If cozy weekend mornings had a flavor, it would be this Breakfast Skillet. Hearty potatoes, smoky bacon, bright bell peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese all mingle together in one sizzling pan for a breakfast that feels both effortless and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and guarantees everyone will gather around the table, eager for a generous scoop. Whether you want a satisfying brunch or a quick weeknight dinner with breakfast vibes, this recipe delivers big flavor and pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated shopping list or exotic finds here—just a handful of staples that combine to create a vibrant, flavor-packed Breakfast Skillet. Each ingredient has an important role, from adding crunch to creating that crave-worthy golden crust.
- Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and some irresistible crispy bites that are the heart of this dish.
- Onion: Brings fragrant sweetness and soft texture, balancing the saltiness of the bacon.
- Red Bell Pepper: Offers a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that brightens up each bite.
- Frozen Diced Potatoes or Hash Browns: Make this skillet quick and easy, and provide a hearty base for all the toppings.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle depth and a gentle smokiness, perfectly complementing the bacon.
- Eggs: The stars of the skillet—just-set eggs create a luscious, creamy element over the crispy hash.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey blanket of deliciousness that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: Sprinkle on top for a fresh, herbal finish and a splash of color.
How to Make Breakfast Skillet
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Toss the chopped bacon into a large skillet set over medium heat. As the bacon cooks, it releases its fat, which becomes liquid gold for cooking the rest of the ingredients. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy pieces to a plate, and pour off excess fat so you’re left with about a tablespoon in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pan, stirring well to coat them in bacon drippings. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and the peppers soften. Their sweetness intensifies and forms a perfect backdrop for the rest of the skillet.
Step 3: Golden Potatoes Take Center Stage
Next, stir in your frozen diced potatoes or hash browns. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika evenly over the top. Let the potatoes brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then toss occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re golden, crispy at the edges, and tender inside.
Step 4: Eggs in a Nest
Make four little wells in the pan’s potato mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each well, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the whites set but the yolks remain deliciously runny (or to your desired doneness!).
Step 5: Cheese and Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the eggs and potatoes. Let it melt for a minute, then return your reserved crispy bacon to the pan. Finish with a generous shower of fresh parsley or green onions for brightness and a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Breakfast Skillet
Garnishes
For maximum freshness and eye appeal, scatter chopped parsley or sliced green onions over your Breakfast Skillet just before serving. They not only add color but lend a touch of herbal crunch that wakes up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet is satisfying on its own, but consider pairing with buttered toast, English muffins, or fruit salad for a special touch. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa on the side can add a flavor pop as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Breakfast Skillet family-style right from the hot pan for a rustic, communal vibe. For brunch guests, try plating individual portions on warmed plates, or even spoon the skillet mix into toasted tortillas for impromptu breakfast tacos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Breakfast Skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days while keeping its satisfying texture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled skillet mixture (preferably without eggs, as they can become rubbery) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, until hot throughout. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just add a splash of water to prevent drying out. If desired, cook fresh eggs on top to bring back that just-made skillet magic.
FAQs
Can I make this Breakfast Skillet vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the bacon or swap in a plant-based sausage or extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach for a satisfying meatless version.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns save time and turn crisp beautifully, but you can use fresh potatoes—just dice them small and sauté until tender before adding the other ingredients.
How do I keep my eggs from overcooking?
Keep an eye on your skillet and cover it only until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft. Remove from heat promptly, as the eggs will continue to cook a little from residual heat.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños add extra flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers before adding the potatoes.
Is this Breakfast Skillet gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free—just make sure your potatoes and seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed, especially if you’re serving someone with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, give this Breakfast Skillet a try. It’s as versatile as it is delicious, and there’s something special about gathering at the table to dig into a pan of sizzling, golden goodness. I know your mornings—or brunches, or even dinners—are about to get a whole lot tastier.
Print
Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful breakfast skillet recipe that combines crispy bacon, diced potatoes, bell peppers, eggs, and cheddar cheese for a delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Potatoes:
- 2 cups frozen diced potatoes or hash browns
Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sauté until softened.
- Cook Potatoes: Stir in potatoes, season, and cook until golden and tender.
- Add Eggs: Create wells in the hash, crack eggs into each, cover, and cook until set.
- Finish: Sprinkle with cheese, let it melt, top with bacon, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can swap bacon for sausage or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
- For variety, add spinach, mushrooms, or jalapeños.
