Crispy Hashbrown Egg Nests (Printable Version)

Golden potato cups filled with eggs and cheese, offering a crispy and flavorful morning treat.

# Components:

→ Potatoes

01 - 3 cups shredded russet potatoes (approximately 2 large potatoes), rinsed and drained
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

05 - 6 large eggs
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/4 cup chopped scallions or chives
08 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Garnish

09 - Additional chopped chives (optional)
10 - Hot sauce (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin using nonstick spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, mix shredded potatoes with salt, black pepper, and melted butter until evenly coated.
03 - Press approximately 1/4 cup of the potato mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup, shaping into nests.
04 - Bake the nests for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and crisp.
05 - Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Evenly distribute some shredded cheese and scallions or chives into each nest.
06 - Crack one egg into each nest. Sprinkle with paprika, remaining cheese, and scallions or chives.
07 - Return the tin to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until eggs reach desired doneness.
08 - Allow nests to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before gently loosening edges with a butter knife and removing from the muffin tin.
09 - Serve warm, garnished with additional chives and hot sauce if preferred.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tender inside, giving you textural contrast in every bite.
  • These come together in under an hour and impress people way more than the effort requires.
  • You can customize each nest with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats depending on what you're craving that morning.
02 -
  • Squeeze your shredded potatoes dry before mixing them—wet potatoes steam instead of crisping, and you'll lose all that golden texture you're after.
  • Don't skip the first bake of the potato nests; that's what creates the structure that holds everything together and makes them crispy on the outside.
03 -
  • If you want extra crispy nests, bake the potato shells for a full 20 minutes and listen for the sizzle before you add the eggs.
  • Keep your cheese on the cheddar or gruyère side of the spectrum because they melt smoothly; avoid soft cheeses that turn into soup when baked.
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