The Scramble Recipe

Prepare pan

Place a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering (about 1–2 minutes).

Cook hash browns

If using grated potato, squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel before cooking. Add the shredded hash browns in an even layer to the hot skillet. Press down gently with a spatula to form a compact patty. Season the top with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Brown and flip

Cook without stirring for 4–6 minutes until the underside is deep golden and crisp. Flip in sections or invert with a plate if necessary. Cook an additional 4–5 minutes until crisp and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you make the eggs.

Whisk eggs

Crack 4 large eggs into a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is uniform and slightly frothy (about 20–30 seconds).

Cook ham

Return the skillet (or use a separate nonstick skillet) to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. When butter melts and begins to foam, add the 3 ounces minced ham and sauté briefly, 1–2 minutes, until warmed and slightly browned at the edges.

Scramble eggs

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the whisked eggs over the warmed ham. Allow eggs to set around the edges for about 10–15 seconds. Using a silicone spatula, gently push cooked egg from the edges toward the center, forming large curds. Continue folding and occasionally letting the eggs sit to form custardy curds. Total cooking time should be 2–3 minutes, for soft, creamy eggs.

Add cheese & finish

When eggs are just about set but still slightly runny, sprinkle the 1/2 cup grated cheddar over the eggs. Remove skillet from heat and fold cheese into the curds; residual heat will melt the cheese while keeping the eggs tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toast bread

While the eggs finish, toast the 2 slices of bread in a toaster or on a hot pan until golden. Spread 1 tablespoon butter over the hot toast.

Assemble plate

Divide the cheesy ham scramble evenly onto plates alongside the crisp hash browns and the buttered toast. Garnish the eggs with chopped chives or parsley if using. Serve immediately.