Brussels Sprout & Bacon Hash Cups

Name: Brussels Sprout & Bacon Hash Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 3 cups grated hash browns (frozen or fresh); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 slices of bacon, chopped; 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 egg, beaten; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Fusion | Mixed Cultures

I absolutely love these Brussels Sprout & Bacon Hash Cups! The combination of crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and the crunchy hash brown base is just irresistible. Preparing these little cups for brunch or as an appetizer at gatherings has become a tradition in my kitchen. They are flavorful, satisfying, and fun to eat, making them a hit with family and friends alike. Plus, they are relatively quick to prepare, and you can customize them to suit your taste. I can't wait for you to try them!

Created by

The Xandersrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-03-04T16:56:07.223Z

Making Brussels Sprout & Bacon Hash Cups has truly transformed my brunch game. I experimented with different ingredients, but the combination of crispy bacon and slightly caramelized Brussels sprouts provides an unbeatable flavor profile. The key to perfecting these cups lies in roasting the sprouts just enough to bring out their natural sweetness while maintaining that delightful crunch.

Another great tip is to ensure that your hash brown base is tightly packed in the muffin tins, which helps each cup hold its shape while baking. The result is a delicious blend of textures and tastes that are sure to impress any guest!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Savory and crispy bacon perfectly complements the earthy Brussels sprouts
The hash brown base adds a fantastic crunch and heartiness to each bite
Versatile dish perfect for brunch, appetizers, or game day snacking

Mastering the Hash Brown Base

Creating a solid hash brown base is crucial for the success of these cups. If you're using frozen hash browns, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing with olive oil. This step prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy texture. After combining the ingredients, pack your hash browns firmly into the muffin tin; this helps them hold their shape during baking.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or spices like smoked paprika to the hash brown mixture. These additions enhance the overall taste, giving your cups a distinctive twist. Additionally, keeping a close eye on the baking time is important. Bake until they're golden brown, but be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to an overly dry base.

Elevating the Filling

When sautéing the Brussels sprouts and garlic, a touch of acidity, such as a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the bacon. Stir in the acidity right at the end of the cooking process to maintain the vibrant color and fresh taste of the Brussels sprouts. This small tweak can elevate the entire dish.

Feel free to customize the filling further. For a spice kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a different cheese, like feta or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and experiment with mushrooms or caramelized onions as a substitute, providing a savory depth without the meat.

Perfect Serving and Storage Tips

These Brussels Sprout & Bacon Hash Cups are best served warm, straight from the oven. For serving, consider garnishing with additional sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream. If you're hosting, these cups can be placed on a platter alongside a zesty dipping sauce for a fun appetizer spread that encourages sharing and conversation.

If you're planning to make these cups ahead of time, bake the hash brown cups and filling separately. You can store the filled cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before a final bake. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, which helps retain their crispy texture while warming them through.

Ingredients

For the Hash Cups

3 cups grated hash browns (frozen or fresh)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

6 slices of bacon, chopped
2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Hash Brown Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine grated hash browns with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Press the mixture tightly into the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin tin. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Cook the Bacon and Brussels Sprouts

In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan. Add the sliced Brussels sprouts and garlic to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the sprouts are tender.

Combine the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed Brussels sprouts, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and the beaten egg. Mix until everything is well combined.

Fill the Hash Cups

Remove the hash cups from the oven and fill each cup generously with the Brussels sprout and bacon mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tops are golden and set.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the cups cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkling some feta cheese on top before baking.

Ingredient Importance

Each element in the stuffing plays a vital role in the flavor and texture of these cups. The bacon not only adds a savory quality but also offers fat, which helps to bind the mixture together. While using store-bought bacon is convenient, selecting high-quality, thick-cut bacon can make a difference in richness and taste. Look for bacon with a good balance of meat and fat to enhance each bite.

Brussels sprouts may seem understated at first glance, but their unique flavor adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that stunningly complements the crispy, fatty bacon. When selecting Brussels sprouts, opt for firm, bright-green sprouts with freshly trimmed ends. Avoid any that are yellowing or soft, as they can spoil the overall dish quality.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your hash cups are falling apart when you remove them from the muffin tin, it may be due to insufficient baking time. Make sure to adhere to the suggested timings closely, and consider letting them cool slightly before trying to remove them—this helps to firm them up. Using non-stick spray generously can also prevent sticking.

In case the filling appears too loose after baking, this can result from too much moisture from the Brussels sprouts or other ingredients. To mitigate this, try patting down the Brussels sprouts with a paper towel before mixing them in. This simple step ensures the filling has the right consistency and doesn’t leak during baking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hash cups and the filling separately in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

→ What can I substitute instead of bacon?

You can use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative to keep it lighter while still adding flavor.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try using gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.