Savory Potato Nests with Ham, Eggs, Mushrooms, and Artichokes
Delight in these crispy Savory Potato Nests filled with a delicious blend of ham, sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and creamy sauce, all crowned with a perfectly poached egg. This dish makes for a festive breakfast or brunch, bringing elegance and comfort to your table. The nests are crafted from grated potatoes for a delightful crunch, providing the perfect vessel for a wholesome mix of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also guarantees a memorable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
5 (tablespoons, room temperature)
potatoes
1 1/2 (medium, peeled and coarsely grated)
onion
1/2 (minced)
Gruyère cheese
3/4 (cup, shredded)
nutmeg
1/8 (teaspoon)
mushrooms
5 (ounces, sliced)
shallots
2 1/2 (tablespoons, white parts only)
dry sherry
2 (tablespoons)
half-and-half
1 (cup)
egg yolks
2 (beaten to blend)
cooked ham
1 1/2 (cups, cubed)
cooked frozen artichoke hearts
5 (ounces, quartered)
fresh parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
poached eggs
6
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Potato Nests?
Savory Potato Nests are crispy vessels made from grated potatoes, filled with a mixture of ham, mushrooms, and artichokes, and topped with a poached egg.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, which adds a nutty and rich flavor to the potato nests.
How many ingredients do I need for this dish?
There are 14 specific ingredients required to make these Savory Potato Nests.
Can I substitute the ham in this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe uses cooked ham, you could substitute it with cooked bacon, sausage, or even smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using medium potatoes that have been peeled and coarsely grated.
What is the purpose of the dry sherry?
Dry sherry is used to deglaze the pan and add a sophisticated depth of flavor to the mushroom and shallot mixture.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
Use cooked frozen artichoke hearts that have been quartered before adding them to the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, these potato nests are designed as a festive breakfast or brunch dish that is both elegant and comforting.
What role does nutmeg play in the recipe?
A small amount of nutmeg is included to enhance the savory notes of the potatoes and the creamy sauce.
How are the egg yolks utilized?
The egg yolks are beaten and blended into the half-and-half to create a rich, creamy sauce for the filling.
What temperature should the butter be?
The 5 tablespoons of butter should be at room temperature for the best results.
How many poached eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 6 poached eggs to be placed on top of the finished nests.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley as a final touch.
What part of the shallots should I use?
The recipe recommends using only the white parts of the shallots, finely chopped.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be sliced and then sauteed with the shallots and butter.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because of its hearty ingredients and warm, satisfying nature.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can simply omit the ham and ensure your cheese is a vegetarian-friendly variety.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the exact serving size is not specified, the recipe uses 6 poached eggs, suggesting it serves approximately 6 people.
How do I ensure the potato nests are crispy?
Coarsely grating the potatoes and baking them with butter and cheese helps create the desired crispy texture.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Half-and-half is used for richness, but you could substitute whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
What type of mushrooms work best?
White button or cremini mushrooms are excellent choices for this savory filling.
How is the onion prepared?
The onion should be finely minced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the potato mixture.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of frozen?
Yes, but you must clean and cook them until tender before quartering them for the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe does not contain wheat products, making it naturally gluten-free if your ingredients are certified.
How should the ham be cut?
The 1.5 cups of cooked ham should be cut into small cubes.
Can I prepare the potato nests in advance?
You can grate the potatoes ahead of time, but keep them in cold water to prevent browning, and pat them dry before baking.
What makes this dish festive?
The elegant presentation of the poached egg on a golden potato nest makes it perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Can I add other herbs?
While parsley is used, fresh chives or tarragon would also complement the flavors of Gruyere and mushrooms.
What does the nutmeg add to the dish?
Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that is a classic pairing for creamy sauces and potato dishes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
The familiar flavors of potatoes, ham, and cheese usually make this a hit with children, especially if they enjoy eggs.