Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe

A Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is the ultimate way to start your day with a hearty and satisfying meal. Packed with crispy potatoes, savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and topped with perfectly cooked eggs, this breakfast skillet is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines all your favorite breakfast ingredients into one skillet. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meats, making it both economical and convenient.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Vegetables

1. Dice Potatoes: Wash and dice the potatoes into small cubes.
2. Chop Bell Peppers: Remove seeds and dice the bell peppers.
3. Chop Onion: Peel and chop the onion finely.

Prepping Other Ingredients

1. Crumbled Sausage: If using whole sausages, remove the casing and crumble the meat.
2. Grate Cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Heat Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook Potatoes: Add diced potatoes and cook until they start to brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Add Sausage: Add crumbled sausage to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. Add Vegetables: Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until they soften.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Evenly Cut Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
• Medium Heat: Cook over medium heat to prevent burning and ensure everything cooks through.

Adding the Eggs

How to Cook the Eggs

1. Create Wells: Make four small wells in the skillet mixture.
2. Crack Eggs: Crack an egg into each well.
3. Cook Eggs: Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Eggs

• Soft Yolks: For runny yolks, cook for a shorter time.
• Firm Yolks: For fully cooked yolks, cook longer and use a lower heat.

Finishing Touches

Adding Cheese

1. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet.
2. Melt Cheese: Cover and let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.
• Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
• Hot Sauce: Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish Ideas

• Toast: Serve with a side of buttered toast or bagels.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Juice or Coffee: Pair with your favorite breakfast beverage.

Presentation Tips

• Skillet to Table: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Garnish Generously: Use colorful garnishes to make the dish visually appealing.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 per serving.
• Protein: High in protein from eggs and sausage.
• Carbs and Fats: Balanced with healthy fats from olive oil and minimal carbs from vegetables.

Health Benefits

• High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and energy.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.

Tips for Making the Perfect Breakfast Skillet

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Skillet: This can lead to uneven cooking. Use a large enough skillet.
• Burning the Potatoes: Stir frequently and cook on medium heat to avoid burning.

Chef’s Secrets

• Pre-Cook Potatoes: Boil the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet for faster cooking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.

Variations of the Recipe

Vegetarian Version

• Omit Sausage: Replace sausage with more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
• Add Beans: Add black beans or chickpeas for added protein.

Meat Lover’s Version

• Extra Meat: Add bacon or ham along with sausage.
• Different Sausages: Use chorizo or Italian sausage for different flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Can It Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and cook the sausage ahead of time. Assemble and cook the skillet fresh in the morning.

What to Do with Leftovers?

Use leftovers to make breakfast burritos or add to a salad for a quick lunch.

Can I Freeze the Breakfast Skillet?

It’s best to freeze the individual components separately and assemble fresh. Cooked eggs do not freeze well.

How to Keep the Potatoes Crispy?

Ensure the potatoes are dry before cooking and cook them on medium-high heat for a crispy texture.

Conclusion

A Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is a fantastic way to start your day with a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish brings together the best of breakfast in one skillet, making it both delicious and convenient. Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast or a weekend brunch, it’s sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Yield: 4

Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Print

A Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is the ultimate way to start your day with a hearty and satisfying meal. Packed with crispy potatoes, savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and topped with perfectly cooked eggs, this breakfast skillet is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

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
• Serving:
• Green onions sliced
• Tomatoes sliced
• Avocado sliced
• Jalapenos seeds removed and sliced
• Parsley

Instructions

• In a large skillet or cast iron skillet, cook bacon until crispy and remove from pan onto paper towel

• Add potatoes and cook until browned

• Add vegetables, if using and cook until tender, about 5 minutes

• Stir in sausage and bacon and heat through

• Add salt and pepper to taste

• Make wells in the pan and carefully break eggs into each well

• Cover pan and cook over medium low heat until whites of eggs are set, about 8-10 minutes

• Sprinkle with cheese and cook until melted

• Serve immediately with toppings of your choice

• Store leftovers in refrigerator

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519