Baked Potato Nests with Eggs, Ham & Cheese

🛒 Ingredients

• 300 g grated potatoes 🥔 (fresh and well-drained, or defrosted frozen)
• 2 tbsp melted butter 🧈
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 100 g diced ham 🍖
• 100 g grated cheese 🧀 (cheddar or emmental)
• 6 to 8 eggs 🥚
• Optional toppings: chopped parsley, chives, green onions, or hot sauce 🌿

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Form the Potato Nests

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Generously grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure crispy edges. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the melted butter, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are well coated and seasoned.

Spoon the potato mixture into each muffin cup, pressing firmly along the bottom and up the sides to create a small “nest” shape. Make sure the layer is even and compact—this helps the nests hold together during baking and creates a crisp shell.

2️⃣ First Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. The edges of the nests should turn golden brown and begin to crisp, while the centres remain tender. This par-baking step ensures that the potatoes form a sturdy base for the fillings.

3️⃣ Add the Filling

Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Into each pre-baked potato nest, add a layer of diced ham followed by a sprinkle of grated cheese. The warmth from the potatoes will begin to melt the cheese slightly, creating a luscious base for the egg.

4️⃣ Add the Eggs