Crispy Hashbrown Egg Nests (Printable)

Golden, crispy potato cups with eggs and cheddar cheese for a delicious start to your day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

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

→ 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 - Extra chopped chives
10 - Hot sauce

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine shredded potatoes, salt, black pepper, and melted unsalted butter. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
03 - Press approximately 1/4 cup of the potato mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup, shaping a nest.
04 - Bake nests for 15 to 20 minutes until edges are golden brown and crisp.
05 - Remove the muffin tin from the oven and sprinkle a portion of shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions or chives into each nest.
06 - Crack one egg into each nest. Season with paprika if desired, then top with remaining cheese and scallions or chives.
07 - Return the tin to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until eggs reach preferred doneness.
08 - Allow nests to cool for 3 to 5 minutes, then gently loosen with a butter knife and remove from muffin tin.
09 - Serve warm garnished with extra chopped chives and hot sauce as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tender inside, with zero monotony in every forkful.
  • One muffin tin gives you six complete breakfast servings that feel individual and special.
  • Kids actually get excited about eating their vegetables when potatoes are disguised this way.
02 -
  • Draining the potatoes thoroughly is non-negotiable—excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness and will make your nests soggy.
  • Don't skip the initial potato baking step; rushing into the eggs means you'll never get that crispy exterior texture you're after.
03 -
  • Use a muffin tin with a dark or nonstick coating—it helps the potato nests brown more evenly and releases them cleanly.
  • If an egg cracks while you're adding it, don't panic—just scoop it out, dry the nest, and start over with a fresh egg; the nest itself is completely fine.
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