Description
Eggs in Crispy Hash Brown Baskets are a delightful breakfast or brunch treat featuring golden, crispy potato baskets filled with perfectly baked eggs. These hearty baskets combine grated russet potatoes, melted cheese, and seasoning to create a sturdy base that crisps beautifully in the oven. Finished with a gently baked egg in the center and optional garnishes like fresh herbs, sour cream, or hot sauce, this recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful start to your day or a special meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Base
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
For Greasing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: 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 excess moisture as possible to ensure crispiness.
- Grease your muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a muffin tin with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and help the baskets crisp evenly.
- Mix the hash brown ingredients: In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir well to evenly distribute the cheese and seasoning.
- Form the baskets: Take a handful of the potato mixture and press it firmly into each muffin cup, shaping the mixture about 1/4 inch thick around the edges to create sturdy baskets.
- Bake the baskets: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, paying close attention to prevent burning.
- Add the eggs: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and gently crack one egg into the center of each pre-baked hash brown basket, taking care not to break the yolks.
- Bake again: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain runny; extend the baking time by a few minutes for firmer yolks if preferred.
- Serve and garnish: Let the baskets cool slightly, carefully loosen them from the muffin tin with a fork or spoon, and garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, or hot sauce as desired before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the grated potatoes for maximum crispiness.
- You can customize the cheese type to cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan based on your flavor preference.
- Press the potato mixture firmly into the muffin tin to ensure the baskets hold their shape during baking.
- For runnier yolks, bake the eggs for less time; for fully cooked yolks, increase the baking time by a few minutes.
- These baskets can be served with additional toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, or on a bed of mixed greens for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: eggs, hash browns, breakfast recipe, crispy potato baskets, baked eggs, brunch ideas, cheesy hash browns
