-10

Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices

The number of calories in two hashbrowns can range dramatically based on whether you're at a fast-food chain, using a frozen product, or cooking them at home. While deep-fried restaurant options tend to be the most calorific, homemade and air-fried alternatives offer a healthier, lower-calorie way to enjoy the same delicious taste. Understanding these differences empowers you to make informed decisions and enjoy your breakfast in a way that aligns with your dietary goals. For those seeking even healthier options, alternatives like cauliflower or radish hashbrowns provide a delicious, low-carb substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Two hashbrowns from McDonald's contain approximately 280 calories, as each individual patty has about 140 calories.

Yes, frozen hashbrowns can often be lower in calories, especially if prepared at home by baking or air-frying with minimal oil, instead of deep-frying like fast-food versions.

The lowest calorie method for cooking hashbrowns is to air-fry or bake them in the oven using only a light spritz of cooking spray, which minimizes the added fats and calories.

To reduce calories in homemade hashbrowns, use a non-stick pan with minimal cooking spray, or use an air fryer. Additionally, you can swap out some or all of the potatoes for a lower-carb vegetable like cauliflower.

Yes, calorie counts differ significantly between fast-food chains. For example, two hashbrowns from IHOP can be significantly higher in calories than two from McDonald's due to differences in size and preparation.

Yes, for a low-carb alternative, hashbrowns can be made from shredded cauliflower or radishes. These vegetable-based versions are also often lower in calories.

Homemade hashbrowns generally have fewer calories because you control the ingredients and cooking oil. Fast-food restaurants typically deep-fry their hashbrowns in large amounts of oil, which adds significant fat and calories.