These Crispy Hash Brown Egg Cups with Melted Cheese are a delicious and versatile breakfast treat that combines crispy hash browns, gooey cheese, and perfectly baked eggs. This dish is incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, such as crispy bacon or sautéed veggies. The golden brown hash brown cups create a crispy shell that holds the melted cheese and eggs inside, making for an indulgent and satisfying meal, perfect for brunch or breakfast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and patted dry

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 6 large eggs

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

3. Form the Hash Brown Cups:
   Divide the hash brown mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups, pressing the mixture into the bottom and up the sides to form a nest.

4. Bake the Hash Brown Cups:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cups are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven.

5. Add the Eggs:
   Crack an egg into each hash brown cup and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Bake the Eggs:
   Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the cups from the oven, let them cool slightly, and carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cups. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 215 kcal

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Protein: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 17g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 4g

The Perfect Crispy Hash Brown Base

The foundation of these egg cups is the crispy hash brown cups. Using frozen shredded hash browns makes this dish incredibly easy, with minimal prep required. After thawing the hash browns and patting them dry, they are mixed with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The combination of cheese and seasonings adds richness and depth to the hash browns, ensuring each bite is flavorful.

To form the crispy cups, the mixture is pressed into the muffin tin, creating little nests. These nests are baked until golden brown and crispy, which adds both texture and flavor to the dish. The crispiness of the hash browns contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey cheese and the perfectly baked egg, making every bite a delightful experience.

Baking the Hash Brown Cups

Once the hash brown mixture is pressed into the muffin tin, it’s baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cups are golden brown and crispy. This step creates the perfect shell to hold the cheese and eggs. The baking time allows the hash browns to cook through and form a sturdy, crisp nest, which will prevent the egg from running out. The result is a crunchy and satisfying base that serves as the ideal vessel for the egg and melted cheese.

Adding the Eggs and Cheese

Once the hash brown cups are baked to golden perfection, it’s time to crack an egg into each cup. Gently crack an egg into each nest, being careful not to break the yolk. You can season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor. The egg sits on top of the crispy hash browns, creating a visually stunning contrast with the cheese.

After adding the eggs, the muffin tin is returned to the oven to bake the eggs to your desired level of doneness. This typically takes about 12-15 minutes, depending on whether you prefer your eggs runny, medium, or fully cooked. The heat from the oven gently cooks the eggs while the cheese continues to melt and blend with the hash browns, creating a rich and flavorful combination.

Customization Options: Add Your Favorite Mix-ins

One of the best things about Crispy Hash Brown Egg Cups is their versatility. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the hash brown mixture for a smoky, savory flavor that complements the egg and cheese.

• Vegetables: Sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the hash brown mixture or used as a topping for added color and flavor.

• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil can be added to the mixture or sprinkled on top for an aromatic boost.

• Sausage: Crumbled sausage adds extra protein and a hearty flavor to the egg cups.

• Avocado: For a fresh and creamy contrast, top the cooked egg cups with slices of avocado.

The possibilities are endless, and you can mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the egg cups are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cup to loosen them from the muffin tin. This ensures that the cups stay intact and are easy to remove.

To finish, garnish the crispy hash brown egg cups with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor. The parsley adds a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and egg.

These crispy hash brown egg cups are perfect for serving as a main dish for breakfast or brunch. They’re easy to make in bulk, so they’re also great for serving a crowd. Whether you enjoy them with a side of fresh fruit, a crisp salad, or some crispy bacon, they’re sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Crispy Hash Brown Egg Cups with Melted Cheese contains approximately 215 calories. This makes them a satisfying breakfast option that is both indulgent and balanced. With 14 grams of fat, including 7 grams of saturated fat, the cups provide richness from the cheese and eggs. The 7 grams of protein come from the eggs and cheese, making these cups a good source of protein to start your day.

The carbohydrates in this dish come primarily from the hash browns, which provide 17 grams of carbs per serving, along with 1 gram of fiber. The 4 grams of sugar come from the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the added seasoning. This makes the cups a flavorful and filling choice for breakfast or brunch.

Conclusion: A Satisfying and Customizable Breakfast Delight

Crispy Hash Brown Egg Cups with Melted Cheese are a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy hash brown cups, gooey cheese, and perfectly baked eggs makes for an indulgent yet satisfying meal. The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings, from crispy bacon to fresh vegetables, creating a dish that suits all tastes. Whether served as part of a hearty brunch spread or as a quick weeknight meal, these hash brown egg cups will impress everyone at the table.