This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is a delightful and hearty breakfast option that brings together fluffy eggs, crispy potatoes, and savory ham. Perfect for any occasion, this comforting dish can elevate your brunch game or serve as a quick weekday breakfast. The combination of melted cheese on top adds an irresistible touch, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits into various meal occasions.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of total cooking time, you can whip this up easily on busy mornings.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of Old Bay seasoning and melted cheese creates a rich flavor that delights every bite.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with different meats or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Comforting Meal: This scramble offers warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly mornings or lazy brunches.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheesy dishes! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Cooking spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large frying pan: A good quality frying pan ensures even cooking of the potatoes and eggs.
- Medium bowl: Useful for mixing ingredients without spills, making prep seamless.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the eggs for a fluffier texture in your scramble.
- Cooking spatula: Essential for flipping and serving without breaking apart your delicious scramble.
Ingredients
For the Scramble:
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 tablespoons frying oil or clarified butter
- 4 cups (600g) chopped cooked potatoes
- 2 oz (60g) ham, chopped into cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (aged cheddar and Gruyere recommended)
To Serve:
- Sour cream
- Chopped chives
How to Make Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and Old Bay seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat the frying oil or clarified butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped potatoes. Cook until they are browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Ham and Eggs
Once the potatoes are crispy, add the chopped ham. Pour the egg mixture into the pan over the potatoes and ham. Cook briefly over low heat until the eggs are only partially set. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the eggs and potatoes. Cover with a lid and continue cooking over low heat until the cheese is melted and the eggs are fully cooked.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer to plates and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
Serving your Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble can be a delightful experience, enhancing the dish’s flavors and presentation. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this scrumptious meal.
Pair with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Chives: These add a fresh and mild onion flavor that complements the eggs perfectly.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley offers a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
Add Creamy Condiments
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, making each bite richer.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado enhances the texture and provides healthy fats for a more filling dish.
Serve with Toast
- Crusty Bread: Toasted sourdough or baguette slices make a great side, perfect for scooping up the scramble.
- Whole Wheat Toast: A healthier option that adds fiber while complementing the dish’s flavors.
Include a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory scramble.
- Tomato Salad: Fresh tomatoes with basil and olive oil can brighten up your plate.
How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
To make your Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs yield fluffier results, enhancing the overall texture of your scramble.
- Cook Potatoes Well: Ensuring your potatoes are crispy before adding eggs gives added crunch and flavor.
- Control Heat: Cooking on low heat helps prevent overcooking the eggs while allowing cheese to melt perfectly.
- Mix Cheese Varieties: Combining different cheeses like cheddar and Gruyere adds depth of flavor for a more indulgent dish.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try using different seasonings like Cajun or chili powder for unique taste profiles.
- Add Veggies: Incorporating vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms boosts nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness and freshness that balances savory flavors.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds saltiness and crunch, making it an irresistible addition to your meal.
- Breakfast Sausages: Flavorful sausages bring heartiness to the table, complementing the eggs well.
- Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns offer additional potato goodness, perfect for those who love carbs!
- Grilled Tomatoes: Slightly charred tomatoes bring brightness to your plate while adding juicy flavor.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Sweet pancakes or waffles create a delightful contrast to savory egg dishes, ideal for brunch gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Overcooking the eggs: This can lead to dry and rubbery eggs. Cook them just until they are set for a fluffy texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or potatoes can hinder even cooking. Always start with room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned dishes can taste bland. Taste as you go and adjust your salt and pepper accordingly.
- Not covering the pan: Covering helps melt the cheese evenly and finish cooking the eggs properly. Always use a lid when melting cheese.
- Skipping fresh toppings: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t forget to add chives or other toppings for extra zest.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the scramble in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble?
A Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is a hearty breakfast dish combining fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese.
Can I customize my Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble?
Yes! You can add different veggies like bell peppers or switch ham for bacon or sausage according to your taste.
How do I make my Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble spicier?
Add spices like cayenne pepper or jalapeños to give your scramble an extra kick of flavor.
What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Aged cheddar and Gruyere are highly recommended, but feel free to use any cheese you enjoy!
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is not just filling; it’s also versatile. With its combination of flavors and textures, you can easily customize it with various toppings or ingredients. Try it out for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble, a hearty breakfast that combines fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, and savory ham topped with melted cheese. In just 20 minutes, you can create this satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. The rich flavors from Old Bay seasoning and creamy cheese make this scramble a family favorite. Customize it to your taste with different meats or veggies for a delightful twist. Whether you serve it with fresh herbs, creamy condiments, or crispy toast, this meal is sure to elevate your breakfast experience.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 4 cups chopped cooked potatoes
- 2 oz ham, chopped into cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (aged cheddar and Gruyere recommended)
- Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat; add chopped potatoes and cook until browned.
- Stir in ham and pour egg mixture over potatoes and ham; cook on low heat until eggs are partially set.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover the pan, and continue cooking until cheese melts and eggs are fully cooked.
- Serve hot with sour cream and chopped chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
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