Mashed Potato Nests
Creamy mashed potato nests topped with cheese and a perfectly cooked egg, offering comforting flavors with a hint of parsley, ideal for brunch or hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook, stirring constantly, until tender.
- Stir in cooked mashed potatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the potato mixture into six portions and shape into nests on a baking sheet.
- Make a well in the center of each nest and carefully crack an egg into it.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese and paprika over each nest.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until eggs are set.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can mix in some sour cream or cream cheese with the mashed potatoes. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or chives can work as substitutes. To add more flavor, consider mixing in garlic powder or cooked bacon bits. Make sure to keep an eye on the eggs while baking to avoid overcooking them.
Serving Suggestions
These mashed potato nests make a fantastic brunch dish and can be served with a side salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for added flavor. You can also explore more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover mashed potato nests can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will help retain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mashed Potato Nests contains roughly 697 calories, with 47g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (287% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (243% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1797mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mashed potatoes, but make sure to thaw and heat them properly before shaping them into nests. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor in your dish.
How do I prevent the eggs from breaking when cracking them into the nests?
To prevent the eggs from breaking, crack them into a small bowl first and then gently slide them into the well of the potato nest. This allows you to check for any shell pieces and ensures a smoother transfer.
Can I make these nests ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato nests ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator. Just assemble them without the eggs, cover, and store. When ready to bake, add the eggs and bake as directed for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).