In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cheese, salt and pepper with your hands. Divide the hash brown mixture evenly into a greased 12-cup muffin tin and press the mixture with your fingers so that the hash browns come up the sides.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until edges have browned. Remove and reduce heat to 350 degrees F.
Carefully crack one egg into each nest, try to keep yolk intact. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, until egg whites have set.