Introduction

Eggs in Crispy Hash Brown Baskets combine hearty potatoes with rich, runny eggs for a delightful meal any time of day. This dish offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, with crispy edges and creamy centers. It’s simple to make and sure to impress at breakfast or brunch.

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 (like 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 ensure crispiness.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a muffin tin with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 4: Press a handful of the potato mixture firmly into each muffin cup, shaping it into a basket about 1/4 inch thick around the edges. Pack the mixture tightly to hold its shape.
Step 5: Bake the baskets for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning while ensuring the edges become crisp.
Step 6: Remove the basket from the oven and gently crack an egg into the center of each. Take care not to break the yolk if you prefer it runny.
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 soft. Adjust baking time for firmer yolks if desired.
Step 8: Let the baskets cool for a minute or two, then carefully loosen and remove them from the tin. Garnish with fresh herbs, sour cream, or hot sauce if you like.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try mixing in finely chopped onions or garlic with the potatoes before baking.
Use different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or parmesan for a nuttier flavor.
To make these gluten-free, simply stick to potatoes and cheese without adding any flour or binders.
Try adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms inside the baskets for more texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover hash brown baskets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again. It’s best to add fresh eggs before serving rather than storing baked eggs inside the baskets.

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 baskets ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the potato baskets up to one day in advance. Store them separately from the eggs and reheat before adding the eggs and baking them again.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

A regular baking sheet can work, but the baskets won’t hold their shape as well. You could also try using a silicone muffin mold or small oven-safe ramekins to achieve similar results.