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Crispy Hash Brown Egg Nests with Cheddar and Chive

crispy hash brown egg nests - featured image

A quick and easy breakfast recipe featuring crispy hash brown nests filled with melty cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and perfectly cooked eggs. Ideal for cozy mornings or weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 10 oz or 300g) frozen hash browns, thawed and patted dry
  • 1 cup (about 4 oz or 100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for greasing and crisping
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or butter.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded potatoes with salt, pepper, optional spices, shredded cheddar, and half of the chopped chives. Ensure potatoes are dry to avoid soggy nests.
  3. Divide the potato mixture evenly among the muffin cups (about 2 tablespoons per cup). Press firmly against the sides and bottom, creating a well in the center for the egg. The edges should be higher than the center.
  4. Bake the nests for 15 minutes to crisp and hold their shape.
  5. Carefully crack one egg into each nest, cracking eggs into a small bowl first to avoid shells.
  6. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny (or longer for firmer yolks).
  7. Sprinkle the remaining chives on top immediately after removing from the oven. Let nests rest for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve warm, gently lifting nests out of the tin with a spoon or spatula.

Notes

Dry potatoes thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use room temperature eggs for even cooking. If nests stick, run a knife around edges before lifting. Can substitute fresh potatoes if shredded and moisture squeezed out. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and olive oil instead of butter. Nests can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking; add eggs just before baking. Reheat gently in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: hash browns, egg nests, breakfast, cheddar cheese, chives, easy breakfast, brunch, crispy hash browns