If you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy, and savory bites that bring breakfast and brunch to a whole new level, you’re going to adore this Cheese and Bacon Muffin Tin Hash Browns Recipe. These golden muffins bake up perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender, fluffy inside, thanks to the magic of starchy potatoes mixed with melted cheese and crunchy bacon. They are easy to make, wonderfully shareable, and bring a fun twist to the humble hash brown that everyone will want seconds of. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort food snack or breakfast standout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role to bring flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color to your hash brown muffins. Quality and freshness make all the difference, so grab the best starchy potatoes and bacon you can find for the best results.
- Starchy potatoes (1 kg / 2 lb): The key to fluffy interiors and perfect crispiness on the outside – russet or Idaho potatoes work best.
- Olive oil (2 1/2 tbsp, separated): Helps the muffins become gorgeously golden and keeps each bite moist but crisp.
- Grated cheese (1 cup): Any melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella adds gooey, savory richness.
- Bacon rashers (3, finely diced): Crispy bacon pieces infuse smoky flavor and satisfy that savory craving.
- Salt (3/4 tsp): Elevates all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to balance the richness.
- Parsley (1 tbsp, finely chopped, optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Cheese and Bacon Muffin Tin Hash Browns Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 180C (350F), letting it come to temperature while you tackle the prep work. A warm oven ensures even cooking so that your muffins get that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Bacon
Place 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a hot pan and add the finely diced bacon. Fry it until it’s crispy and fragrant. Drain the bacon on paper towels to keep it crisp and set most aside for mixing, reserving a little for garnishing later.
Step 3: Grate and Rinse the Potatoes
Peeling and grating the potatoes is where the fluffy inside magic starts. Once grated, rinse the potatoes under cold water to wash away excess starch. This step is crucial as it helps prevent browning and makes the hash browns tender inside.
Step 4: Squeeze Out Excess Water
Working in small batches, firmly squeeze out the moisture from the grated potatoes. Less water means crispier hash brown muffins that hold together beautifully in the tin.
Step 5: Mix Ingredients
Into a bowl, add the squeezed potatoes, most of the crispy bacon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and the grated cheese. Mix thoroughly so that every bite is packed with flavor and gooey melted cheese.
Step 6: Grease the Muffin Tin
Lightly oil a 12-cup muffin tray to prevent sticking and help the hash browns crisp up nicely on all sides.
Step 7: Fill and Shape
Place a generous 1/3 cup (packed) of the potato mixture into each muffin slot. Press lightly with the back of a spoon to shape and compact the mixture.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The tops should turn a rich, dark golden brown indicating those incredible crispy edges.
Step 9: Cool Slightly and Release
Once baked, let the muffins rest for a few minutes — this helps them firm up slightly making it easier to remove them without breaking.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Cheese and Bacon Muffin Tin Hash Browns Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and the reserved crispy bacon. Serve immediately to enjoy the most delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Cheese and Bacon Muffin Tin Hash Browns Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and brightness, but feel free to experiment with chives or a little shredded spring onion for a mild oniony lift. A drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of crème fraîche also complements the cheesy-bacon richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These hash brown muffins pair wonderfully with classic breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. For a brunch spread, add avocado slices and a crisp green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try serving these muffins on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. You could also top each muffin with a small fried quail egg or a swirl of spicy mayo to turn them into bite-sized appetizers everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re fantastic reheated and make for an easy snack or quick breakfast.
Freezing
If you want to keep these tasty morsels longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. They freeze surprisingly well without losing that signature crispness.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a preheated oven or air fryer at 180C (350F) for 10-15 minutes. This method helps revive that crispy exterior while warming the inside evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor and melting quality, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese can bring exciting twists. Just ensure the cheese melts well to create that irresistible gooey texture.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in the muffins, but if you don’t mind a bit of rustic texture and extra nutrients, you can leave the skins on after thoroughly washing the potatoes.
Is it necessary to rinse the grated potatoes?
Yes, rinsing removes excess surface starch, preventing the potatoes from turning gummy and helps them stay fluffy inside while crisping up outside.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with vegetarian bacon alternatives or cooked mushrooms and smoked paprika for that savory punch.
How can I make these gluten-free?
This Cheese and Bacon Muffin Tin Hash Browns Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your cheese and bacon labels to avoid hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese and Bacon Muffin Tin Hash Browns Recipe is a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a tasty snack, it brings that comforting combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors with ease. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — these little golden morsels are guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
