If you’ve ever wished breakfast could be a true event—warm, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor—then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Loaded Breakfast Skillet. Imagine savory bacon, crisp hash browns, soft eggs, and a rainbow of veggies all brought together in one glorious pan. Whether you’re fueling a busy morning or enjoying a relaxed weekend brunch, this dish promises both comfort and a satisfying punch of color and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring! Each ingredient in the Loaded Breakfast Skillet brings something essential to the party—whether it’s crunch, creamy richness, bold color, or that irresistible savory aroma. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate breakfast skillet experience:
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): The crispy, smoky backbone of flavor that infuses the whole skillet.
- Butter or oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps everything sizzling and adds a layer of decadence to sautéed veggies.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings delicate sweetness and a touch of mellow sharpness to each bite.
- Bell pepper (1, diced): Adds vibrant color and a subtle bite for extra freshness.
- Frozen diced hash browns or cooked potatoes (2 cups): The heart of the dish, offering crispness and a soft, starchy base.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Easy flavor boost—no mincing required!
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A hint of warmth and subtle smokiness that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Because great seasoning is everything.
- Eggs (4 large): Soft, sunny centers that make the skillet extra satisfying and breakfast-y.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey goodness—no skillet is truly loaded without it.
- Green onions or parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): For a pop of freshness and a garnish that makes each plate irresistible.
How to Make Loaded Breakfast Skillet
Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon
Start your morning off with everyone’s favorite aroma: crisp, cooking bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until every piece is satisfyingly golden and crunchy. Use a slotted spoon to scoop it out and let it rest for a moment (don’t worry, it’ll make a grand return!), but be sure to leave a bit of that magical bacon grease behind—it’s liquid gold for your veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the butter or oil to your skillet and watch it melt into the reserved bacon fat. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’re building the base for your Loaded Breakfast Skillet, so let those aromatics get soft and just a little caramelized for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Potatoes
With your kitchen smelling heavenly, it’s time to add the hash browns. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this mix sizzle away for 8 to 10 minutes, giving it a stir now and then, until your potatoes turn gorgeously crisp and golden round the edges. This crispy layer is a skillet’s secret weapon.
Step 4: Nestle in the Eggs
Use a spoon to craft four small wells in your hash brown mixture. Carefully crack an egg into each little nest. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 4 to 6 minutes—just until the eggs are set to your liking. Watch as the runny yolks or firm centers gently poach in the steam and bacon-infused flavors below.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle your perfectly cooked eggs and potatoes with that dreamy cheddar cheese and the reserved crispy bacon. Cover the skillet once more for a minute or two, just until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden blanket that hugs each bite.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
If you’re feeling extra festive, a scatter of green onions or parsley adds brightness and freshness on top. The Loaded Breakfast Skillet is now ready—hot, bubbly, and simply calling everyone to the table!
How to Serve Loaded Breakfast Skillet
Garnishes
If you want that restaurant-worthy finish, don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh green onions or parsley not only look beautiful, they add a lightness that balances all the savory richness of the skillet. You could also add a few slices of avocado or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for a custom touch.
Side Dishes
This Loaded Breakfast Skillet pairs perfectly with buttery toast, fluffy biscuits, or warm tortillas for scooping. If you love a heartier brunch, serve it alongside a simple fruit salad or fresh tomato slices for a cool, juicy contrast to all that comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Who says a skillet can’t be fun? Spoon individual portions into mini cast iron pans for a bistro vibe, or bring the whole skillet straight to the table for a dramatic, family-style moment. You can even use the base filling for breakfast burritos or wraps—just pile it into a warm tortilla and roll it up for an on-the-go treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Loaded Breakfast Skillet cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making it a lifesaver for busy mornings.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the skillet (minus the eggs, which are best enjoyed fresh). Place cooled, cooked hash brown and bacon mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, prepare the eggs fresh for best results.
Reheating
To bring your skillet back to life, reheat single portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts until hot, or rewarm gently in a skillet over low heat. If the cheese has melted away, sprinkle a fresh handful on top before reheating for that signature gooey finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Simply dice cooked potatoes into small cubes and use them in place of frozen hash browns. They’ll get just as crispy, but may need a touch more oil while browning.
What type of cheese works best in a Loaded Breakfast Skillet?
Cheddar is classic, but don’t hesitate to mix in pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for a fun twist. The cheese you use adds a whole new layer of flavor, so feel free to get creative!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the bacon and add your favorite veggie protein, like sautéed mushrooms or veggie sausage. The skillet will still be plenty filling and wildly delicious.
How do I keep my eggs from overcooking?
Keep a close eye during the covered cooking time, and lift the lid as soon as the whites are just set. If you love a runny yolk, check the eggs a minute or two early for perfect results every time.
Is the Loaded Breakfast Skillet gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this dish is naturally gluten-free—just be sure your hash browns and seasonings don’t have any added wheat ingredients if gluten is a concern.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Breakfast Skillet brings everyone together—whether you’re serving a holiday brunch or simply elevating a weekday breakfast. It’s the kind of meal that always disappears fast, and for good reason! Go ahead and try it for yourself—there’s nothing quite like gathering around a sizzling pan filled with all your favorite flavors.
Print
Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Start your day right with this delicious Loaded Breakfast Skillet. A hearty and satisfying one-pan meal featuring crispy bacon, eggs, hash browns, and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Hash Browns:
- 2 cups frozen diced hash browns (or cooked potatoes)
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Eggs and Cheese:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper in butter until softened.
- Add Hash Browns: Add hash browns, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and crisp.
- Add Eggs: Make wells in the hash browns, crack an egg into each, cover, and cook to desired doneness.
- Finish Dish: Sprinkle with cheese and cooked bacon. Cover until cheese melts. Garnish with green onions or parsley.
Notes
- Customize with sausage or additional veggies for variety.
- Serve with toast or tortillas for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
