Spray waffle iron with nonstick spray. Turn on and preheat.
In a large bowl add hash browns and squeeze out any additional liquid that is in them. Discard additional liquid.
Add butter, salt and pepper to the bowl and stir to fully coat the hash browns.
Open the waffle iron and add 1/2 cup hash brown mixture into each of the 4 sections. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese onto each section, and then add remaining hash browns on top.
Close lid and cook for 13-16 minutes, or until the top is crispy. Serve and enjoy!