These Bacon Egg and Cheese Hash Brown Cups are a fun twist on breakfast! Crispy hash browns form little cups filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and delicious bacon. What’s not to love?
Making them is so easy, and they’re perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch. I like to load mine up with extra cheese because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better! 🧀😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are a great time-saver, but you can also use freshly grated potatoes. If you go fresh, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to keep those cups crispy.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharp flavor, but feel free to substitute mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat. A cheese blend works well, too!
Bacon: Crispy bacon gives great flavor, but turkey bacon or even cooked sausage can be good alternatives to fit different dietary needs.
Eggs: Large eggs are a must for this recipe, but you can use egg whites or egg substitutes if you’re cutting back on cholesterol. Each egg adds protein and richness!
How Can You Get Perfectly Crispy Hash Brown Cups?
Creating those crispy hash brown cups is all about prep and patience. The key steps are forming the nests and baking them just right:
- After thawing, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the hash browns. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
- When pressing the hash brown mixture into the muffin tin, make sure to pack it down firmly. This ensures the nests hold their shape during baking.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven! You’re looking for a golden-brown color on the edges—this means they’re ready for the next steps.
Following these steps will help you achieve that perfect crispy texture everyone loves!
Bacon Egg And Cheese Hash Brown Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hash Brown Nests:
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 6 large eggs
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 30-35 minutes of total cooking time, including baking. After they bake in the oven, they need just a few minutes to cool before serving. They’re perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, generously grease a 6-cup muffin tin using butter or non-stick spray to ensure the hash brown cups come out easily.
2. Make the Hash Brown Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed and dried hash browns with the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
3. Form the Nests:
Take about 2/3 cup of the hash brown mixture and press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create little nests. Make sure they are packed well so they hold their shape while baking.
4. Bake the Hash Brown Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the hot oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want the edges to turn golden brown and crisp, which forms the perfect crust for your hash brown cups.
5. Fill with Cheese and Bacon:
After the hash brown nests are baked, take the muffin tin out of the oven. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped crispy bacon into each cup.
6. Add the Eggs:
Crack one egg into each hash brown cup on top of the cheese and bacon mixture. Add a pinch of salt and pepper over the top of each egg for added flavor.
7. Bake Again:
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the egg whites are completely set, but the yolks can be left slightly runny for a delicious texture. Cook longer if you prefer your yolks fully set.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cups cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin using a spoon or knife. They should come out easily thanks to the greasing!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your hash brown cups with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve them warm and enjoy your crispy, cheesy bacon egg and hash brown cups as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat!
Enjoy these fun and savory bites! They’re great for busy mornings or any time you crave something delicious!
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh hash browns, be sure to grate and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture before using them. This will help achieve that crispy texture in your nests.
Can I Reheat Leftover Hash Brown Cups?
Yes, you can reheat them! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, different types of cheese, or swap the bacon for cooked sausage or ham. The options are endless!
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the hash brown nests a day in advance and store them in the fridge before adding the fillings. Just bake the nests, cool them, and cover tightly. Then, when ready to eat, add the cheese, bacon, and eggs, and bake as instructed!
