Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Cups
These delightful Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Cups offer a delicious twist on a classic breakfast staple. Crispy potato nests are formed by baking shredded hash browns in a muffin tin, creating the perfect vessel to hold fluffy scrambled eggs. Infused with savory sautéed onions, bell peppers, and hearty breakfast sausage, each bite is bursting with flavor. Topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, these crowd-pleasing bites are not only visually appealing but also nutritious, making them ideal for breakfast gatherings or as a fun brunch item for kids and adults alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen hash brown potatoes
1 (3 1/2 cup) bag (defrosted (we used Simply Potatoes))
Vegetable oil or butter
1/3 cup
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Eggs
6
Milk
2/3 cup
Finely diced onion
1/2 cup
Finely diced bell pepper
1/3 cup
Diced cooked breakfast sausage
3/4 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese
to taste
Chopped parsley
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the defrosted hash brown potatoes with 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3
Using about 1/3 cup of the potato mixture, press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each cup in a 12-serving muffin tin, creating a nest shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the nests are golden brown and crispy.
4
Once baked, remove the nests from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the muffin tin.
5
While the nests are cooling, prepare the egg filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
6
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining oil or butter. Once hot, stir in the finely diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft and the onions are golden.
7
Add the diced sausage to the pan and cook until heated through, mixing everything together.
8
Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, gently stirring until the eggs are scrambled and just set, forming small curds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Carefully remove the baked potato nests from the muffin tin and place them on an ovenproof platter or a baking sheet.
10
Spoon the scrambled egg mixture into each potato nest, filling them generously.
11
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each filled nest. Place the platter in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
For an optional garnish, sprinkle chopped parsley on top of each nest before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Cups warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Cups?
They are crispy potato nests made from shredded hash browns filled with scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, sausage, and melted cheese.
Do the frozen hash browns need to be thawed?
Yes, the recipe requires one bag (3.5 cups) of frozen hash brown potatoes to be defrosted before use.
What oven temperature is used to bake the potato nests?
The potato nests are initially baked at 400°F (200°C).
How long do the hash brown nests need to bake?
They should bake for 30 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
How much potato mixture goes into each muffin tin cup?
Use approximately 1/3 cup of the potato mixture for each cup in a 12-serving muffin tin.
What is the recommended way to form the potato nests?
Press the potato mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create a nest shape.
What fats can be used to coat the potatoes?
You can use either 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or softened butter to coat the hash browns.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
This recipe uses 6 large eggs for the scrambled egg filling.
How much milk should be added to the eggs?
Whisk 2/3 cup of milk together with the eggs until well combined.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of finely diced onion and 1/3 cup of finely diced bell pepper.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of diced cooked breakfast sausage.
How much shredded cheddar cheese is needed?
The amount of shredded cheddar cheese is added to taste to top each filled nest.
What temperature is used for the final melt of the cheese?
The platter is placed in a 375°F (190°C) oven for the final melting step.
How long does the final baking step take?
It takes about 2 to 3 minutes for the cheese to become melted and bubbly.
Is there a garnish suggested for this dish?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top of each nest before serving.
What size muffin tin is required?
A standard 12-serving muffin tin is used to form and bake the potato nests.
How should the eggs be cooked?
The eggs should be scrambled in a skillet with the sautéed vegetables and sausage until just set.
How long should the onions and peppers be sautéed?
Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft.
When should the cooked sausage be added?
Add the diced sausage to the skillet after the vegetables have softened and cook until heated through.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, these breakfast cups are described as a fun brunch item for both kids and adults.
What should I do after the nests are finished baking?
Remove the nests from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the muffin tin before assembling.
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil in the skillet?
Yes, you can use either oil or butter to sauté the vegetables and cook the eggs.
How many cups of hash browns are in the specified bag?
The recipe specifies a 1 bag containing 3 1/2 cups of hash browns.
What seasoning is added to the hash browns?
The potatoes are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Should the nests be removed from the tin before filling?
Yes, carefully remove the baked nests from the tin and place them on a platter or baking sheet before filling.
How much onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely diced onion.
How much bell pepper is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of finely diced bell pepper.
Is this dish considered a finger food?
Yes, it is tagged as finger food and is ideal for breakfast gatherings.
Should these be served warm?
Yes, for the best taste and texture, enjoy your Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Cups warm.
How do you ensure the eggs form small curds?
Gently stir the egg mixture in the skillet while cooking until they are just set.