Easter Egg Potato Nests
These adorable Easter Egg Potato Nests are the perfect breakfast treat to make your holiday morning extra special. Loaded with crispy hash browns, melted cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and freshly crumbled bacon, these nests are not only delicious but also a fun activity for kids to help with. Instead of using muffin cups, try baking them in a wider pan for a fun twist! Add your favorite seasonings to the hash browns or even mix in some colorful veggies for an extra cheerful touch. This delightful dish will surely bring smiles to your Easter brunch table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
hash browns
20 ounces (savory seasoned)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
sour cream
1/2 cup
bacon
8 slices (crisply cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the hash browns and the beaten egg. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3
Prepare a standard muffin pan by coating it generously with non-stick cooking spray.
4
Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of the potato mixture into each muffin cup, pressing the mixture firmly against the bottom and up the sides to form a nest shape.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the potato nests are golden brown and crispy.
6
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle an even amount of shredded cheddar cheese into each nest.
7
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
8
Let the nests cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them.
9
Top each potato nest with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Easter Egg Potato Nests?
They are a festive breakfast or brunch dish made from crispy hash browns shaped like nests, filled with cheese, sour cream, and bacon.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include 20 ounces of savory seasoned hash browns, one egg, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crisply cooked bacon.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How do you form the potato nests?
Press 2 heaping tablespoons of the potato and egg mixture firmly against the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin cup.
How long do the hash browns bake initially?
The nests bake for 20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
When is the cheddar cheese added?
The shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled into the nests after the initial 20-minute bake.
How long does it take to melt the cheese?
Once the cheese is added, bake the nests for an additional 2 minutes.
What toppings are added before serving?
Each nest is topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, forming the nests and adding the toppings is a fun activity for children.
What type of hash browns should be used?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of savory seasoned hash browns.
Is the egg beaten before mixing?
Yes, the egg should be lightly beaten before combining it with the hash browns.
How do I prevent the potato nests from sticking to the pan?
Generously coat a standard muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray before adding the potato mixture.
How long should the nests cool before removal?
Let the nests cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them.
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can try baking them in a wider pan for a different twist on the nest shape.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, mixing in some colorful veggies can add a cheerful touch to the dish.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Absolutely, you can add your favorite seasonings to the hash brown mixture for extra flavor.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe uses 8 slices of bacon that have been crisply cooked and crumbled.
How much sour cream is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of sour cream for topping the nests.
How much cheddar cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for Easter brunch?
Yes, these nests are specifically designed to be a delightful addition to an Easter brunch table.
What is the purpose of the egg in the mixture?
The egg acts as a binder to help the hash browns hold their nest shape while baking.
What is the texture of the potato nests?
The potato nests are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, frozen hash browns are typically used, but ensure they are the savory seasoned variety if following the recipe exactly.
Is the bacon added before or after baking?
The bacon is crumbled and added as a final topping after the nests have finished baking.
How much potato mixture goes into each muffin cup?
Spoon approximately 2 heaping tablespoons into each cup.
Is the sour cream baked?
No, the sour cream is added as a fresh topping just before serving.
Are these potato nests gluten-free?
If your hash browns and bacon are certified gluten-free, this dish can be gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: hash browns, egg, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, you can use any meltable cheese like Monterey Jack or Swiss.
Are these nests high in protein?
The dish contains protein from the egg, cheese, and bacon, making it a satisfying breakfast option.