Crispy Hashbrown Egg Nests (Printable)

Golden potato nests filled with eggs and cheddar cheese, baked to crispy perfection for breakfast.

# Ingredient List:

→ Potatoes

01 - 3 cups shredded russet potatoes (approximately 2 large potatoes), rinsed and well-drained
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

05 - 6 large eggs
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/4 cup chopped scallions or chives
08 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Garnish (optional)

09 - Extra chopped chives
10 - Hot sauce

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, toss shredded potatoes with salt, black pepper, and melted butter until evenly coated.
03 - Firmly press about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create nest shapes.
04 - Bake the potato nests for 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn golden and crisp.
05 - Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese and chopped scallions or chives into each nest.
06 - Crack one egg into each nest, then sprinkle with paprika (if using), remaining cheese, and scallions or chives.
07 - Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until eggs reach desired doneness.
08 - Allow nests to cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Gently loosen each nest with a butter knife and remove from the tin.
09 - Serve warm, garnished with extra chopped chives and hot sauce as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They look impressive enough for guests but honestly take less time than pancakes.
  • One pan, no flipping, and you get crispy exteriors with soft centers every single time.
  • Kids actually get excited about vegetables when they're hidden in a golden potato cup.
02 -
  • Ring out your shredded potatoes aggressively after rinsing—excess moisture is your enemy and will make them soggy instead of crispy.
  • If your nests start browning too much before the eggs finish cooking, loosely tent them with foil and keep baking.
03 -
  • For ultra-crispy nests, bake the empty potato shells a few extra minutes longer before adding eggs—the color tells you when they're ready.
  • Crack your eggs into a small bowl first, then gently pour them into the nests to avoid breaking yolks or getting shells in your food.
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