Cheesy Egg Hash Browns are the perfect breakfast treat! They’re made with crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, and lots of melty cheese. Who can resist that combo?
I love making these on lazy weekends. They’re quick and super filling. Plus, you can add your favorite veggies or spices for a tasty twist! 🥔🧀🥚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: The foundation of this dish. Frozen shredded hash browns are super convenient; just make sure to thaw and squeeze them dry for extra crispiness. If you prefer, you can also use fresh grated potatoes, just remember to rinse and dry them well!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, try Monterey Jack or Mozzarella. For a twist, you could even use pepper jack for some spice!
Eggs: Fresh large eggs work perfectly here. If you’re vegan, you can substitute with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to create an egg-like consistency.
Butter or Oil: Butter adds great flavor, but you can use any cooking oil, like olive or avocado oil if you want something healthier or dairy-free.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Hash Browns?
Crispy hash browns are all about moisture control and cooking technique. Start by squeezing out all the excess moisture from the thawed hash browns. This helps them crisp up beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
- After thawing, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to press down on the hash browns and release as much moisture as possible.
- When cooking, make sure to leave them undisturbed for a few minutes. This browns the bottom nicely!
- Adjust the heat if needed to avoid burning; medium heat is usually perfect.
Remember, patience is key for that golden crisp! Happy cooking! 🥔✨
Cheesy Egg Hash Browns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total! You’ll need about 5 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 10 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and cheesy breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Let it melt and get nice and hot—this is key for crispy hash browns!
2. Form the Hash Browns:
Spread the thawed and drained hash browns evenly in the skillet, forming three separate mounds or patties. This will help them cook evenly and give you good crispy edges.
3. Season and Cook:
Press down lightly on each hash brown patty to flatten them a bit. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip and Add Eggs:
Once they are golden and crispy, carefully flip each hash brown patty. Crack one egg onto each patty, being careful to keep the yolks whole. This adds a lovely sunny touch!
5. Cheese Time!
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the eggs and hash browns. It’s cheese time, and we want it nice and melty!
6. Cover and Cook:
Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will help the egg whites set while the cheese melts beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking and the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy egg hash browns!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, grate them and soak them in cold water for about 15 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, drain, squeeze dry, and proceed with the recipe as directed. You’ll achieve a similar crispy texture!
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If you want to switch it up, feel free to use any type of cheese you like! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack will work well. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep the hash browns and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for optimum crispiness and flavor. If you want to warm leftovers, just reheat them in a skillet to revive that crunch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave, but keep in mind they may lose some crispiness in the microwave.
