Breakfast Skillet

This Breakfast Skillet recipe is a delightful way to start your day! It’s packed with hearty ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and sausage, all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor and convenience. Perfect for family breakfasts or brunch with friends, this dish combines ease of preparation with satisfying taste. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This Breakfast Skillet can be ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap out veggies or proteins based on what you have at home for a personalized touch.
• Satisfying and Hearty: With its combination of potatoes, eggs, and cheese, this dish will keep you full all morning long.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a casual dinner, this skillet is versatile enough for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Breakfast Skillet a success, you’ll need a few essential tools that simplify the cooking process. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 12-inch skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• 12-inch skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of all ingredients while providing enough space to combine everything easily.
• Wooden spoon: This tool is great for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps mix ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

This Easy Breakfast Skillet recipe is loaded with the good stuff including potatoes, eggs, sausage topped with shredded cheese. It’s a quick, hearty breakfast all made in just one pan!

For the Skillet Base

• 8-10 slices chicken bacon, chopped
• 8 breakfast sausage links
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes, (about 2 large), peeled and diced into ½’’ cubes (about 3 cups)
• salt and pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Topping

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or favorite cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salsa, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving

How to Make Breakfast Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Sausages and Bacon

1. Add sausage links to a 12-inch skillet and cook over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Add chicken bacon to the pan and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon to the plate but leave about 3-4 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Add diced potatoes in a single layer into the pan.
2. Season well with salt and pepper.
3. Cook while flipping only occasionally until crisp on all sides and fork-tender (around 8-10 minutes).
4. Push potatoes off to the side of the pan; then add onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
5. Sauté everything together for about 3 more minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Chop the cooked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add both sausage and chicken bacon back into the skillet.
3. Sprinkle everything with smoked paprika.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Cheese

1. Use a wooden spoon to make six wells in the mixture.
2. Crack an egg into each well; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over everything.

Step 5: Cook Until Ready

1. Cover the pan with a lid; cook over low heat until egg whites are set and cheese melts (a few minutes).
2. Garnish with chopped green onion before serving alongside salsa and hot sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Breakfast Skillet, perfect for any meal of the day!

How to Serve Breakfast Skillet

Serving your Breakfast Skillet can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delicious ideas to accompany your dish and enhance its flavors.

Pair with Fresh Salsa

• Fresh salsa adds a zesty kick that complements the hearty ingredients in your Breakfast Skillet. Choose either red or green salsa based on your preference.

Add Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices provide a rich texture and healthy fats, making for a delightful contrast to the warm skillet.

Serve with Toast

• A couple of slices of toasted bread can balance out the meal. Opt for whole grain or sourdough for added flavor.

Include Fresh Fruit

• Fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or berries, adds a refreshing touch and provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Top with Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy heat, a drizzle of hot sauce can take your Breakfast Skillet to another level. Choose your favorite brand for an extra kick.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add brightness and color to your dish. This not only enhances appearance but also elevates flavor.

How to Perfect Breakfast Skillet

Perfecting your Breakfast Skillet is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success each time you make it.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality eggs will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Pre-cook potatoes – If using raw potatoes, consider boiling them until slightly tender before adding them to the skillet for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Ensure there’s enough space in the skillet for even cooking. If necessary, prepare in batches.
• Cover while cooking – Using a lid helps cook the eggs evenly by trapping steam, ensuring fluffy whites without overcooking.
• Experiment with seasonings – Feel free to add spices like chili powder or cumin for extra flavor beyond just salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately – Enjoy your Breakfast Skillet while it’s hot for the best taste experience.

Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Skillet

Complementing your Breakfast Skillet with side dishes can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the savory skillet.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy, crunchy side.
3. Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns provide an additional potato element that many breakfast lovers adore.
4. Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or honey offers a filling option alongside your skillet.
5. Smoothie – A refreshing smoothie made from fruits and greens can balance out the richness of the skillet.
6. Breakfast Burrito – Wrap up some scrambled eggs and veggies in a tortilla for another hearty breakfast option.
7. Cottage Cheese – A scoop of cottage cheese topped with chives or fruit makes a protein-packed side dish that pairs well.
8. Roasted Tomatoes – Oven-roasted tomatoes add acidity and sweetness, enhancing the overall breakfast experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the perfect Breakfast Skillet. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using the wrong pan – Using a non-stick or poorly seasoned cast iron skillet can cause sticking. Opt for a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Overcrowding the pan – Packing too many ingredients into one pan can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches or use a larger skillet to ensure everything cooks properly.
• Ignoring seasoning – Failing to season your ingredients can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices like smoked paprika for a delicious taste.
• Not pre-cooking hearty vegetables – Adding raw potatoes or hard vegetables can lead to undercooked bites. Pre-cook them or dice them small to ensure they cook through.
• Rushing the cooking process – Cooking on high heat may burn ingredients while leaving others undercooked. Use medium heat and give your Breakfast Skillet time to develop flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the Breakfast Skillet to cool before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Breakfast Skillet

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Breakfast Skillet

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each session until warm.
• Stovetop – Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about preparing or customizing your Breakfast Skillet, you’re in the right place!

What is a Breakfast Skillet?

A Breakfast Skillet is a hearty one-pan meal typically made with eggs, vegetables, and proteins like sausage or bacon. It’s customizable with various ingredients.

Can I make a vegetarian Breakfast Skillet?

Yes! Replace meat with plant-based options like tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I customize my Breakfast Skillet?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also switch up the cheese or use different seasonings.

What sides pair well with a Breakfast Skillet?

Consider serving fresh fruit, toast, or a side salad for a balanced breakfast.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Breakfast Skillet recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough for any taste preference. Experiment with different proteins and vegetables to make it your own. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy morning meal alone, this dish will surely delight!