Feel free to vary the toppings as you would your favorite omelet and according to what you have on hand. For heartier portions, you could prepare a few more scrambled eggs and pile them higher in the pie plate. An 8-inch square baking dish would work well too. For a complete meal, serve with your favorite green vegetable or simple tossed salad.
Yields 4-6 servings
3cupsshredded hash brown-style potatoes, thawed (not the cubed variety)
1cupshredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8eggs, divided
3piecesbacon, cooked and crumbled
1small tomato, diced
1/2an avocado, diced
Instructions
Squeeze excess moisture from the hash browns. (I like to wrap them in a clean tea towel and wring out the extra water.) Then mix with 3/4 cup cheese and 2 of the eggs which have been lightly beaten.
Press the mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate and bake at 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
Meanwhile, on your stovetop, scramble the remaining 6 eggs in a medium-size skillet. Place the cooked eggs in the hot crust, and sprinkle with the bacon, tomato and avocado.
Top with the remaining 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese (or 1/2 cup if you like it cheesier). If desired, broil for about a minute, watching closely, or until cheese is just melted.
Notes
It is best to measure the potatoes while they are still frozen, as they will squish down once thawed.
To thaw quickly, place the potatoes in a colander and run warm water over them.
For a crisp, golden crust, be sure to squeeze the excess moisture out of the potatoes no matter which way you thaw them.
For most effective removal of excess water, wring the potatoes out in a clean tea towel.