1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare the Skillet Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet inside for 10 minutes to get it nice and hot. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy texture in your cheesy egg hash browns. Carefully remove the hot skillet use oven mitts to avoid burns and add 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter along with the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Swirl it around to coat the entire surface, which prevents sticking and adds flavor to your skillet hash browns.

2-Second Step: Add and Season the Potatoes Once the skillet is coated, add the 3 cups of frozen shredded potatoes, spreading them evenly and forming 3 small pockets for the eggs later. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, which brings out their natural flavors in this cheesy hash browns recipe. Dot the top with 1 ½ tablespoons of the unsalted butter to help them brown nicely, then pop the skillet back into the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. For a vegan adaptation, you could use oil instead of butter here to keep things plant-based.

3-Third Step: Add Eggs and Cheese After the initial bake, take the skillet out of the oven and dot each potato pocket with 1 teaspoon of the remaining unsalted butter for extra richness. Crack one of the 3 large eggs into each pocket, then sprinkle the ½ cup of shredded white cheddar cheese over the top. This step is where the magic happens for your cheesy egg hash browns, creating that melty cheese layer. If you’re making a low-calorie version, swap the cheese for a reduced-fat option to cut down on fat without losing taste.

4-Fourth Step: Final Bake and Finish Return the skillet to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, and the potatoes turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as the goal is perfectly cheesy hash browns with eggs that are easy to dip. Once done, season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed, and sprinkle on the 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced chives for a fresh finish. For gluten-free eaters, this step remains the same, as the recipe is naturally compliant.

5-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. This cheesy egg hash browns dish is best enjoyed hot, perhaps with a side of toast for dipping those runny yolks, as suggested in the tips. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic feel, and feel free to add variations like mixing in bacon for extra protein. Remember, for dietary needs, you can always adjust ingredients in earlier steps to make it your own simple cheesy skillet hash browns with eggs recipe.