Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a delicious substitute and add natural sweetness to the dish. They typically cook a bit faster than regular potatoes, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The flavor combination with bell peppers and ham is fantastic, and you'll get an extra nutritional boost too.

How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?

For sunny-side up eggs with runny yolks, look for whites that are completely set (no longer translucent) while the yolk still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This usually takes about 5 minutes with the lid on. For more set yolks, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remember that eggs continue cooking slightly after removed from heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, but with a modification. Prepare the potato, vegetable, and ham mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the hash in a skillet and then add fresh eggs to cook. Pre-cooked eggs don't reheat well for this particular dish, as they can become rubbery.

My potatoes are sticking to the pan. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the pan isn't hot enough before adding the potatoes or when there's not enough oil. Make sure your skillet is properly heated, use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and resist the urge to stir the potatoes too frequently. Allowing them to develop a crust first helps prevent sticking.

Skillet Breakfast Hash Recipe

Name: Skillet Breakfast Hash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, diced into 1 cm cubes; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup cooked ham, diced into 1 cm cubes; 4 large eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

This hearty Skillet Breakfast Hash is the ultimate morning meal that combines crispy potatoes, colorful bell peppers, savory ham, and perfectly cooked eggs all in one pan. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a satisfying breakfast that will fuel your day with minimal cleanup. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a weekend favorite that’s actually simple enough for busy weekday mornings too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your morning.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to use whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand – it’s practically designed for improvisation.
Family-Friendly: This hash appeals to everyone from kids to adults, and can be scaled up for larger gatherings.
Balanced Meal: You get your protein, veggies, and starches all in one delicious dish – no need for side dishes or extras.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Potatoes: The foundation of any good hash, providing hearty substance and crispy texture. Yukon Golds or Russets work best as they hold their shape well.
Onion: Adds essential aromatic flavor and sweetness when caramelized with the potatoes.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers bring vibrant color, sweetness, and a slight crunch. They also add nutritional value without overwhelming the dish.
Ham: Provides protein and savory depth. Pre-cooked ham makes this recipe even faster since you’re just heating it through.
Eggs: The crowning glory that brings richness and ties everything together. The runny yolk creates a natural sauce when broken into the hash.
Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up while adding a touch of fruity flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This breakfast hash welcomes creativity! Here are some fantastic ways to make it your own:

Meat Lover’s Version: Swap the ham for crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage for a different savory profile.
Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat entirely and add mushrooms for an earthy, meaty texture.
Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and top with avocado and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
Garden Fresh: Incorporate zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

How to Make Skillet Breakfast Hash

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place your large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add those diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let them cook until they start to soften, stirring occasionally for about 10-12 minutes. This is your foundation, so give them time to develop some crispy edges.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Ham

Toss in your chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and diced ham. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the vegetables have softened and the ham has warmed through. The onions should become translucent and slightly golden.

Step 3: Create Wells for Eggs

Using your spatula, make four wells in the hash mixture, pushing the potatoes and vegetables aside to create spaces for the eggs. Crack an egg into each well, being careful not to break the yolks.

Step 4: Cover and Finish

Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs reach your preferred doneness. The whites should be set, while the yolks can be runny or firm based on your preference. Season with additional salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Parboil for Speed: If you’re really pressed for time, parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before dicing to reduce skillet cooking time.
Consistent Cuts: Try to cut all your vegetables and potatoes to a similar size for even cooking.
Patient Cooking: Resist the urge to stir too frequently, especially when cooking the potatoes. Letting them sit against the hot pan creates those delicious crispy edges.
Cast Iron Magic: If you have a cast iron skillet, use it! It distributes heat evenly and creates the best crispy texture.
Season in Layers: Add salt and pepper at each stage rather than just at the end for more developed flavor.

How to Serve

This skillet breakfast hash is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with these serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with buttered toast or warm tortillas for scooping up every last bite.
Add sliced avocado on top for creaminess and healthy fats.
Offer hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who want an extra kick.

Beverage Companions:

Fresh orange juice or coffee makes the perfect morning drink pairing.
For weekend brunches, mimosas or Bloody Marys complement the savory flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day breakfast.

Freezing

While you can freeze the potato, vegetable, and ham mixture, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the finished dish with eggs. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the hash base without eggs for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this hash is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam and revive the ingredients. If you’re reheating just the base (without eggs), you can reheat it and then add fresh eggs following the original recipe steps.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a delicious substitute and add natural sweetness to the dish. They typically cook a bit faster than regular potatoes, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The flavor combination with bell peppers and ham is fantastic, and you’ll get an extra nutritional boost too.
How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?

For sunny-side up eggs with runny yolks, look for whites that are completely set (no longer translucent) while the yolk still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This usually takes about 5 minutes with the lid on. For more set yolks, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remember that eggs continue cooking slightly after removed from heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, but with a modification. Prepare the potato, vegetable, and ham mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat the hash in a skillet and then add fresh eggs to cook. Pre-cooked eggs don’t reheat well for this particular dish, as they can become rubbery.
My potatoes are sticking to the pan. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the pan isn’t hot enough before adding the potatoes or when there’s not enough oil. Make sure your skillet is properly heated, use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and resist the urge to stir the potatoes too frequently. Allowing them to develop a crust first helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Breakfast Hash is truly one of those magical recipes that manages to be both simple and spectacular at the same time. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cutting into those perfectly cooked eggs and watching the yolk create a natural sauce for the crispy potatoes and vegetables. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer, savoring each flavorful bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet morning or feeding a hungry family on the weekend, this hash delivers comfort and nourishment in equal measure. Give it a try – your breakfast routine will never be the same!

Skillet Breakfast Hash Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Skillet Breakfast Hash is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for starting your day on a delicious note. With crispy potatoes, tender veggies, savory ham, and perfectly cooked eggs, this one-pan meal is quick, satisfying, and customizable to suit your taste buds. It’s a wholesome breakfast or brunch option that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Cook the Potatoes
Place a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the potatoes begin to soften, about 10-12 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Ham
Stir in the chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and diced ham. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the ham is heated through.
Cook the Eggs
Using a spatula, create four small wells in the hash mixture. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Adjust the time depending on whether you prefer runny or fully cooked yolks.
Season and Garnish
Taste the hash and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or your choice of fresh herbs like chives or green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Potato Selection: Use firm varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for best results; they hold their shape well during cooking.
Customization: Substitute the vegetables with zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a unique twist.
Meat Variations: Swap the ham with bacon, sausage, or leftover chicken for added variety.
Adjust Egg Doneness: For runny yolks, cook the eggs for a shorter time. For a firmer yolk, extend the cooking time.
Spice It Up: Include jalapeños or red chili flakes for a hint of heat.
Garnishing Options: Enhance flavor with additional fresh herbs such as green onions or cilantro.