Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Breakfast Skillet Recipe | Hearty, Easy & Delicious Morning Meal

I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect hearty breakfast that doesn’t leave my kitchen in a state of chaos. When I first threw this breakfast skillet together, I knew I had found a winner. It combines all my favorite breakfast foods—crispy potatoes, savory sausage and bacon, fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked eggs—all in one pan.

This has become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings and even for a quick weeknight “brinner.” It’s satisfying, simple, and the cleanup is an absolute breeze. If you enjoy easy one-pan meals, you might also love the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for a flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients for the Perfect Skillet

This recipe brings together classic breakfast staples for a hearty and flavorful meal. Using fresh, quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final taste. Here is what you will need to get started.

• 8-10 slices bacon, chopped – I find that a thicker cut of bacon provides better texture and renders more flavorful fat for cooking the potatoes.
• 8 breakfast sausage links – Pork sausage links are classic, but you can use chicken or turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option.
• 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes (about 2 large) – Russets are ideal because their high starch content helps them get fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
• 1 small onion, diced – A yellow or white onion adds a foundational savory sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – This adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness that balances the rich meats.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor; avoid the pre-minced jarred kind if you can.
• 6 large eggs – This is the star of the show, bringing everything together under a blanket of cheesy, eggy goodness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Grating your own cheese from a block is a game-changer; it melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika – This spice adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the flavor of the bacon and sausage.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning at different stages, especially the potatoes, is key to a well-flavored dish.
• 2 green onions, chopped – For a fresh, mild oniony garnish at the end.
• Salsa and hot sauce for serving – These are optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.

Note: The ingredient quantities listed above will make approximately 4 servings. If you like hearty sandwiches for any meal, check out the Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches Recipe for another satisfying dish.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this skillet is how adaptable it is. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Change the Meat: Not a fan of pork? You can substitute the bacon and sausage with turkey bacon, chicken sausage, or even ground chorizo for a spicy kick. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage crumbles and add a bit of extra oil for cooking the vegetables.
• Switch Up the Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative to Russets, adding a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory ingredients. You can also use frozen diced hash browns to save on prep time; just make sure to thaw them first.
• Add More Veggies: This is a great recipe for cleaning out your vegetable drawer. Mushrooms, spinach (add it at the end so it just wilts), zucchini, or jalapeños for some heat would all be delicious additions.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
• Cheese Please: While cheddar is a classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. A Monterey Jack or pepper jack would add a nice spicy element, while a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese at the end would provide a salty, tangy finish.

Cooking Time

This one-pan meal comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for any morning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need much for this recipe, which is part of its charm. A single, reliable pan is the most important tool.

• A Large Skillet: A 12-inch cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet is perfect for retaining heat and cooking everything evenly.
• A Sharp Knife: For efficiently dicing the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping needs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients and creating wells for the eggs.
• A Lid for the Skillet: To help the eggs cook through and melt the cheese perfectly.

How to Make Breakfast Skillet Recipe

This hearty meal is made entirely in one pan, which minimizes cleanup. The process involves layering flavors, starting with the meats to create a delicious base for the rest of the ingredients. From there, it’s just a matter of adding your components in the right order.

Step 1: Cook the Meats

First, add the sausage links to your large skillet and cook them over medium heat until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove them and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel. Next, add the chopped bacon to the same pan and cook until it reaches your desired crispiness, then move it to the plate with the sausage.

Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes and Vegetables

Leave about 3-4 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the pan. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until they are crisp and fork-tender, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Then, push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the other side to sauté for a few minutes until softened.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Chop the cooked sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet along with the crispy bacon. Stir everything together to combine the potatoes, vegetables, and meats. Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the mixture and stir again to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the skillet.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Cheese

Using your spoon, create six small wells within the skillet mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each well and season them with a little salt and pepper. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the entire skillet, covering all the ingredients.

Step 5: Cover and Finish Cooking

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for a few minutes, just until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, and the cheese is beautifully melted. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this dish dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to great. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor.

• I can’t stress this enough: don’t move the potatoes around too much. Let them sit in the hot pan to develop a deep, golden-brown crust on one side before flipping. This creates that irresistible crispy-yet-fluffy texture.
• I always grate my own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly. A block of sharp cheddar grated right before use will give you a much better, gooier cheese pull.
• Don’t drain all the bacon grease. That liquid gold is packed with flavor. I leave a few tablespoons in the pan to cook the potatoes and vegetables, which infuses the entire dish with a subtle, smoky richness.
• When you add the eggs, try to make the wells deep enough so the eggs are nestled down in the skillet mixture. This helps them cook more evenly and keeps them from spreading all over the top.

How to Serve Breakfast Skillet Recipe

This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but the right accompaniments can elevate it even further. For serving, you can bring the whole skillet right to the table for a rustic, family-style presentation. Scoop individual portions onto plates, making sure everyone gets a bit of everything, especially a runny egg yolk.

A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy contrast to the rich flavors. Freshly sliced avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats. For a bit of extra flavor and spice, offer red or green salsa and your favorite hot sauce on the side. Finally, a garnish of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley can add a bright, herbaceous note.

Nutritional Information

While this is a hearty breakfast, it’s also packed with protein and nutrients to keep you energized. Here is an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 492 kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 27g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious and easy to manage.

To store, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the potatoes and eggs can become watery and unpleasant upon thawing.

To reheat, simply add the leftovers to a lightly greased skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can even use the leftovers as a filling for fantastic breakfast burritos or tacos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this breakfast skillet has become a staple in my kitchen. Here are just a few you might appreciate:

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means you get a hearty, delicious meal without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. It’s the perfect low-mess, high-reward breakfast.
• Completely Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the meats, add your favorite vegetables, or try different cheeses to make it your own. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, this skillet is ready in about 40 minutes. It’s simple enough for a weekday morning but impressive enough for a weekend brunch.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the meat and eggs, plus carbs from the potatoes, this meal will keep you full and satisfied for hours. It’s the perfect fuel to start your day.