Introduction

Eggs in Crispy Hash Brown Baskets are a delightful twist on classic breakfast potatoes. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these baskets hold perfectly cooked eggs for a satisfying and elegant meal. They’re perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat.

The image shows four golden-brown crispy nests made from shredded potatoes, each holding a sunny-side-up egg perfectly cooked with bright yellow yolks and firm white edges. The nests have a rough, crunchy texture on the outside, forming a cup shape that holds the eggs snugly. Each egg is sprinkled lightly with black pepper and finely chopped green herbs. These nests are placed on a dark surface with hints of wooden texture in the background, with a close-up view that highlights their crispiness and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for greasing the muffin tin)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large eggs
Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Sour cream or hot sauce for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel and grate the russet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to help the baskets crisp up.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin generously with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and help with even crisping.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes with salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Press a handful of the potato mixture firmly into the muffin tin cups, forming baskets about 1/4 inch thick around the edges to create a sturdy base.
Step 5: Bake the baskets for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove the tin from the oven and carefully crack an egg into the center of each basket, taking care not to break the yolk.
Step 7: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny. Bake longer if you prefer fully cooked yolks.
Step 8: Let the baskets cool for a minute or two, then gently loosen them from the tin. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, or hot sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture from the potatoes; this ensures the baskets get crispy instead of soggy.
Add cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions to the potato mixture for extra flavor.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Top with sautéed spinach or roasted tomatoes to add a veggie twist.
Serve on a bed of greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter, fresh option.

Storage

Store any leftover hash brown baskets and eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the potatoes soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows four crispy golden brown potato nests, each holding a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg with bright yellow yolks and slightly set whites in the center. The nests have a rough, crunchy texture on the outside, with thin strands of fried potato fanned out like a bird’s nest. Each egg is seasoned with a sprinkle of black pepper and finely chopped green herbs on top, adding spots of green color. The nests are arranged on a dark baking tray, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the hash brown baskets in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the baskets up to the baking step and refrigerate them uncooked. When ready to serve, bake them and add the eggs as directed.

What can I use if I don’t have a muffin tin?

You can use a regular baking sheet and shape the potato mixture into small nests, but a muffin tin helps keep their shape and cooks them evenly.