Name: Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can corned beef hash; 3 tablespoons water, plus more if needed; 4 eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 8 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, satisfying breakfast that feels a little special but comes together quickly, you’re in the right place. This Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe hits all the marks: crispy, flavorful, and topped with perfectly poached eggs that gently melt into every bite. I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this easy morning classic again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity without Sacrifice: Uses just a handful of ingredients but delivers full, satisfying flavor and texture.
Perfectly Crispy Base: Patience in letting the hash crisp up gives that unbeatable golden crust we all love.
Eggs Poached to Perfection: Cooking your eggs right on top means you get creamy yolks mingling with the salty crunch.
Quick and Versatile: Ready in under 20 minutes and easily adaptable for a crowd or solo brunch.

Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs, breakfast hash recipes, easy brunch ideas, savory breakfast dishes, flavorful egg recipes - The image shows a black pan filled with a cooked base layer of browned, small diced potatoes mixed with browned ground meat. On top, there are four cooked sunny-side-up eggs evenly spaced across the pan. The eggs have bright yellow yolks with slightly firm, white edges and are sprinkled lightly with black pepper. The texture of the potatoes and meat looks crispy and crumbly, while the egg whites are smooth and slightly shiny. The scene is close-up, focusing on the cooked dish in the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I’ve kept this Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe straightforward because sometimes the best breakfasts come from classic combos. Each ingredient here plays a role in creating that crispy, juicy, rich experience that wakes you up and makes you smile. When shopping, look for good-quality canned corned beef hash — fresh or well-stored cans make a huge difference in flavor.

Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs, breakfast hash recipes, easy brunch ideas, savory breakfast dishes, flavorful egg recipes - Flat lay of a mound of fresh corned beef hash with visible diced beef and potatoes, four whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged symmetrically around the hash, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear water, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Corned beef hash: The star ingredient — provides that salty, meaty, slightly spiced base. Make sure it’s well-packed and not too watery for the crispiest results.
Water: Used to gently poach the eggs, so you get tender whites without frying or scrambling them.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are best here to keep the whites firm and yolks luscious when poached right in the hash.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it for your taste or pantry. I often throw in a few diced onions or bell peppers for a bit of sweetness and color, but it’s just as great straight up. Don’t hesitate to experiment — you might surprise yourself!

Variation: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap half the corned beef hash for diced cooked potatoes to add some extra bite and texture.
Dietary tweaks: For a low-carb twist, serve this hash over sautéed spinach or kale instead of traditional toast or potatoes.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce on top adds a smoky heat that wakes up the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe

Step 1: Crispy, Beautifully Golden Corned Beef Base

Heat your skillet over medium-high — patience is key here. When you add the canned corned beef hash, spread it out evenly into about a half-inch thick layer. I like to resist the urge to stir or poke because letting it cook undisturbed for 10 minutes forms that unbeatable crisp crust. You’ll see it start to brown around the edges and hear a gentle sizzle — that’s when you know it’s working its magic.

Step 2: Create Wells and Poach the Eggs Right In

Once the bottom is nice and crispy, gently push one edge of the corned beef away, creating a small space to pour the water. Then, use your spoon to make four small wells in the hash — just deep enough so your eggs don’t run out when you crack them in. Carefully add the eggs into these wells, then pour about 3 tablespoons of water into the empty space.

Cover your skillet and lower the heat to medium-low. The water will steam the eggs gently, cooking the whites without frying them. Check after 2 minutes — if the water’s evaporated too quickly, add a splash more and cover again. Cook about 3 minutes for silky runny yolks, or 4 minutes if you prefer them more set.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy the Crunchy Creamy Combo

As soon as the eggs reach your desired doneness, slide your spatula around the edges to loosen the hash, then scoop it onto plates with those poached eggs perched on top. Serve immediately — the contrast of warm, runny yolks with salty crisp hash is unbeatable.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use a Non-Stick Skillet: It makes cleaning up delightful, and your hash will crisp evenly without sticking or falling apart.
Don’t Stir Too Soon: Letting the hash sit undisturbed is how you get that crispy, golden crust we all crave.
Fresh Eggs Make a Difference: They hold their shape beautifully when poaching and give you those silky whites and luscious yolks.
Cover Your Pan Tight: A good lid traps steam perfectly, ensuring the eggs cook gently and the hash stays crispy underneath.

How to Serve Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe

Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs, breakfast hash recipes, easy brunch ideas, savory breakfast dishes, flavorful egg recipes - A white plate holds a simple breakfast dish with a base layer of small, diced, golden-brown cooked potatoes mixed with ground meat, creating a rough textured bed. On top of the potatoes and meat, there is a sunny-side-up egg with a bright white cooked egg white that spreads unevenly and a rich, runny yolk in the center, slightly broken and oozing vivid yellow yolk onto the plate. A silver fork rests on the right side, partially pressing into the mixture, with traces of yolk and food on its tines. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin to the right edge of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish simply with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives — they brighten up the salty richness and add a pop of color. Sometimes I’ll add a few dashes of hot sauce or a crack of freshly ground black pepper to finish it off. It’s those small touches that really make the dish sing.

Side Dishes

For a fuller breakfast spread, I often serve this crispy corn beef hash with buttered toast or a crispy English muffin. Fresh fruit on the side helps balance the savory with a touch of natural sweetness. If you want to add some greens, sautéed kale or spinach pairs wonderfully to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, I’ve made individual servings in small cast iron skillets — guests loved the rustic vibe and it keeps the hash hot longer. Another time, I layered it with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for a more indulgent, colorful plate. Whatever your style, this recipe lends itself beautifully to playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover corned beef hash in an airtight container in the fridge — it keeps well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just reheat it in a skillet to bring back some crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable if you want to batch-cook. Place cooled hash in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet.

Reheating

My go-to is reheating in a non-stick pan over medium heat; it crisps the hash nicely while warming it through without overcooking the texture. Add a splash of water and cover briefly if it feels dry. Then, poach fresh eggs right on top for serving to revive that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen vibe.

FAQs

Can I use leftover corned beef instead of canned corned beef hash?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or boiled corned beef can be diced and pan-fried just like the canned hash. Adding a little diced potato helps bind it together and creates a similar texture. Just be sure to season lightly since leftovers might already be salty.
How can I tell when the corned beef hash is crispy enough?

Look for golden-brown edges and a slight crust forming beneath the hash as it cooks undisturbed. You’ll hear a gentle sizzle, and the hash will release easily from the pan when it’s ready to flip or serve.
What if I don’t have a lid to cover the pan when poaching eggs?

If you don’t have a lid, you can cover the pan tightly with a large piece of foil or even an inverted baking sheet. The goal is to trap steam so the eggs cook gently without drying out.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

This recipe is deeply centered on corned beef and eggs, so for a vegan or vegetarian option, consider swapping the hash for a plant-based alternative like seasoned potatoes and mushrooms, and topping with tofu scramble or vegan egg substitute.
How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking while poaching in the hash?

Keep the heat at medium-low once covered, and start timing as soon as you add the eggs and cover the pan. Check for doneness around 3 minutes for runny yolks, and add extra water if steam runs low to keep the moist cooking environment steady.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Corned Beef Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe holds a special place in my brunch rotation. It’s simple, unforgettable, and just so cozy — like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Next time you want a breakfast that feels both nostalgic and deliciously fresh, this recipe’s got your back.