Egg Nest
Egg Nest is a crispy potato twist on classic egg-in-a-hole. Fresh grated potatoes form a golden nest around a perfectly cooked egg for an easy breakfast recipe.
If you love crispy breakfast potatoes and perfectly cooked eggs, this Egg Nest recipe combines both into one delicious breakfast. Inspired by the traditional egg-in-a-hole or egg-in-a-basket, this version swaps the bread for a nest of freshly grated russet potatoes that cook up golden brown and crunchy around the edges while staying tender inside.
I wanted a breakfast that delivered the best of both worlds—a crispy potato layer and a beautiful fried egg all in one pan. The result is this simple potato nest that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. As the potatoes cook, they form a sturdy base that holds the egg perfectly in the center, creating a breakfast that's as fun to eat as it is to make.
One important note: I have only tested this recipe using freshly grated russet potatoes. Frozen hash browns contain additional moisture, which may affect how well the nest holds together and crisps up. You're welcome to experiment, but fresh potatoes will give the most reliable results.
This recipe makes one serving using one potato and one egg, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch. If you're feeding a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients and make several nests at once. Top it with fresh chives, green onions, hot sauce, or your favorite breakfast toppings and enjoy a breakfast that feels restaurant-worthy right at home.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 russet potato, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon grated onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon shredded cheese (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg
- Seasoning salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cheesecloth, for straining potatoes
- Optional toppings: chopped chives, green onions, hot sauce
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Peel the potato and grate it using a cheese grater. If using fresh onion, grate it as well. Place the grated potato and onion into a cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and season with a few shakes of seasoning salt and add in shredded cheese. If using onion powder instead of fresh onion, add it at this time.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potato mixture to the pan, shaping it into a circle while creating an open space in the center for the egg. Allow the potatoes to cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
- 3
Carefully flip the potato nest. Crack the egg into the center opening and season lightly with additional seasoning salt and black pepper. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the egg whites are fully set and the yolk reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- 4
Remove from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, hot sauce, or your favorite toppings before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- The key to a crispy potato nest is removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Don't skip the cheesecloth step.
- Use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan to make flipping easier.
- Press the potatoes together firmly when forming the nest so they hold their shape during cooking.
- If you prefer a fully cooked yolk, simply leave the pan covered for an extra minute or two.
- Freshly grated onion adds a subtle sweetness and flavor, but onion powder works great when you're short on time.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the potatoes during the final minute of cooking.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen hash browns?
I have not tested this recipe with frozen hash browns. Because they typically contain more moisture, the nest may not hold together as well or become as crispy. Freshly grated potatoes are recommended for best results.
What type of potato works best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they contain enough starch to help the nest hold together while creating crispy edges.
How do I know when the potato nest is ready to flip?
The bottom should be golden brown and easily release from the pan. If it sticks, give it another minute before attempting to flip
Can I make more than one at a time?
Absolutely. Simply increase the ingredients and use a larger skillet, multiple pans, or a blackstone to cook several nests simultaneously.
Any specific cheese?
Any cheese will do! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are all great additions. Sprinkle cheese when you mix up the potatoes but you can also top after adding the egg or during the last minute of cooking.
What toppings go well with Egg Nest?
Fresh chives, green onions, hot sauce, crumbled bacon, avocado, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese all make delicious toppings.
Any Notes?
This recipe serves one but can easily be doubled or tripled for additional servings. The most important step is squeezing excess moisture from the potatoes, which helps create that signature crispy texture. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!