If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat, I absolutely love this Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again — perfect for busy mornings, brunch with friends, or meal prepping for the week. Crispy hash browns form a golden nest that holds a creamy, cheesy egg center topped with crispy bacon. Trust me, once you try this, your whole family will go crazy for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Assemble: You’ll find the process straightforward, making it a perfect go-to even when mornings are hectic.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These egg cups reheat beautifully, so you can prep in advance and savor hassle-free breakfasts.
- Customizable Flavors: Whether you want to add veggies or swap cheeses, this recipe lets you tailor every bite.
- Perfect Portions: The muffin tin method ensures even, perfectly cooked bites every time—no overcooked edges here!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. The magic lies in how these familiar flavors work together to create a breakfast that feels special but comes together quickly.
- Hash Browns: I use thawed, frozen hash browns because fresh shredded potatoes can release too much moisture and get soggy.
- Eggs: Large eggs give the filling just the right custard-like texture.
- Kosher Salt: This helps bring out all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little kick.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to swap in your favorite cheese.
- Bacon: Crispy, cooked, and crumbled bacon adds fantastic texture and a smoky punch.
- Chives or Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the whole dish.
- Hot Sauce: Optional but highly recommended if you like a little heat with your breakfast.
Variations
I love that this Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can easily personalize it to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge. Here’s what I’ve tried and what you might want to explore.
- Add Veggies: One time, I sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms and stirred them into the egg mixture before baking—added a perfect savory veggie boost.
- Swap the Cheese: Switching cheddar for pepper jack or feta can really change things up and keep the recipe exciting.
- Egg Presentation: Instead of whisking the eggs for the filling, try cracking a whole egg into each hash brown cup for a runnier yolk surprise that’s fun to cut into.
- Make It Meat-Free: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for a tasty vegetarian spin.
How to Make Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Build Your Crispy Hash Brown Cups
Preheat your oven to 400°F and give your muffin pan a good spray with non-stick spray—this makes releasing the cups later so much easier. Then, fill each cup about two-thirds full with thawed hash browns. Here’s a trick I learned: press the potatoes firmly against the bottom and up the sides of the muffin tin to create a sturdy nest that crisps up beautifully. Bake these for about 20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and become slightly crisp. That’s the base layer done!
Step 2: Whisk and Fill with Eggy Goodness
While the potato cups are baking, whisk together your eggs, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy—this helps give you that fluffy, tender texture after baking. Stir in your sharp cheddar cheese to make it extra flavorful. Once the hash browns come out of the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F, fill each potato cup center with the egg mixture (feel free to pile on a little extra cheese here if you’re like me), and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
Step 3: Bake Until Egg Cups Are Set and Perfect
Bake the filled cups for 12-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them—you’re looking for set eggs with a little softness in the center. When they’re done, let the cups cool for a couple of minutes. Using a knife, gently run around the edges to loosen them and pop the egg cups out of the muffin tin. If you love a little kick, a drizzle of hot sauce is the perfect finishing touch!
Pro Tips for Making Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe
- Don’t Skip Thawing: Using thawed hash browns prevents sogginess and helps achieve that perfect crisp.
- Press Hash Browns Firmly: The tighter you pack, the better the cup holds shape while baking and removing.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts just right and adds the bold flavor that makes these irresistible.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Overbaking the eggs can turn them rubbery—check for gently set eggs before removing.
How to Serve Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh chives or parsley sprinkled on top right after baking—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the richness perfectly. And if you enjoy spicy food like I do, a little dash of your favorite hot sauce on top really brings these to life.
Side Dishes
These cups are a standout on their own, but I often serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a simple mixed greens salad to cut through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll add a side of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for a touch of green and extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I love arranging these egg cups on a rustic wooden board garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs—it turns a simple breakfast into a conversation starter. You can even serve them in mini muffin liners in fun colors for a festive look that kids adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover hash brown egg cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They stay surprisingly fresh and keep their texture well, which is great for busy mornings when you just want to grab and go.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these cups before with great success. After baking and cooling, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want some, pop them straight into the oven without thawing for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F—easy and delicious!
Reheating
I find reheating in the oven or toaster oven gives the best results, keeping the edges crisp while warming through evenly. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the hash browns a bit soggy. Just 10 minutes at 350°F and you’re set.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen for this recipe?
Fresh hash browns can work, but you’ll want to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy cups. I recommend pressing shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel before assembling. Using frozen and thawed hash browns ensures a crispier, more predictable texture.
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Is there a way to make these cups dairy-free or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a savory touch. Swap out cheddar for your favorite dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether and add herbs for flavor.
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Can I prepare the egg cups ahead of time and bake them later?
You can assemble the hash brown cups and keep them in the fridge overnight, then add the egg mixture and bake them fresh in the morning. This saves time during your busy routine while still delivering a homemade taste.
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How do I prevent the egg cups from sticking to the muffin tin?
Generous coating with non-stick spray is key, and you can also try greasing with butter or oil. Allowing the cups to cool slightly before gently loosening edges with a knife helps them pop out cleanly.
Final Thoughts
When I first made this Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe, I was blown away by how something so simple could feel so indulgent and satisfying. It’s become my go-to when I want breakfast to impress without a ton of fuss. I really hope you give it a try—you might find it becomes your new favorite way to start the day, just like it did for me. Trust me, once you taste that crispy, cheesy goodness paired with fluffy eggs and bacon, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Hash Brown Egg Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Hash Brown Egg Cups, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Crispy hash brown nests baked to golden perfection hold a savory egg filling with sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Topped with fresh herbs and a touch of hot sauce, these cups are both flavorful and portable.
Ingredients
Hash Browns
- 20 ounces hash browns, thawed
Egg Filling
- 8 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For Serving
- Chives or parsley
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a muffin pan generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Form Hash Brown Cups: Fill each cup about two-thirds full with the thawed hash browns. Press the hash browns firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup to create a nest shape. Bake the hash brown cups for 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
- Mix Egg Filling: While the hash browns bake, whisk together the eggs, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese to combine well.
- Add Egg Mixture and Bacon: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Spoon the egg mixture evenly into the baked hash brown nests. If desired, add extra cheese on top, then sprinkle with the cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Bake Egg Cups: Bake the filled cups for 12 to 15 minutes or until the egg mixture is fully set and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the egg cups from the oven and let them sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Use a knife to loosen the edges, then carefully pop the egg cups out of the muffin pan. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- Variation: Instead of mixing eggs, crack one egg directly into each hash brown cup for a different texture.
- Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the egg mixture for extra flavor and veggies.
- Storage: Store leftover egg cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg

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