Hashbrown Breakfast Cups

Hashbrown Breakfast Cups offer a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining crispy hash browns, savory meats, creamy eggs, and melted cheese in convenient individual servings. This recipe not only makes for a hearty morning meal but also presents beautifully in muffin-sized portions, perfect for brunch gatherings or quick weekday breakfasts.

With a golden hash brown crust holding a flavorful filling of eggs, cheese, and your choice of diced ham, sausage, or bacon, these cups are baked to perfection for a satisfying start to your day.

How to make Hashbrown Breakfast Cups

Ingredients

4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed

1 cup diced ham, cooked sausage or bacon

3 tbsp butter

7 eggs

¼ cup milk

1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400*

Grease the muffin cups with butter or a non stick spray

Step 2:

Fill each cup ¾ of the way with hash browns, use your fingers to press the potatoes on the bottom and up the sides of each cup

Step 3:

Bake these for about 20 minutes

Lower the temperature of the oven to 350

Step 4:

In a bowl, mix the eggs, the milk, the salt and pepper, the shredded cheese and the meat.

Mix thoroughly and add a scoop of the mix into each muffin cup until ¾ full. (You can save some meat and cheese and add to the muffin cup then crack an egg to have a Sunny side up egg.

Step 5:

Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are set.

Remove and allow to cool for a few minutes

Using a butter knife, slide it around the edges to loosen each cup and to remove it carefully for serving.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Convenient Breakfast Option: These hashbrown cups are ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, offering a complete breakfast in individual servings.

Customizable Fillings: You can personalize these cups with your choice of diced ham, sausage, or bacon, making them versatile to suit different tastes.

Preparation Efficiency: Thawing frozen hash browns ahead of time ensures they’re ready to use, simplifying the preparation process.

Baking Technique: Pressing the hash browns into muffin cups and baking them first helps create a crispy base that holds the filling together.

Egg and Cheese Mixture: The egg, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper mixture provides a creamy and flavorful center that binds everything together.

Cooking Instructions: Baking initially at a higher temperature crisps up the hash browns, while lowering the temperature ensures the eggs cook gently without over-browning.

Easy Removal: Allowing the cups to cool slightly and using a butter knife around the edges helps in easy removal from the muffin tin without breaking them.

Versatile Serving Options: These cups can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making them suitable for serving at various times during breakfast or brunch.

Make-Ahead Potential: They can be prepared ahead and reheated, though they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, these hashbrown cups are a crowd-pleaser and can be accompanied by additional breakfast items like fresh fruit or yogurt.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 12 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh shredded potatoes.

Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before pressing them into the muffin cups.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble these hashbrown cups ahead of time and bake them when needed.

Alternatively, you can bake them fully and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of ham or bacon?

You can substitute with cooked turkey sausage, chopped cooked chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

How do I prevent the hash browns from sticking to the muffin tin?

Greasing the muffin cups thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray before pressing in the hash browns helps prevent sticking.

Can I freeze these breakfast cups?

Yes, you can freeze these hashbrown cups once baked.

Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.

Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss instead of cheddar.

How do I know when the eggs are set and cooked through?

The eggs should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the muffin tin.

You can also insert a knife into the center of one cup; if it comes out clean, the eggs are cooked.

Can I make these cups vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the egg mixture for a delicious vegetarian option.

What can I serve these hashbrown cups with?

They can be served with fresh fruit, a side of yogurt, or a small salad for a complete breakfast or brunch.

Can I make these cups smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size by using mini muffin tins for bite-sized portions or larger muffin tins for bigger servings.

Adjust baking times accordingly.