Introduction

Eggs in Crispy Hash Brown Baskets are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Crispy, cheesy potato baskets cradle perfectly baked eggs, creating a dish that’s both comforting and eye-catching. It’s an easy recipe that brings together hearty textures and rich flavors for any meal of the day.

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 excess moisture thoroughly. The drier the potatoes, the crispier the baskets will be.
Step 2: 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 with crisping.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes with salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheese and seasoning.
Step 4: Take a handful of the potato mixture and firmly press it into each muffin cup, creating baskets about 1/4 inch thick around the edges. Pack the mixture tightly so it holds together while baking.
Step 5: Bake the baskets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 6: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and carefully crack an egg into the center of each basket, taking care not to break the yolk for a runnier texture.
Step 7: Return the 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 before gently loosening them from the tin with a fork or spoon. Garnish with fresh herbs and add sour cream or hot sauce if desired, then serve.

Tips & Variations

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to ensure the baskets turn crispy rather than soggy.
Try different cheeses like parmesan or mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables inside the baskets before cracking the eggs for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you prefer a less rich option, use less cheese or omit it entirely, though cheese helps hold the baskets together.

Storage

Store any leftover hash brown baskets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy. It’s best to add fresh eggs when serving rather than reheating eggs in 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 hash brown baskets ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and bake the hash brown baskets in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, crack the eggs into each basket and bake until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

What type of cheese works best for these baskets?

Cheddar cheese is a great choice for its flavor and melting quality, but mozzarella and parmesan also work well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese to change up the flavor profile.