Breakfast Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing brunch that’s as easy as it is delicious, you can’t go wrong with this classic Breakfast Skillet! Featuring smoky bacon, golden potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey eggs all topped with melty cheese, it’s the ultimate one-pan morning feast that brings everyone running to the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only a handful of kitchen staples stand between you and a Breakfast Skillet that delivers layers of flavor and color in every bite. Each ingredient brings its own goodness—don’t be afraid to use what you have and make it your own!

• Bacon (4–6 strips, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds deep smokiness and irresistible crunch that’s essential for skillet breakfasts.
• Refrigerated potatoes (20 oz) or frozen hash browns (3–4 cups): These crisp up beautifully, soaking in all the savory flavors—it’s your golden, carby foundation.
• Sweet onion (½ cup, diced, optional): Gives every bite a pop of sweetness and lovely texture, but you can skip if you like.
• Red bell pepper (½ cup, diced, optional): For a touch of color and sweet crunch—just the thing for a more vibrant skillet.
• Sausage links (8–10, cooked and chopped): Bring that hearty, seasoned savoriness to round out the dish.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple but crucial for dialing in that perfect flavor balance.
• Eggs (4): The star of the show—farm fresh is best if you can swing it!
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, or your favorite): Melty cheese brings everything together with a creamy finish.
• For Serving: Green onions, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, parsley: These toppings add color, freshness, and a kick of flavor. Use what you love!

Variations

One of the best things about a Breakfast Skillet is how endlessly adaptable it is! With just a little creativity, you can easily tailor it to fit dietary needs, flavors you love, or whatever’s waiting in your fridge.

• Veggie-Packed: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a greener, lighter twist that’s full of vitamins.
• Make it Spicy: Swap sausage for chorizo, add diced jalapeño in the skillet, or sprinkle on a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.
• Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or crumbled feta in place of cheddar for a fun flavor shake-up.
• Meatless Version: Skip the bacon and sausage and double up on the veggies or use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly skillet.

How to Make Breakfast Skillet

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by heating a large skillet or trusty cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook the bacon pieces until they’re gloriously crispy, then transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain—you want that lovely crunch in every bite!

Step 2: Brown the Potatoes

Add the potatoes (or hash browns) right into the pan, using that flavorful bacon drippings for maximum taste. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy on the edges.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

If you’re using onion and red bell pepper, toss them in next. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and just starting to caramelize, which adds gorgeous depth and color to your skillet.

Step 4: Add the Sausage and Bacon

Stir in the chopped, cooked sausage links and return the crispy bacon to the pan. Let everything mingle for a minute or two so those flavors become best friends. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Use a spoon to make four little wells in the hash mixture. Crack an egg into each well—this keeps them looking lovely and ensures even cooking. Cover the pan and cook over medium-low heat for 8–10 minutes, until the egg whites are just set but yolks are still gloriously runny.

Step 6: Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over and cover again for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and gooey. Bring the pan straight to the table and let everyone add their own favorite toppings!

How to Serve Breakfast Skillet

Garnishes

The sky’s the limit when it comes to garnishing your Breakfast Skillet! Try sliced green onions for a pop of color, avocado for creamy richness, or a few sprigs of parsley for a fresh finish. A scatter of tomatoes or jalapeños brings brightness and a touch of heat—just tailor it to your table.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is definitely filling on its own, it pairs perfectly with crusty toast, flaky biscuits, or a simple fruit salad on the side for a lighter contrast. A steaming mug of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice makes it a cozy brunch worth lingering over.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra flair, serve straight from your cast iron at the table for a rustic, “family style” feel. Or, portion individual servings into small skillets or ramekins—everyone gets their own Instagram-worthy breakfast! For a buffet, offer a toppings bar and let each guest customize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Breakfast Skillet (lucky you!), simply let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes a speedy, savory breakfast or brunch all over again—just as tasty as day one.

Freezing

Breakfast Skillet freezes surprisingly well! Allow it to cool completely, then scoop into freezer-safe containers. For best results, freeze without the eggs and add freshly cooked eggs when reheating, as yolks can change texture after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions in the microwave in short bursts, or warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cover with foil to keep things moist and fresh, and toss in a little fresh cheese to bring it all back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Your new favorite Breakfast Skillet is just a pan away—hearty, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable for every taste and occasion. Give it a try this weekend, and watch everyone at your table fall in love with breakfast all over again!

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