I absolutely love this Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe because it feels like a cozy little breakfast hug made just for you. The combination of tender, slightly sweet potatoes with perfectly baked eggs nestled inside a crispy, cheesy cup just never gets old. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple yet impressive, great for busy mornings or a weekend brunch with friends.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare and how those little cups kept their shape beautifully while baking. You’ll find that it’s a healthy, nutritious breakfast that’s packed with flavor and texture—and bonus: you can customize it to your liking without any fuss. Trust me, this Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe is worth making on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Filling: Combines sweet potatoes and eggs for a protein and fiber-packed start to your day.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and a muffin tin for a fuss-free baking experience.
- Customizable: Easily swap herbs, cheese, or spices to make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to make a wholesome breakfast. Grab fresh sweet potatoes and quality eggs for the best results, plus a little fresh thyme to brighten it up.
- Olive oil spray: Makes sure the sweet potato cups don’t stick to your muffin tin—keeps cleanup super easy.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and grated, they form the sturdy, slightly sweet base—choose firm ones for best texture.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds an herby freshness that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Onion powder: Gives subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning all the layers just right.
- Pecorino cheese: Finely grated, it melts into the potato for a salty, tangy kick—reserve a bit for topping!
- Large eggs: The star filling—baked gently until just set for a beautiful texture.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge. It’s a great base recipe, so feel free to add your favorite herbs, swap cheeses, or sneak in veggies for extra color and flavor.
- Add some greens: When I want to bulk them up, I toss in chopped spinach or kale into the sweet potato mixture—adds a nice pop of color and nutrients.
- Swap cheese: I’ve tried cheddar, feta, and even smoked gouda instead of pecorino—each brings a unique twist.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat in the morning.
- Make it vegan: I haven’t tried letting the sweet potato cups shine solo without eggs, but using tofu scramble inside works well as an egg substitute.
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin and Sweet Potato Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, spray a 6-cup non-stick muffin tin generously with olive oil spray—this is key to keeping the sweet potato cups from sticking later on. In a mixing bowl, toss together your grated sweet potatoes, chopped fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and finely grated Pecorino cheese (minus the reserved 2 teaspoons). Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite has balanced flavor and that the cheese binds the cups nicely.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Sweet Potato Cups
Divide your sweet potato mixture evenly between the muffin tin cups—about 1/4 cup plus a tablespoon for each. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each cup to form a neat, even well. Make sure there are no gaps, or the egg might leak out during baking! Give the inside of each cup a quick spray of olive oil again for a crispy finish. Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 8 minutes until the edges start to crisp and set.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Finish Baking
Remove the muffin tin and gently press the bottom of each sweet potato cup—that helps compact them just right. Crack one large egg into each cup, being careful not to break the yolk if you prefer it runny. Return the tin to the oven and bake again: about 12 minutes for runny yolks or 14 minutes if you want them slightly firmer. You’ll know they’re done when the whites are fully set but the yolks still jiggle a little.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cups sit for a minute to settle—this also helps them release easily from the muffin tin. Sprinkle the remaining grated Pecorino cheese on top along with extra salt and pepper to taste. Use an offset spatula to carefully lift each cup out. And voilà! You have these beautiful, flavorful Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe
- Grate the Sweet Potato Fresh: I learned that freshly grated sweet potatoes hold together better than pre-packaged, giving a sturdier cup.
- Press Firmly but Gently: Pressing the potato mixture firmly into the tin helps create a crisp edge, but avoid smashing so hard you leave holes for egg leaks.
- Watch Your Egg Timing: Every oven is different—start checking around 11 minutes to prevent overcooked eggs.
- Use an Offset Spatula: This tool makes removing the cups easy without breaking their sides—totally worth having on hand.
How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over my Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe to add a fresh, bright note. A dash of hot sauce or a drizzle of pesto also amps up the flavor if you want to switch things up.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these egg cups with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted cherry tomatoes for a light but satisfying meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, some avocado slices or a piece of crusty toast round it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I like to serve these Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe on a wooden board lined with fresh herbs and edible flowers—it makes the whole spread look homemade and inviting. You can also use colorful muffin liners for a festive touch, especially during holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover cups into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They stay tasty and hold their shape well, making for a quick grab-and-go breakfast when mornings are hectic.
Freezing
Freezing these works like a charm! After baking and cooling completely, I wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months and defrost quickly overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat mine in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the cups with a damp paper towel to keep them moist while heating.
FAQs
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Can I make the sweet potato cups ahead of time without the eggs?
Absolutely! You can bake the sweet potato shells a day ahead and refrigerate them. When you’re ready, just add the eggs and bake until they’re cooked through. This lets you prep most of the work in advance and enjoy faster mornings.
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes can work well too! They’ll give you a more neutral base flavor, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess that complements the eggs beautifully.
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What if I don’t have Pecorino cheese?
No worries! Parmesan or even a sharp cheddar will work in a pinch. The cheese adds saltiness and helps bind the potato, so pick a flavorful hard cheese you enjoy.
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How can I tell when the eggs are perfectly baked?
You’ll want to see fully set, opaque egg whites while the yolks remain slightly jiggly for runny eggs. Baking times vary, so I recommend checking at 12 minutes and adjusting based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen for its simplicity, health benefits, and comforting flavors. If you want a breakfast that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of effort, give this a try. I guarantee once you make these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—your mornings will thank you!
PrintBaked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked Sweet Potato and Egg Cups are a flavorful and nutritious breakfast option featuring grated sweet potatoes seasoned with thyme, onion powder, and Pecorino cheese, baked into crispy cups that hold perfectly cooked eggs. These easy-to-make egg cups are ideal for a protein-packed start to your day or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 1/2 cups peeled and grated sweet potatoes (about 1 8-ounce potato)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 ounce finely grated Pecorino cheese (reserve 2 teaspoons for topping)
Additional
- Olive oil spray
- 6 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 6-cup non-stick muffin tin with olive oil spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix sweet potato base: In a mixing bowl, toss together the grated sweet potatoes, fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, onion powder, and the finely grated Pecorino cheese (excluding the reserved 2 teaspoons). Combine thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and cheese.
- Form sweet potato cups: Divide the potato mixture evenly into six portions (about 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon each). Press each portion into the prepared muffin cups, pressing firmly to mold the mixture into the bottom and up the sides, forming a well without any open gaps for the egg.
- Pre-bake cups: Lightly spray the inside of each sweet potato well with olive oil spray. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 8 minutes to start cooking and firm up the sweet potato cups.
- Add eggs and finish baking: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and gently press the bottoms of the sweet potato cups to secure them. Crack one egg into each cup, then return the tin to the oven. Bake for 12 minutes for runny yolks or about 14 minutes for slightly firmer yolks, until the egg whites are set.
- Cool and serve: Let the cups sit for one minute after baking. Carefully remove each cup using an offset spatula. Sprinkle with the reserved Pecorino cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- These egg cups provide a nutritious and delicious breakfast option with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes paired with eggs and herbs.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding other herbs or spices such as paprika or garlic powder to suit your taste.
- For ease, use a microplane to grate the sweet potatoes finely for better texture and easier shaping.
- Ensure the sweet potato cups are pressed tightly to prevent cracking or breaking when adding the eggs.
- Cook time for eggs can be adjusted depending on how you prefer your yolks, keeping in mind that longer bake times will firm them up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg cup
- Calories: 132 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 207 mg
- Fat: 6.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 190.5 mg