Name: Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz frozen hash brown potatoes; 6 eggs; ½ cup milk; salt; 1 tbsp butter; 8-10 Bacon; 1½ cups cheese

Welcome to a hearty and delightful breakfast, the hash brown egg cups. This recipe is a perfect blend of crispy hash browns, succulent eggs, crispy bacon and melted cheese all nested in a muffin tin. It's a versatile breakfast that can be customized to your liking, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. It's also a great way to start your day with a protein-filled meal.

Photos of Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are commonly available at your local supermarket. The frozen hash brown potatoes might be unfamiliar to some. They are usually found in the frozen section of the supermarket. They are versatile and save you the trouble of shredding potatoes from scratch. Similarly, the bacon can be found in the meat section of the supermarket.

Ingredients for Hash Brown Egg Cups

Hash brown potatoes: These are the hero of our dish, providing a crispy and savory base for our egg cups.

Eggs: A great source of protein that binds all of our ingredients together.

Milk: Added to the eggs to make them creamier and fluffier.

Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Butter: Used to cook the eggs and adds a rich, creamy flavor.

Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky note to the egg cups. Feel free to substitute with your favorite protein.

Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a delicious, stringy and cheesy experience.

One reader, Bevvy Ambriz says:

These hash brown egg cups are a game-changer! The crispy hash brown base perfectly complements the creamy egg and bacon filling. It's a delightful breakfast treat that's easy to make and incredibly delicious. I love how versatile and satisfying these cups are. A definite must-try for all breakfast lovers!

Bevvy Ambriz

Key Techniques for Preparing Hash Brown Egg Cups

How to press hash browns into muffin cups: Press the thawed hash browns into the greased muffin cups, ensuring that the potatoes are pressed into the sides and bottoms of the pan. This will create a sturdy base for the egg cups.

How to cook the egg mixture: Melt butter in a pan, then add eggs, milk, and salt. Cook until the eggs are mostly set and no liquid remains. Add the chopped bacon and 1 cup of cheese, and cook for an additional minute or so. This will ensure that the egg mixture is flavorful and well-cooked before spooning it into the potato cups.

How to bake the egg cups: After spooning the egg mixture into the potato cups, sprinkle with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese and allow the flavors to meld together. Let the egg cups cool for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the muffin cups.

How To Make Hash Brown Egg Cups

Kick start the day with these hash brown egg cups that combine two breakfast classics into a lightly-filling baked dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Cool Time: 5 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

20ozfrozen hash brown potatoes,thawed
6eggs
½cupmilk
salt,to taste
1tbspbutter
10stripsbacon,cooked and crumbled
1½cupscheese,divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Press thawed hash browns into 12 greased muffin cups. Be sure to press potatoes into the sides and bottoms of the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
While potatoes are cooking, melt butter, add eggs, milk, and salt and cook until mostly cooked and no liquid remains. Add chopped bacon and 1 cup cheese and cook for 1 minute more or so.
Spoon egg mixture into the potato cups, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before removing from muffin cups.
Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 251.94kcal
Fat: 18.80g
Saturated Fat: 7.96g
Trans Fat: 0.27g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.73g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.39g
Carbohydrates: 9.54g
Fiber: 0.66g
Sugar: 0.88g
Protein: 11.02g
Cholesterol: 116.32mg
Sodium: 311.67mg
Calcium: 141.12mg
Potassium: 238.42mg
Iron: 0.97mg
Vitamin A: 93.22µg
Vitamin C: 3.87mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Hash Brown Egg Cups

To ensure your hash brown egg cups are cooked evenly, it's important to press the hash browns firmly into the muffin cups. This creates a uniform thickness that allows for even cooking. Additionally, when adding the egg mixture, try to distribute it evenly among the cups to ensure each one has an equal amount of bacon and cheese. This will result in a balanced flavor in every bite.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and cook the bacon and grate the cheese the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-shredded hash browns: Opt for pre-shredded hash browns to skip the step of grating and squeezing out excess moisture from fresh potatoes.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra egg cups for a quick and convenient breakfast option on busy mornings.

Streamline the process: Use a muffin tin with silicone cups to easily remove the egg cups without sticking, saving time on cleanup.

Customize and plan: Experiment with different fillings and plan ahead to ensure you have all the ingredients ready, making the process more efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe

frozen hash brown potatoes - Substitute with shredded sweet potatoes: Shredded sweet potatoes can be used as a healthier alternative to regular hash browns, adding a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the recipe.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a subtle fruity flavor to the dish.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, providing a similar smoky flavor with less fat.
cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a plant-based option for those with dietary restrictions.

Presentation Ideas for Hash Brown Egg Cups

Elevate the hash brown cups: Carefully arrange the hash brown cups on a sleek, white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives or parsley over the hash brown egg cups to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a delicate, edible flower such as a nasturtium or pansy on top of each hash brown egg cup for an elegant and sophisticated touch.
Add a drizzle of truffle oil: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a high-quality truffle oil over the hash brown egg cups to impart a luxurious aroma and flavor.
Serve with a side of microgreens: Accompany the hash brown egg cups with a small bundle of vibrant microgreens, adding a visual contrast and a hint of earthy flavor to the dish.
Use fine dining plating techniques: Employ meticulous plating techniques such as tweezers to ensure precision and attention to detail in the presentation of the hash brown egg cups.
Accent with a balsamic reduction: Create a decorative swirl of balsamic reduction on the plate, adding a touch of sweetness and a visually stunning element to the overall presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the hash brown egg cups on a stylish, modern serving platter or individual plates to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Hash Brown Egg Cups

Allow the hash brown egg cups to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled egg cups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
To freeze the egg cups for longer storage:
- Wrap each egg cup individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped egg cups in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the hash brown egg cups for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen egg cups:
- Remove the desired number of egg cups from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the egg cups on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- If the egg cups seem dry after reheating, you can add a small amount of butter or cheese on top to restore moisture and flavor.
Note: Freezing and reheating may slightly affect the texture of the hash browns and eggs, but the egg cups will still taste delicious and make for a convenient, quick breakfast or snack option.

How To Reheat Leftover Hash Brown Egg Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hash brown egg cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the hash brown crust while evenly heating the egg mixture inside.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the hash brown egg cups in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave and the number of cups you're reheating. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the hash brown egg cups in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cups in the basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
If you want to add extra flavor and moisture to your leftover hash brown egg cups, wrap them individually in damp paper towels before microwaving. This will help prevent them from drying out during the reheating process.
For a quick and easy breakfast on the go, reheat your hash brown egg cups in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cups on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

Interesting Trivia About Hash Brown Egg Cups

The hash brown egg cups recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, or different types of cheese to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Is Making Hash Brown Egg Cups at Home Cost-Effective?

This hash brown egg cups recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as frozen hash brown potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese, are affordable and easily accessible. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $10-$15. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations based on personal preferences, making it a practical and budget-friendly choice. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Are Hash Brown Egg Cups Healthy or Unhealthy?

This hash brown egg cups recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients like frozen hash browns and bacon, which are high in sodium and saturated fat.
The use of butter and cheese adds additional saturated fat and calories to the dish.
The recipe lacks any significant source of fiber or nutrients from vegetables or whole grains.

However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made more nutritious without sacrificing flavor:

Swap the frozen hash browns for grated fresh potatoes or sweet potatoes, which will provide more fiber and nutrients.
Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source like turkey bacon, chicken sausage, or even sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat variety like part-skim mozzarella.
Incorporate more vegetables into the egg mixture, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes, to boost the vitamin and fiber content.
Use a non-stick muffin tin to minimize the need for added butter or oil.
Replace half of the whole eggs with egg whites to reduce the cholesterol and fat content while maintaining protein.

By making these adjustments, you can transform this recipe into a more balanced and nutritious breakfast option that still satisfies your taste buds.

Editor's Opinion on the Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe

This hash brown egg cups recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and savory bacon, creating a perfect breakfast or brunch dish. The use of muffin cups adds a charming presentation, making it ideal for entertaining or a special family breakfast. The recipe is simple to prepare and allows for customization with additional ingredients such as vegetables or herbs. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests or family members.

Enhance Your Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings: Crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze, perfect for dipping.

Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Soup: Rich and creamy soup filled with sweet caramelized onions and melted gruyere cheese, a comforting and indulgent starter.

Mixed Berry Cobbler: Juicy mixed berries baked under a buttery, golden crust, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Hash Brown Egg Cups

Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole: This casserole is a delicious combination of cheesy, bacon, and potatoes that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

Egg and Veggie Breakfast Casserole: This breakfast casserole is packed with a variety of colorful vegetables and protein-rich eggs, making it a nutritious and flavorful way to start your day.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Layered with creamy yogurt and a variety of fresh fruits, this parfait is a refreshing and healthy dessert or snack option.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: This stir-fry dish features tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Chicken and Rice Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of chicken and rice soup, filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Hash Brown Egg Cups

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game by serving up crispy baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests craving for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, juicy strawberries. The smooth texture of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the burst of flavor from the fresh strawberries, creating a delightful treat for any dessert lover.

Why trust this Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of hash brown and egg that promises a satisfying and flavorful experience. The use of bacon and cheese adds a rich and savory element, while the method of baking ensures a crispy texture. The step-by-step instructions provide clarity and ease of preparation, making it accessible for all levels of home cooks. The incorporation of milk in the egg mixture contributes to a creamy and luscious texture. Overall, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a delicious and comforting breakfast or brunch option.

Head over to the Recipe Sharing section to discuss the Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe and share your own creative twists on this delightful breakfast dish!

FAQ:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns. Simply grate the potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture before pressing them into the muffin cups.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any type of cheese you prefer or have on hand. Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hash brown egg cups ahead of time. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I add vegetables to the egg mixture?

Certainly! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or any other vegetables you like to the egg mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I use something else instead of bacon?

Of course! If you prefer, you can use cooked sausage, ham, or even vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or tofu as a substitute for bacon in this recipe.