Start your day off right with our mouthwatering Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes with Crispy Bacon recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish features tender diced potatoes, savory onions, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, all sautéed to golden perfection in vegetable oil. Topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and crispy crumbled bacon, these breakfast potatoes are a delicious way to kick-start your morning. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying breakfast that will keep you fueled all day long.
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced into small pieces
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced small
- ½ cup onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed
- 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8-10 pieces Applewood bacon, crumbled into small pieces
- Optional: sour cream for topping
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook until they just start to brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped onions, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Until Golden Brown:
- Continue cooking the potato mixture until the onions are translucent and the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the bacon in a separate pan until it reaches the desired crispiness.
- Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Once the potatoes are finished cooking, turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes while they are still in the skillet.
- Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese-covered potatoes.
- Serve:
- Spoon the Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes onto plates and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions, if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: (Calories per serving may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes with Crispy Bacon as a standalone breakfast dish alongside scrambled eggs or fried eggs for a complete meal.
- Pair the potatoes with your favorite breakfast meats such as sausage links or patties for added protein and flavor.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who enjoy a bit of extra heat.
- Storage Instructions:
- If you have leftovers, allow the Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the cooled potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To maintain their texture and flavor, reheat the potatoes in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked potatoes for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 1-2 months.
- Meal Prep:
- These Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes are perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch ahead of time and portion them into individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
- Reheat the portions in the microwave or skillet for a quick and satisfying breakfast on busy mornings.
- You can also customize the dish by adding additional ingredients such as diced cooked ham, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.
- Reheating Tips:
- When reheating the potatoes, add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.
- Stir the potatoes occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If reheating in the microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to trap moisture and prevent splattering.
- Customization:
- Feel free to customize the Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes with Crispy Bacon to suit your taste preferences. Add additional spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Gouda for a unique twist.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add diced mushrooms or bell peppers instead.
- Serve the potatoes in individual cast iron skillets for a charming presentation at brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes with Crispy Bacon remain fresh, flavorful, and convenient to enjoy anytime. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or serving up a delicious breakfast for guests, these cheesy potatoes are sure to be a hit!
Variations:
- Loaded Breakfast Potatoes:
- Top the Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes with Crispy Bacon with additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and avocado slices for a loaded breakfast option.
- Tex-Mex Breakfast Potatoes:
- Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn to the potatoes, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese and a dollop of salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Italian Breakfast Potatoes:
- Season the potatoes with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and top with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil for an Italian-inspired breakfast.
- Mushroom and Spinach Breakfast Potatoes:
- Sauté diced mushrooms and baby spinach with the potatoes, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option packed with flavor and nutrients.
- Smoky BBQ Breakfast Potatoes:
- Toss the potatoes with BBQ seasoning, and top with shredded smoked gouda cheese, chopped cooked brisket, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a smoky and savory breakfast.
- Greek Breakfast Potatoes:
- Season the potatoes with Greek seasoning, and top with crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast.
- Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Potatoes:
- Toss diced cooked chicken in buffalo sauce, and top the potatoes with the buffalo chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a spicy and satisfying breakfast.
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Potatoes:
- Add diced cooked ham to the potatoes, and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a classic breakfast combination.
- Vegetarian Breakfast Potatoes:
- Skip the bacon and add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the potatoes for a hearty and nutritious vegetarian breakfast option.
- Breakfast Potato Skillet:
- Cook the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a cast iron skillet, and then create wells in the mixture to crack eggs into. Bake until the eggs are set for a delicious one-pan breakfast skillet.
FAQs :
- Can I make these breakfast potatoes ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
- Make sure to use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and avoid overcrowding the potatoes in the skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, pepper jack, or feta to customize the flavor of the dish.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any seasonings or other ingredients you use to ensure they are gluten-free.
- Can I add other vegetables to the potatoes?
- Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to customize the dish to your taste preferences. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.
With our Cheesy Breakfast Potatoes with Crispy Bacon recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty breakfast option, a brunch centerpiece, or a comforting dinner side dish, these cheesy potatoes are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give them a try and elevate your breakfast game to new heights!