These Cheesy Egg Hash Browns are a tasty mix of crispy potatoes and gooey cheese, topped with fluffy eggs. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they are sure to make your mornings brighter!
Join me in sharing the love for this dish, because who can resist that cheesy goodness? I enjoy adding a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns are super convenient. If you prefer fresh, you can shred your own potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture for crispiness!
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and sweetness, but feel free to swap it with green bell pepper or even diced jalapeños if you want a bit of heat. I like to mix in other veggies like spinach or mushrooms too!
Cheddar Cheese: This recipe calls for cheddar, which melts beautifully. You can switch it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick!
Eggs: Large eggs are standard, but you can use smaller ones or egg whites if you want to reduce calories. Scrambled eggs can also be a delicious alternative!
Butter or Oil: Butter adds great flavor, but you can use olive oil or coconut oil if you prefer. I personally love the richness butter brings.
How Do You Get Crispy Hash Browns?
The secret to crispy hash browns is all about cooking them undisturbed. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the hash browns—medium heat works well.
- Spread and press down the hash browns evenly, then let them cook without flipping for about 7-10 minutes.
- When flipping, use a large spatula to get under the entire section of hash browns. This helps maintain the crispy layer.
- After flipping, cook until the other side is golden brown, which usually takes another 7-8 minutes.
Taking your time here will lead to perfectly crispy and delicious hash browns every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Cheesy Egg Hash Browns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hash Browns:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns (shredded potatoes), thawed
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 tbsp butter or oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Eggs and Cheese:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the ingredients!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a delicious flavor to your hash browns.
3. Add the Hash Browns:
Next, add the thawed hash browns to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Use your spatula to press them down so they compact well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Get Them Crispy:
Let the hash browns cook undisturbed until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 7-10 minutes. This is key for that delightful crunch!
5. Flip and Brown:
Carefully flip the hash browns to brown the other side. Cook for another 7-8 minutes until they’re nice and crispy.
6. Create Wells for Eggs:
Reduce the heat to low. Now, create four little wells in the hash browns and crack one egg into each well. Don’t worry about perfection here!
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire skillet, making sure to cover the eggs and hash browns nicely. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
8. Cover and Cook:
Put the lid on the skillet and let it cook gently until the eggs are set to your liking and the cheese is melted. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
9. Finishing Touches:
Once done, remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your cheesy egg hash browns hot and enjoy every bite! Perfect with a side of toast or a fresh salad for brunch!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, simply peel and shred them, then soak the shreds in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat them dry before frying to achieve that crispy texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by removing the eggs and using a replacement like tofu scramble. For a vegan option, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and skip the eggs altogether or use chickpea flour to create a scramble!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water and covering it to steam the eggs and keep them moist.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Hash Browns?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or different vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté any added ingredients before mixing them in with the hash browns.
