Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups
Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups are a delightfully crunchy and cheesy treat that defy the conventional potato app. These bite-sized wonders combine the crispy texture of hash browns, the rich flavors of Parmesan, and the freshness of green onions to create a colorful and delicious addition to any meal or gathering. As they bake in the oven, the edges become beautifully golden and crispy while the center remains soft and cheesy, making them the perfect dish to serve at a brunch, potluck, or even as an afternoon snack.
Table of Contents
When I first made Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups for a family gathering, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Everyone loved the combination of textures and flavors, and they were a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, a breakfast side, or simply a fun snack, these cups are easy to whip up and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 35 minutes of bake time, you can have these cups ready in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory, crispy hash browns combined with Parmesan cheese create an explosion of flavor that is hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their charming cup shape makes them a visually stunning addition to any meal or party spread.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or as a party appetizer, these cups adjust to any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily make these cups gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free hash browns or add cooked bacon bits for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed): These are the star of the dish, providing a hearty base and crunch. Thaw before using to ensure even baking.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Freshly grated cheese melts better and improves flavor compared to pre-grated. Keep half for the topping to add extra cheesiness at the end.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together, helping to form the delicious cups. Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
- 2 green onions (chopped): Fresh and crisp, they enhance flavor and provide a pop of color and freshness. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- 1 tsp salt: This key seasoning enhances all the flavors; you can always adjust to your taste.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat that beautifully complements the cheese and hash browns.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a muffin tin with nonstick spray to prevent sticking later.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, half of the Parmesan cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
Form Cups: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin slot in the greased tin. Press the mixture firmly to shape it into a cup, ensuring the sides are well-formed to hold in all that delicious filling.
Bake: Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch closely until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
Add Cheese: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of each cup. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the hash brown cups from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. Note that while reheating, the texture may change slightly, but a quick bake will help refresh their crispy exterior.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the thawed hash browns to avoid soggy cups.
- For an added kick, consider mixing in some cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños into the hash brown mixture!
- If you want to make these cups ahead of time, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- To avoid overcrowded muffin tins, use additional tins if necessary, ensuring even cooking across all cups.
- If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute Parmesan with cheddar or a cheese blend for a unique flavor!
Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups are not only a tasty treat, but they are also adaptable to suit your tastes and occasions. Try adding in diced bell peppers, cooked sausage, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for serving. The flexibility of this recipe makes it perfect for breakfast or serving at parties where guests can enjoy them as finger food.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have fresh potatoes, simply grate them and handle them similarly to frozen. Just be sure to rinse and dry them well to remove excess starch for better baking.
What can I use as a topping besides green onions?
The options are endless! You can use fresh herbs, crumbled bacon, or even sauces like sriracha or ranch dressing for dipping to elevate the flavors further.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to press them into the muffin tin before baking to achieve the desired cup shape.
How do I know when the hash brown cups are done?
Look for a golden-brown color on the edges and a bubbling cheese top. You can also gently insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready to enjoy!
Ready to experience the deliciousness of Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups for yourself? Whip them up and share them with friends and family, or keep them all for those cozy snack moments. You might just find that they become a staple in your kitchen!
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Parmesan Hash Brown Cups are a delightful combination of crispy hash browns, savory parmesan cheese, and fresh green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they offer a simple preparation method that results in an irresistibly flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen hash browns (thawed)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix thawed hash browns, half of the Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin slot and press firmly to form cups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Top with chopped green onions before serving warm.
Notes
Ensure the hash browns are fully thawed before mixing for better texture.
You can add cooked bacon or vegetables to the mix for extra flavor.
These cups can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
