I have to tell you, this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe has become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings and even for a quick “breakfast-for-dinner” night. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs, all smothered in melted cheese.
The first time I made it, the aroma alone was incredible, and the result was a hearty, satisfying meal that looked as good as it tasted. It’s surprisingly simple to throw together, and the cleanup is an absolute breeze. You can also enjoy similar Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe for a dinner twist.
Ingredients for Your Skillet
Here are the key components you’ll need to create this delicious and hearty breakfast. Using fresh, quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor and texture of your dish.
- 4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces: Thick-cut bacon works wonderfully here as it provides more texture and renders enough fat to cook the other ingredients.
- 1 onion, chopped: A yellow or white onion will add a sweet, savory base flavor that complements the potatoes and bacon.
- 3 russet potatoes, scrubbed and chopped into 3/4-inch cubes: Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content allows them to become fluffy on the inside while getting crispy on the outside.
- ¼ cup water: This helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook through evenly and become tender without burning.
- 2 green onions, sliced: These add a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of color when mixed in and used as a garnish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a much better aroma and flavor than pre-minced jarred versions.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire dish beyond a standard breakfast.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste: Seasoning at different stages is key, so have these ready.
- 4 large eggs: The star of the show, these will be cooked right on top of the potato mixture.
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: For the best melt, I recommend buying a block of sharp cheddar and grating it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Note: The ingredient quantities above will yield approximately 4 servings. You can also enjoy a rich pasta option like One Pot Spicy Pesto Cheese Baked Rigatoni Recipe for a cheesy twist in your meals.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this skillet is how easy it is to customize. You can swap ingredients based on your dietary needs or simply what you have available in your fridge.
- Meat Swaps: If you’re not a fan of bacon, try using breakfast sausage (casings removed), diced ham, or even chorizo for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and use a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to cook the onions and potatoes.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, a Mexican blend, or even pepper jack would be delicious. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese.
- Add More Veggies: This is a great recipe for using up leftover vegetables. Consider adding diced bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, or spinach. If using spinach, add it near the end of cooking so it just has time to wilt.
- Potato Alternatives: Don’t have russets? No problem. Yukon Gold potatoes work well and have a creamier texture. You can also use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier twist.
Cooking Time
This one-pan meal comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a weekend brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.
- Large Skillet: A 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and creating crispy potatoes.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the bacon, onion, potatoes, and other vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients without scratching your pan.
- Lid for the Skillet: To cover the skillet and help the potatoes steam and the eggs cook.
How to Make the Loaded Breakfast Skillet
This recipe involves a few simple stages, from crisping the bacon to cooking the eggs right in the pan. Follow these steps for a perfect skillet every time.
H3: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Onion
First, place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until they are evenly browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but leave most of the rendered fat in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, stirring it in the bacon fat until it softens, which should take about 5 minutes.
H3: Cook the Potatoes
Next, add the cubed potatoes to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly in the remaining bacon fat. Pour in the water and immediately cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the steam, which is crucial for cooking the potatoes until they are tender all the way through. Let them cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure they cook evenly.
H3: Add Flavor and Create Wells
Once the potatoes are tender, mix in the sliced green onions, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant, and season generously with salt and pepper. Using the back of your spoon, create four small indentations or “wells” in the potato mixture, clearing a space down to the bottom of the skillet for each egg.
H3: Cook the Eggs and Serve
Carefully crack one egg into each well you created. Season the eggs with a little more salt and pepper to your liking. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon evenly over the entire skillet. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny and delicious.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Over the few times I’ve made this, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really take it to the next level.
- Par-cook the potatoes: If I’m short on time, I sometimes microwave the potato cubes for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This cuts down the steaming time significantly and helps ensure they are perfectly tender.
- Get the potatoes crispy: For extra crispy potatoes, I let them cook for a few extra minutes without the lid after they are tender. This allows some of the moisture to evaporate and the bottoms to get nicely browned before adding the eggs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: It’s important to use a large enough skillet. If the ingredients are too crowded, the potatoes will steam instead of brown, and you won’t get those crispy edges we all love.
- Control your egg consistency: The 5-minute cooking time for the eggs is just a guideline. If you prefer your yolks firmer, leave the lid on for an extra minute or two. For me, a runny yolk is non-negotiable as it creates a delicious sauce for the potatoes.
How to Serve the Loaded Breakfast Skillet
This dish is a showstopper served straight from the skillet. Place a trivet on your table and let everyone serve themselves family-style. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra sliced green onions, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or some sliced avocado on the side also pair beautifully with the rich flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this recipe.
- Calories: 418
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious. Here’s how to store and reheat it.
To store, let the skillet cool completely before transferring 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.
For reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, which will help crisp up the potatoes again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this simple breakfast skillet will become a new favorite in your home.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup. This makes it a perfect, no-fuss meal for any day of the week.
- Completely Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your tastes. Swap the meat, add different vegetables, or try a new kind of cheese to make it your own.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with potatoes, bacon, and eggs, this dish is incredibly filling. It’s the kind of comforting meal that will keep you energized for hours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s called a breakfast skillet, it’s substantial enough for brunch, lunch, or even a casual dinner. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that works for any meal.
