Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet

Introduction

If you’re looking to start your day with something hearty, satisfying, and absolutely packed with flavor, look no further than this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet. Imagine crispy potatoes, sizzling bacon, colorful veggies, gooey melted cheese, and golden-yolk eggs—all cooked in one skillet! Whether you’re prepping brunch for the family or need energy for a busy day ahead, this all-in-one breakfast checks every box.

The breakfast skillet is a classic American diner dish rooted in the idea of using up leftovers—especially meats, eggs, and potatoes—for a filling morning meal. Over time, it became so beloved that restaurants across the US have given it their own spicy, cheesy, or meaty spins. This version keeps things simple but incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for beginner cooks or seasoned home chefs alike.

What makes this loaded breakfast skillet unique is its perfect balance of texture and taste. Crispy hash browns provide a crunchy base, while velvety eggs add richness. Smoky bacon, sweet bell peppers, and gooey cheese amplify the flavor, and green onions offer a fresh finish. Best of all, it’s done in under an hour and is completely customizable!

Ingredients

For the Skillet Base

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 mL)
• 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed (about 360 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 g)

For the Veggie Mix

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Toppings

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (113 g)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Hot sauce or salsa (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat your skillet: Place a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat and let it heat up for about 2 minutes.
2. Cook the bacon: Add diced bacon to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
3. Cook the hash browns: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Spread the thawed hash browns in an even layer and press them down with a spatula. Season with salt and black pepper. Let cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy on one side.
4. Flip and cook: Flip sections of the hash browns and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy all over. If they stick together, that’s okay—it adds to the texture!
5. Sauté vegetables: Add the bell peppers and red onion directly on top of the hash browns. Stir lightly to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
6. Return bacon to the skillet: Mix the cooked bacon back into the skillet to combine with the veggies and hash browns.
7. Create wells for eggs: Use the back of a spoon to make 4 small wells in the hash mixture. Crack one egg into each well.
8. Cook the eggs: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-6 minutes for runny yolks or a few minutes longer for firmer eggs. Keep an eye on doneness based on preference.
9. Add cheese: When eggs are nearly done, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is thoroughly melted.
10. Add fresh toppings: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh parsley, if using.
11. Serve immediately: Serve directly from the skillet with optional hot sauce or salsa on the side.
12. Tip: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe and you’re baking eggs instead (as a variation), transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 7-10 minutes instead of cooking them stovetop.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 skillet serves 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Tips & Variations

Tips for Success

• Use a cast iron skillet for the ultimate crispy hash brown texture and even heat distribution.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures even browning and helps your vegetables stay sautéed, not steamed.
• Pre-thaw your hash browns. Thawing ensures they cook faster and crisp better than frozen ones.
• Crack eggs fresh into a separate bowl before adding to the pan to avoid shell bits or broken yolks.
• Use a lid when cooking eggs to trap the steam and gently cook the tops without flipping.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian: Swap bacon for mushrooms or veggie sausage.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Go Tex-Mex: Use pepper jack cheese and top with guacamole and salsa.
• Add extra protein: Mix in chopped cooked sausage or leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Swap the cheese: Try mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for a flavor twist.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to egg texture changes, but hash and veggie mix freezes well for up to 1 month.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat single portions on high for 60-90 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
• Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to refresh the crispiness.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep veggies in advance and store them in the fridge up to 2 days ahead.
• Precook bacon and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
• Make the hash base early: Cook the hash browns and veggies up to a day ahead and reheat before adding eggs and cheese.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is more than just a morning meal—it’s comfort food in its best form. Ideal for lazy weekends or a surprising weekday brunch, it combines the crispy, creamy, cheesy, and savory components we all crave. And because it’s all made in one pan, cleanup is a breeze!

Serve this hearty skillet with a side of buttered toast, fresh fruit, or even a mimosa-laced brunch. However you enjoy it, we’re sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. ❤️ Have a tip or variation you love? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!