Looking for an easy, delicious, and protein-packed breakfast recipe? These Hash Brown Breakfast Cups are the perfect solution!
This recipe transforms the humble hash brown into a complete and balanced breakfast by adding eggs, cheese, vegetables and meat. Made in muffin tins, they are a grab-and-go option that can be prepared ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love These Hash Brown Breakfast Cups
These Hash Brown Breakfast Cups make for a breakfast that’s so tasty and convenient, you’ll want to add them into your weekly rotation! Here are some of the best things about whipping up a batch:
All-In-One Handheld Meals
Each little muffin cup contains the perfect balanced breakfast – carbs from the hash browns, protein from the eggs and cheese, and vegetables if you choose to mix them in. You get everything you need in one neat package, no fork and knife required.
Customize Them Your Way
While the base of hash browns, egg, and cheese is delicious, you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add meats like bacon or sausage, spices like salsa or hot sauce, veggies like bell peppers or spinach…the options are endless!
Make-Ahead Breakfasts
Assemble a whole batch of the hash brown cups up until baking, then store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready for breakfast, just pop them in the oven! It doesn’t get more convenient than that on busy mornings.
Kid-Friendly Breakfast
Kids will have a blast helping to assemble the cups by cracking the eggs and picking add-in ingredients. The muffin-tin serving makes them perfectly sized for little hands and appetites.
So read on for the step-by-step recipe for these flavorful and satisfying Hash Brown Breakfast Cups!
Hash Brown Breakfast Cups Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Hash browns (thawed, if frozen)
- Eggs
- Shredded Cheddar cheese
- Milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
Customize With Your Favorite Add-Ins
- Cooked breakfast meat (bacon, sausage, ham)
- Diced bell peppers
- Chopped spinach or kale
- Scallions
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Step-By-Step Guide for Making These Cups
Prep the Hash Browns
- If using frozen hash browns, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- If using fresh, shred 2-3 medium russet potatoes.
- Squeeze out any excess moisture from the thawed hash browns.
Grease the Muffin Tins
- Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with oil or butter. This prevents sticking.
Press the Hash Browns into Cups
- Take 2-3 tablespoons of hash browns and press firmly into each muffin cup.
- Press the hash browns up along the sides to create a cup shape.
Crack an Egg into Each Cup
- Carefully crack 1 egg into each hash brown cup.
- Try not to break the yolk.
Season with Salt and Pepper
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each egg.
Pro Tip: For extra protein, use 2 eggs per cup!
Add Cheese and Mix-Ins
- Top eggs with 1-2 tablespoons shredded cheese.
- Add any extra mix-ins like cooked breakfast meat.
Pour in Milk or Cream
- Pour 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream into each hash brown cup.
- This makes the cups extra moist.
Bake Hash Brown Breakfast Cups
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until eggs are set.
Let Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Garnish with extra cheese, salsa or hot sauce!
These Hash Brown Breakfast Cups can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead breakfast!
Tools You’ll Need to Make Hash Brown Breakfast Cups
Part of what makes these Hash Brown Breakfast Cups so easy to whip up is that you likely already have most of the required tools in your kitchen. Here’s a quick checklist of handy equipment that will help make preparation easy:
Muffin Tin
Use a standard 12-cup muffin tin with regular size cups – this ensures the ratios of ingredients are correct. Metal tins conduct heat best for nicely crisped hash browns.
Mixing Bowls
Have a couple of small and medium sized mixing bowls on hand to prepare ingredients like whisking the eggs and shredding cheese.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Accurately measuring out the hash browns, milk or cream, and any seasoning ensures your cups bake up properly.
Kitchen Shears or Knife
Use shears or a knife to prep any meat and vegetable mix-ins you add to the cups.
Potato or Cheese Grater (optional)
If shredding your own potatoes or block cheese, a box grater or microplane makes quick work of the task.
Cooling Rack
After baking, you’ll need a wire cooling rack to allow excess moisture and steam to escape from the baked cups.
And that’s about it for must-have items! Having the proper essentials for measuring, mixing, baking and cooling will set you up for hash brown breakfast success.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Once assembled, the unbaked breakfast cups can be covered and refrigerated overnight. Add 5 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage?
Absolutely! The great thing about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
What kind of hash browns work best?
Shredded hash browns hold up the best when pressed into the muffin cups. You want to avoid hash browns that have been diced or cubed.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Properly greasing the tin is a must for this recipe. This prevents the hash brown cups from sticking and falling apart.
Why do the cups have milk/cream poured over them?
The milk/cream adds important moisture and creaminess. Without it, the cups would be dry. For best results, don’t skip this step!
What to Serve With Your Hash Brown Breakfast Cups
- Serve with hot sauce or salsa for added flavor
- Top with avocado slices
- Enjoy with fresh fruit on the side
- Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley
- Accompany with a homemade breakfast sausage patty
- Pair with a leafy salad for a balanced meal
Conclusion
These protein-packed Hash Brown Breakfast Cups make for a simple, savory and delicious grab-and-go morning meal. Made in advance, they are perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends.
Customize them by adding different meats, vegetables, and cheeses so you have a different flavor combination each time.
Let me know if you try this easy breakfast recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating these bite-sized cups as much as I do.
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