Crispy Ham, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Cups
Kickstart your day with these delightful Crispy Ham, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Cups! These savory bites combine the richness of cheddar cheese, the heartiness of diced ham, and the comforting texture of shredded hash browns, all baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin. Each cup is topped with a perfectly fried egg, making them not only visually stunning but incredibly satisfying. Perfect for meal prep or serving guests at brunch, these breakfast cups are easy to make and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a delicious, protein-packed breakfast with only five ingredients!
4
Servings
345
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns
20 ounces (Prepackaged, ready to use.)
Diced cooked ham
4 ounces (Diced into small, even pieces.)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 pound (Pre-shredded or shredded from a block.)
Half-and-half cream
2 1/2 cups (No preparation needed.)
Eggs
8 (Fried or cooked to preference.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns, diced cooked ham, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Lightly grease a standard muffin tin, ensuring each cup is coated well to prevent sticking.
4
Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full.
5
Carefully pour 1 1/2 tablespoons of half-and-half cream into each cup, allowing it to settle amongst the potato mixture.
6
Cover the muffin tin loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from browning too quickly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
8
While the breakfast cups are baking, prepare the eggs to each person's preferred style (fried, scrambled, or poached).
9
Once the cups are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin.
10
To serve, place a fried egg on top of each hash brown cup for a complete breakfast experience.
Nutrition Information
24.5g
Fat
15.25g
Carbs
17.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Ham, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Cups?
They are savory breakfast bites made with hash browns, ham, and cheese, baked in a muffin tin and topped with a fried egg.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include shredded hash browns, diced cooked ham, shredded cheddar cheese, half-and-half cream, and eggs.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 8 eggs to top the breakfast cups.
What brand of hash browns is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 20 ounces of Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while shredded cheddar is recommended, you can use other varieties like Monterey Jack or Swiss.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the breakfast cups need to bake?
They bake for a total of 40 minutes: 15 minutes covered with foil and 25 minutes uncovered.
Why do I need to cover the muffin tin with foil?
The foil prevents the hash browns from browning too quickly during the first phase of baking.
How much half-and-half goes into each muffin cup?
You should pour 1 1/2 tablespoons of half-and-half cream into each cup.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, lightly grease each cup of the muffin tin to prevent the potato mixture from sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these breakfast cups are perfect for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a quick morning meal.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 345 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 17.25 grams of protein.
Can I substitute the ham for another meat?
Yes, you can use cooked bacon or sausage crumbles as a substitute for the diced ham.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs can be fried, scrambled, or poached depending on your personal preference.
Can I add vegetables to the hash brown mixture?
Yes, finely diced peppers or onions can be added to the mixture for extra flavor.
What if I do not have half-and-half cream?
You can use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream or just whole milk as a substitute.
How do I ensure the cups come out crispy?
Baking them uncovered for the final 25 minutes allows the tops to become golden brown and crispy.
Are these breakfast cups gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on the hash browns and ham to be certain.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
This is a simple 5-ingredient recipe.
Can I use frozen shredded hash browns?
Yes, but it is best to thaw them first and pat them dry to ensure the cups become crispy.
What should I do if the hash browns are sticking to the tin?
Ensure you grease the tin well next time, and let the cups cool for a few minutes before trying to remove them.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 24.5 grams of fat.
Is this a good recipe for hosting brunch?
Absolutely, these are visually appealing and easy to serve to guests.
How do I mix the potato base?
Combine the hash browns, ham, and cheese in a large bowl and mix until evenly distributed.
How full should I fill the muffin cups?
Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the potato mixture.
Can I use a mini muffin tin for this recipe?
This recipe is intended for a standard muffin tin; using a mini tin would require adjusting the baking time significantly.
What type of ham should I buy?
Any pre-cooked diced ham or leftover ham diced into small even pieces will work.
How long should the cups cool before serving?
Let them cool for a few minutes after baking to help them set before removing them from the tin.