There’s nothing like waking up to the rich aroma of crispy potatoes, sizzling bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. If you’re craving a breakfast that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet. With a crispy potato base, savory bacon, and a gooey cheese topping, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty start to their day. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy mornings or a weekend brunch.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delicious breakfast skillet, from prepping the ingredients to serving the final dish. So, let’s dive right in and learn how to make the best-loaded potato and bacon breakfast skillet!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet
It’s no secret that the best breakfasts are those that combine comforting, flavorful ingredients. This Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet hits all the right notes. Here’s why this dish will quickly become your new breakfast favorite:
1. Hearty and Filling
Packed with diced potatoes, crispy bacon, and a generous amount of cheese, this dish is sure to keep you full for hours. It’s a great choice for breakfast or brunch, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or need something to fuel you throughout the day.
2. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With just a handful of ingredients, this skillet dish delivers bold, satisfying flavors. The crispy potatoes are the perfect base, while the sautéed onions, garlic, and crumbled bacon add layers of savory goodness. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese ties everything together with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
In just 30 minutes, you can create this scrumptious breakfast skillet. From prepping the ingredients to cooking everything in one pan, it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require a lot of fuss—making it perfect for busy mornings when you want something homemade.
4. Customizable
Love spicy food? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to spice things up. Prefer a healthier version? Swap out the bacon for turkey bacon and use a lower-fat cheese. The best part about this recipe is its versatility—you can easily make it your own.
Now that we’ve established why this dish is such a winner, let’s dive into the details of how to make this Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this loaded potato breakfast skillet:
For the Skillet Base:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced – The foundation of the dish, providing texture and a hearty base. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for a creamy texture or Russet potatoes for crispier edges.
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Bacon is the star of the show in this recipe, adding saltiness, smokiness, and crunch.
- 1/2 onion, chopped – Onion brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds an irresistible savory element.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Paprika offers a mild smokiness and enhances the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – For seasoning, salt is a must to bring all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper provides just the right amount of bite and complements the other seasonings.
For the Eggs:
- 4 large eggs – Eggs are the heart of this breakfast skillet, adding protein and richness. The eggs cook directly in the skillet, giving you that perfect runny yolk when done right.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Cheddar is the classic choice for a loaded breakfast dish. It melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) – Chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
Directions: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! This Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s go through the process so you can make this hearty breakfast skillet at home.
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by preparing the potatoes. Dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes—this ensures even cooking and crispy edges. Add a splash of oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes to the pan. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. You want them to get that perfect crispy texture, so be sure to stir them regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Bacon and Veggies
Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the savory elements! Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the potatoes in the skillet. Cook everything together for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. At this point, you can already smell the delicious aroma of the onions and garlic melding with the crispy potatoes.
Now, add the crumbled bacon, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. The bacon adds a salty, smoky depth of flavor, while the paprika brings a slight smokiness and warmth. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the bacon and spices are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes and onions.
Step 3: Make the Eggs
Next, it’s time to create little pockets for the eggs. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, create four small wells in the potato mixture, making space for the eggs to cook. Crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. For runny yolks, you may want to check them at around 5 minutes, while for fully cooked eggs, let them sit for a few minutes longer.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, it’s time to add the finishing touch—the cheddar cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the potatoes and eggs. Cover the skillet again for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become all gooey and delicious. The melted cheese adds a creamy, rich element to the dish and ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is melted, your Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet is ready to be served! Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and a subtle onion flavor that complements the richness of the dish. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy every bite of this loaded breakfast delight.
Nutritional Information
This Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet is a filling and nutritious breakfast that’s perfect for starting your day. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Each serving provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it a satisfying and energizing meal. Whether you’re feeding yourself or your family, this breakfast skillet has all the components needed for a delicious start to the day.
Tips and Variations
1. Customize the Veggies
While this recipe calls for onions and garlic, feel free to add other veggies to the mix. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Just make sure to sauté them along with the onions to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
2. Swap the Bacon for Turkey Bacon
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap out the regular bacon for turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon. These alternatives still add a savory, smoky flavor but with fewer calories and fat.
3. Add Some Heat
For those who like a little spice in their life, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce. This will give the dish a bit of kick and make it even more exciting.
4. Use Different Cheese
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this recipe, you can easily switch it up. Try pepper jack for a spicy twist, or Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy flavor. A mix of cheeses also works great!
5. Serve with a Side Salad
To balance out the richness of the skillet, serve it with a fresh side salad. A light, tangy salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the savory potatoes and bacon perfectly.
Conclusion
This Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet is the perfect way to start your day. With crispy potatoes, savory bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this skillet recipe is easy to make, customizable, and delicious.
Try making it this weekend, and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors that will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to experiment with your own variations, and be sure to share the recipe with friends and family—they’ll be impressed!
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love this Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet, you’ll want to check out these other tasty breakfast recipes:
Enjoy these mouthwatering dishes and keep your mornings delicious!
Print
Easy Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a hearty and satisfying breakfast with this Loaded Potato & Bacon Breakfast Skillet! Crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs are topped with melted cheddar cheese, making for a flavorful and filling meal to kickstart your day.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Sauté the Bacon and Veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the crumbled bacon, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and stir everything together.
- Make the Eggs: Create four small wells in the mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and eggs. Cover again for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chives and serve the skillet hot. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes
- You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add extra veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Loaded Potato Skillet, Bacon Breakfast Skillet, Potato and Bacon Breakfast, Cheddar Breakfast Skillet, Hearty Breakfast Skillet, Potato Skillet Recipe, Bacon Breakfast Dish