If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty breakfast that comes together in no time, this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is the recipe for you. Imagine crispy hash browns, savory sausage, smoky bacon, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs—all in one skillet. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can adjust it to fit whatever ingredients you have on hand.
This dish is a lifesaver on busy mornings when you want to whip up something impressive but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for lazy weekend brunches or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a filling meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For me, this recipe is nostalgic. Growing up, my mom always made a version of this skillet on Saturday mornings, and the smell of sizzling bacon and potatoes would bring the whole family to the table. Now, I love recreating it in my own kitchen—except I’ve added my own twists, like colorful veggies and extra cheese, because why not?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet will quickly become a favorite in your home:
- Quick and Easy: The entire recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you’re short on time.
- Family-Friendly: From picky eaters to adventurous foodies, everyone will find something to love in this dish. You can even make individual portions with varying toppings to please the whole family.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Between the crispy hash browns, smoky bacon, savory sausage, and melted cheese, every bite is packed with deliciousness.
- Customizable: Have extra veggies in your fridge? Toss them in! Want to make it vegetarian or dairy-free? That’s easy too!
- Minimal Clean-Up: Everything cooks in one skillet, so you won’t be left with a pile of dishes to wash.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can make this incredible skillet at home.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 519
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet:
- 4–6 strips of bacon, cut into pieces: The smoky, salty flavor of bacon is the backbone of this dish.
- 20 oz refrigerated potatoes or 3–4 cups frozen hash browns: These form the crispy, golden base of the skillet. You can also shred your own potatoes if you prefer fresh.
- ½ cup diced sweet onion (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper (optional): Brightens up the dish with color and a touch of sweetness.
- 8–10 cooked sausage links, chopped: Any kind of breakfast sausage will work, but turkey or chicken sausage is a great option if you’re keeping it lighter.
- 4 eggs: These are the star of the show! The runny yolks add richness to every bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite cheese—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack are all great choices.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way to enhance the flavors.
- Optional toppings: Green onions, sliced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, parsley, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they’re crispy and golden brown. The bacon will release its fat as it cooks, so there’s no need to add extra oil. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet—it’s full of flavor and perfect for cooking the potatoes.
Step 2: Brown the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the refrigerated or frozen hash browns. Spread them out into an even layer and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy. If the skillet seems dry, you can add a little oil or butter. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
If you’re adding diced onion and bell pepper, now’s the time to toss them into the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. This step adds freshness and texture to the dish, but feel free to skip it if you’re short on time or prefer a simpler version.
Step 4: Add the Sausage and Bacon
Next, stir in the chopped sausage links and cooked bacon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so you get a little bit of everything in every bite. At this point, your kitchen should smell absolutely amazing!
Step 5: Crack the Eggs
Using the back of a spoon, create small wells in the potato mixture—one for each egg. Carefully crack an egg into each well, being mindful not to break the yolks. Season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Cook the Eggs
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the eggs cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, you can cook them a little longer.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan again and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle on any optional toppings you like. Serve the skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation, or scoop portions onto individual plates. Either way, make sure to dig in while it’s still warm and melty!
How to Serve
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can also pair it with a few simple sides to round out the meal:
- Serve with warm, buttered toast or flaky biscuits for a classic breakfast spread.
- Add a side of fresh fruit or a honey lime fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a cup of coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, or even a smoothie for a complete breakfast.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet retains heat beautifully, ensuring even cooking and crispy potatoes. If you don’t have one, a non-stick skillet works too.
- Drain the Bacon Grease if Needed: If you’re worried about the dish being too greasy, you can remove some of the bacon grease before cooking the potatoes.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the bell pepper and onion for mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Keep an eye on the eggs while they cook. Runny yolks are ideal for a rich, velvety texture.
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the bacon and sausage ahead of time to save a few minutes in the morning.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is endlessly versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and bacon and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try feta, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and bacon are certified gluten-free.
Freezing and Storage
If you have leftovers, let the skillet cool completely before storing. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Special Equipment
Here are a few tools that make this recipe even easier:
- Cast Iron Skillet: For even cooking and crispy potatoes.
- Lid for the Skillet: Essential for cooking the eggs evenly.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping the bacon, sausage, and veggies.
FAQ
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Absolutely! Just peel and shred fresh potatoes, then rinse and dry them thoroughly before cooking.
What’s the best way to make this ahead?
You can cook the bacon, sausage, and potatoes in advance, then assemble and cook the eggs when you’re ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need a very large skillet or two smaller skillets to avoid overcrowding.
What if I don’t eat pork?
You can use turkey or chicken sausage and beef bacon as substitutes.
Can I cook the eggs separately?
Of course! If you prefer, you can fry or scramble the eggs in a separate pan and add them to the skillet at the end.
This simple loaded breakfast skillet is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creation—you might just inspire someone else to start their day with a little skillet magic. Happy cooking!
Print
Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, flavorful breakfast skillet made with crispy hash browns, smoky bacon, savory sausage, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs. It’s the ultimate one-pan breakfast or brunch that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4–6 strips of bacon, cut into pieces
- 20 oz refrigerated potatoes or 3–4 cups frozen hash browns
- ½ cup diced sweet onion (optional)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
- 8–10 cooked sausage links, chopped
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: green onions, tomatoes, avocado, parsley
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy; set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook hash browns until golden and crispy.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until tender.
- Stir in cooked sausage and bacon; season with salt and pepper.
- Create wells in the skillet and crack an egg into each.
- Cover and cook on medium-low heat until eggs are set, about 8–10 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a pork-free option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American