Eggs in Potato Hollows

Eggs in Potato Hollows Recipe - Delicious Breakfast Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Eggs in Potato Hollows is a delicious and hearty dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with perfectly cooked eggs. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy breakfast at home.

History

This recipe is a twist on the classic dish of eggs in a basket, where an egg is cooked inside a hole cut out of a slice of bread. The idea of combining eggs with potatoes in this way likely originated as a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and create a filling and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 cups of cold mashed potatoes
0.5 cup of crumbled crisp bacon or diced ham
0.25 cup of minced or grated onion
0.25 cup of chopped fresh herbs, optional (tarragon, dill, parsley, etc.)
0.5 tsp of black pepper
bacon fat or butter
0.5 cup of dry bread crumbs
8 eggs
1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, jack, etc.)

How to prepare

Combine mashed potatoes, bacon, onion, herbs, and pepper in a mixing bowl, stirring until well mixed.
Grease a shallow baking pan with bacon fat.
Sprinkle bread crumbs over the greased pan.
Spoon 8 mounds of the potato mixture onto the pan.
Using the back of a spoon, create deep depressions in the potatoes large enough to hold the eggs.
Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are heated through.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
Carefully crack the eggs into the hollows created in the potatoes.
Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the eggs are set.
Sprinkle the dish with cheese.
Return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese has melted and the eggs are fully cooked.

Variations

Add cooked vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the potato mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to create deep depressions in the mashed potatoes to hold the eggs, ensuring that the eggs stay in place while baking.

- Be careful not to overcook the eggs - they should be set but still slightly runny in the center for the perfect texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or additional toppings for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Eggs in Potato Hollows with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the eggs in the potato hollows ensures that they cook evenly and stay in place without spreading out too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even vegetarian alternatives such as tofu or tempeh.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mashed potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake with the eggs.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Eggs in Potato Hollows with fresh herbs such as chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggs in Potato Hollows contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggs in Potato Hollows contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggs in Potato Hollows contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggs in Potato Hollows contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggs are a good source of vitamins such as vitamin D, B6, B12, and minerals such as iron and zinc. Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Eggs in Potato Hollows is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Eggs in Potato Hollows is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch. With a creamy potato base, perfectly cooked eggs, and a cheesy topping, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. Our family had a tradition of gathering together every Sunday for a big, hearty breakfast, and it was on one such Sunday that I first learned how to make Eggs in Potato Hollows.

I remember waking up to the sound of my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs wafting through the air. As I made my way downstairs, I could see her standing at the stove, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Good morning, my dear," she greeted me with a warm smile. "Today, we are going to make something special for breakfast. Have you ever heard of Eggs in Potato Hollows?"

I shook my head, intrigued. I had always loved helping my grandmother in the kitchen, and I was eager to learn something new.

"Well, it's a simple but delicious dish," she explained. "We start by hollowing out a few potatoes, then crack an egg into each one and bake them until the eggs are cooked to perfection. It's a family favorite, and I think you'll love it."

And love it, I did. As my grandmother guided me through the process, showing me how to carefully scoop out the insides of the potatoes and crack the eggs without breaking the yolks, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The kitchen was filled with laughter and chatter as we worked together, creating a meal that would soon become a beloved tradition in our family.

As the Eggs in Potato Hollows baked in the oven, my grandmother shared the story of how she had first learned to make the dish. She told me that she had discovered the recipe many years ago, during a visit to a distant relative's farm. The farmer's wife, a kind and hospitable woman, had served it to her for breakfast, and my grandmother had been so taken with the simple yet delicious dish that she had asked for the recipe.

"I've made a few tweaks and additions over the years," she confessed with a wink. "But the basic idea remains the same. It's a wonderful reminder of that sunny morning on the farm, and I hope it will become a cherished memory for you as well."

And indeed, it did. From that day on, Eggs in Potato Hollows became a regular feature on our Sunday breakfast table. Sometimes we would add cheese or herbs for extra flavor, other times we would serve them with a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit. But no matter how we prepared them, the dish always brought a smile to our faces and a warmth to our hearts.

As the years went by and I grew up, leaving the village to start a family of my own, I carried the recipe for Eggs in Potato Hollows with me. It became a staple in my own kitchen, a way to connect with my past and share a piece of my heritage with my loved ones.

Now, as I sit at my kitchen table, watching my grandchildren gather around me, I feel a sense of satisfaction and contentment. The recipe for Eggs in Potato Hollows has been passed down through generations, each one adding their own twist and flair to the dish. And as I see the smiles on their faces as they take their first bite, I know that the memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will continue to be cherished for years to come.