Start your day right with this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch. Packed with crispy bacon, seasoned potatoes, vibrant veggies, savory sausage, and melty cheese, this skillet dish is a one-pan wonder that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
- 4-6 strips bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 20 oz refrigerated potatoes (or 3-4 cups frozen hash browns)
- ½ cup sweet onion (diced, optional)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (diced, optional)
- 8-10 sausage links (cooked, chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Tomatoes (sliced)
- Avocado (sliced)
- Jalapeños (seeds removed and sliced)
- Parsley
Directions
- In a large skillet or cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and remove it from the pan onto a paper towel.
- Add potatoes to the skillet and cook until browned.
- If using, add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and crispy bacon, ensuring everything is evenly heated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create small wells in the skillet and carefully crack the eggs into each well.
- Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the whites of the eggs are set, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt before removing from heat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of green onions, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, or parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet breakfast is customizable, simple to make, and uses minimal dishes. With its vibrant toppings and balanced flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit for all palates. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate veggies and proteins into your morning routine!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
- Serve your loaded breakfast skillet hot and fresh for the best experience. The combination of crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs is unbeatable when freshly prepared.
- Pair it with toasted bread, bagels, or fresh fruit to create a well-rounded breakfast spread.
- Offer a variety of toppings like salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce on the side to let everyone customize their serving to taste.
- For larger groups, consider doubling the recipe and serving it in individual portions to keep everything warm and fresh.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze portions of the skillet (excluding eggs) in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Add freshly cooked eggs when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid Soggy Potatoes: Reheat on the stove or in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the potatoes.
With these tips, your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe can be enjoyed even after the first serving, keeping its flavor and appeal intact!
Variations
1. Vegetarian Breakfast Skillet
Skip the bacon and sausage, and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. For added protein, include black beans or chickpeas.
2. Southwest Style
Incorporate diced jalapeños, black beans, and corn. Season with cumin and chili powder, and top with salsa, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
3. Italian-Inspired Skillet
Replace the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Parmesan. Add Italian sausage, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Sweet Potato Skillet
Swap regular potatoes for diced sweet potatoes. Add a touch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.
5. Keto-Friendly Skillet
Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower rice as a base. Add extra cheese, heavy cream, and spinach for a creamy, low-carb breakfast.
6. Loaded Veggie Delight
Add colorful bell peppers, asparagus, and shredded Brussels sprouts for a nutrient-packed, veggie-loaded dish.
7. Spicy Breakfast Skillet
Use spicy chorizo instead of sausage and sprinkle red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
8. Cheese Lovers’ Skillet
Mix and match your favorite cheeses, like Gouda, Monterey Jack, and feta, to create a rich and gooey skillet.
9. Seafood Skillet
Add cooked shrimp or smoked salmon along with your eggs for a seafood twist. Pair it with fresh dill and a lemon wedge for garnish.
10. Breakfast Burrito Skillet
Use the skillet mix as a filling for tortillas. Add sour cream, salsa, and guacamole to turn it into a hearty breakfast burrito.
These variations allow you to customize the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe to suit your cravings, dietary preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen hash browns instead of refrigerated potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash browns work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until crispy before adding other ingredients.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cooked components (bacon, sausage, and potatoes) ahead of time and assemble quickly when ready to serve.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispy texture of the potatoes, or microwave them if you’re in a hurry.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus for added nutrition and flavor.
5. How do I ensure the eggs cook evenly in the skillet?
Make small wells in the potato mixture for the eggs and cover the skillet with a lid. This helps the eggs cook evenly with a combination of direct heat and steam.
6. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, swap out cheddar for your favorite cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta for a unique twist.
7. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Ensure your potatoes are cooked in olive oil instead of butter.
8. Can I substitute turkey bacon or chicken sausage?
Definitely! Turkey bacon and chicken sausage are great alternatives for a lighter version of this recipe.
9. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based bacon, sausage, and cheese, and use tofu scramble or Just Egg as an egg replacement.
10. What are some good side dishes to serve with this skillet?
Pair it with fresh fruit, toast, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
These FAQs ensure you have all the tips and information you need to perfect your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe!
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe combines bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and ease of preparation into a breakfast you’ll crave again and again. Whether you enjoy it as-is or add your own twist with unique toppings, this skillet is versatile and satisfying. Don’t forget to save any leftovers for a quick and delicious meal the next day!
PrintSimple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Description
Start your day right with this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch. Packed with crispy bacon, seasoned potatoes, vibrant veggies, savory sausage, and melty cheese, this skillet dish is a one-pan wonder that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for the family or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
Ingredients
- 4–6 strips bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 20 oz refrigerated potatoes (or 3–4 cups frozen hash browns)
- ½ cup sweet onion (diced, optional)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (diced, optional)
- 8–10 sausage links (cooked, chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
- Green onions (sliced)
- Tomatoes (sliced)
- Avocado (sliced)
- Jalapeños (seeds removed and sliced)
- Parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet or cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and remove it from the pan onto a paper towel.
- Add potatoes to the skillet and cook until browned.
- If using, add diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and crispy bacon, ensuring everything is evenly heated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create small wells in the skillet and carefully crack the eggs into each well.
- Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the whites of the eggs are set, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt before removing from heat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of green onions, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, or parsley.
Notes
Serving Tips
- Serve your loaded breakfast skillet hot and fresh for the best experience. The combination of crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs is unbeatable when freshly prepared.
- Pair it with toasted bread, bagels, or fresh fruit to create a well-rounded breakfast spread.
- Offer a variety of toppings like salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce on the side to let everyone customize their serving to taste.
- For larger groups, consider doubling the recipe and serving it in individual portions to keep everything warm and fresh.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze portions of the skillet (excluding eggs) in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Add freshly cooked eggs when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid Soggy Potatoes: Reheat on the stove or in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the potatoes.