Heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over high heat. Add the bacon and sauté until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Peel and grate the potatoes and place in a colander. Rinse under cold water for a few seconds (to remove starch which helps make them fluffy inside and also stops the potatoes from browning).
Working a handful at a time, squeeze out the excess water and place into the bowl.
Add most of the bacon (reserve some to garnish), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper and cheese. Mix well to combine.
Spray a 12 hole muffin tray with oil.
Place 1/3 cup (packed) of the mixture into each hole. Pat down lightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 30 minutes until dark golden brown on top.
Let stand for a few minutes before turning out from the muffin tray.
Garnish with parsley and remaining bacon, and serve immediately.
Notes
1. You need to use starchy potatoes for hash browns as they breakdown when cooked, becoming nice and fluffy on the inside and golden and crunchy on the outside. The best to use are Russet (common in the US), dutch creams, King Edwards or red delight. However, great all rounders like golden delight, coliban, red rascal and Sebago (popular in Australia) still works great. I use Sebago which are the brushed potatoes you can get from any supermarket in Australia (ie. the ones with dirt on them). If you are based in the US, a great all rounder to use is Russet which I understand is one of the most widely used potatoes in the US. 2. You can make these a few hours in advance, then reheat them in the oven to make them crispy again. They can also be frozen after baking. To reheat, allow to thaw, then pop in the oven at 180C/300F for 15 minutes until crispy and heated through.3. Nutrition per serving.