Hash Brown Egg Nests – The Perfect Spring Breakfast Recipe

Hash brown egg nests are a delicious and fun breakfast dish that is perfect to serve on any day, but especially in the Spring. It all starts with little cups of shredded hash browns and cheese that are formed in muffin cups to resemble a bird’s nest.

Then after they are partially cooked, each nest is filled with a cracked egg and topped with crumbled bacon and more cheese. Once baked, the muffin cups become the perfect breakfast item that can be served as the main dish, or as part of a complete brunch.

You can either eat them with a fork and knife, or for a more casual setting they can served as a hand held breakfast item. In fact, I like to make these little cups as a ‘to-go’ breakfast option for busy weekdays when I am in a hurry to get out the door.

Simply bake them them and let them cool completely. Then put store them in the refrigerator or freezer in an air-tight container.

Once you need a quick and easy breakfast, reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two. Not only is it a huge time saver but it is also a great way to save money as you won’t be tempted to go through a fast food drive thru to get breakfast.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns – The base of the Egg Nests are made with thawed, frozen hash browns. You can choose plain hash browns or ones that have diced peppers and onions included in the mix.

However be sure to thaw the hash browns so that they can be pliable enough to form into the muffin cups.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – In order for the hash browns to stick together and form a nest, shredded Cheddar cheese is mixed with the shredded potatoes. Once the cheese melts, it glues the hash browns together and forms the nest.

Although I use shredded sharp cheddar cheese, feel free to choose whatever flavor of cheese that you prefer. For a milder flavor use Monterey Jack, Provolone or Mozzarella cheese.

No matter what variety of cheese that you choose, for best results use finely shredded cheese rather than coarsely shredded cheese.

Olive Oil – A little oil is added to the hash brown and cheese mixture to allow the edges of the egg nests to crisp up nicely.

Salt & Pepper – Season the base with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little spice, add a few hot red pepper flakes in as well.

Eggs – Once the nests form together in the oven, it is time to crack an egg in each muffin cup. However, before doing so be sure to make an indention in each hash brown cup so the egg can sit down in the nest.

The Toppings

Add additional toppings as desired. The most common additions include cooked and crumbled bacon and a little more shredded cheese.

Although, if you wish, you can skip the toppings all together or add other finely diced proteins or vegetables. Other suggested toppings: finely diced onion, green onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, crumbled sausage, or diced ham.

Hash Brown Egg Nests Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 15 oz. bag of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 medium eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1⁄2 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Instructions

Before you begin, the first step in making these Hash Brown Egg Nests is to thaw the frozen, shredded hash browns.

If you plan on making them the next day simply set the frozen bag of hash browns in your refrigerator the night before. Then in the morning, if they are still a little frozen, open the bag and let them finish thawing as you make your coffee.

However, if you are starting the morning with frozen hash browns you will need to thaw them in the microwave. For every cup of hash browns, thaw them on high power for 30 seconds in the microwave, stirring between each increment.

Once the hash browns are thawed add them to a large bowl. Then add the cheddar cheese, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Next, grease the muffin pan and divide hash brown mixture evenly between each cup. The loosely packed potatoes should fill each cup.

Then use your fingers to pack them tightly and shape them into nests, being sure to push them up the sides of the cups. The key here is to pack them tightly.

Pre-Bake The Hash Browns

Bake the hash brown nests in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. The potatoes will begin to brown, especially around the top edges.

Once the bake time is up, remove the pan from the oven and decrease the oven temperature. Using a greased back of a spoon or a mini tart shaper lightly make an indention in each hash brown cup.

Then crack a medium egg into each muffin cup on top of the hash browns. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Now sprinkle crumbled bacon and cheese on top of each egg. Place the pan back into the oven and bake until the egg whites are cooked.

Depending on how well done you would like the yolk, bake for 13-20 minutes. We prefer the egg hard boiled and they were perfectly cooked in 20 minutes in our oven.

However, if you want your Hash Brown Egg Nests to have a runny yolk, remove the pan as soon as the egg whites are set. Of course, increase the time for over medium eggs.

Once you remove the pan from the oven garnish the tops with parsley. Let the egg nests rest for a couple of minutes before you remove them so they have a chance to set.

Then gently slide a knife along the edges of each muffin cup to loosen. Then use a fork to lift them out of the pan.

Enjoy immediately or let cool and store in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the egg nests in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Enjoy! Mary

Other Delicious Breakfast Recipes

• Egg In a Hole
• Air Fryer Breakfast Bombs
• Keto Egg Muffins
• Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
• Biscuit Dough Breakfast Casserole
• Best Breakfast Casserole
• Air Fryer Breakfast Bombs
• Air Fryer Breakfast Egg Rolls
• Instant Pot Breakfast Frittata
• Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole

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