If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying start to your morning, this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy bacon, tender veggies, golden cubed potatoes, and perfectly cooked eggs all mingling together in one pan, topped with melty cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, quick enough for a weekday but special enough for a weekend treat. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a crowd, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimum fuss, turning everyday ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this skillet comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each contributing its own unique flavor and texture. From the crispiness of bacon to the sweetness of red bell pepper and the creaminess of melted cheese, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance.
- 6 slices bacon chopped: Provides smoky, salty crunch that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the veggies and potatoes from sticking and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor once softened and caramelized.
- 1 red bell pepper diced: Offers fresh color and a mild, vibrant sweetness.
- 2 medium russet potatoes diced: The hearty base that crisps beautifully and soaks up all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory touch that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that complements the bacon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick and brightens the taste.
- 4 large eggs: The star protein, cooked right in the skillet for a homestyle feel.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey perfection, adding creaminess and sharpness.
- 2 green onions sliced: Fresh garnish that adds crunch and a mild onion flavor.
- Hot sauce for serving (optional): A spicy kick that you can add to taste, perfect for those who like a little heat.
How to Make Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This step creates a flavorful fat base for the rest of your ingredients. Once cooked, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about one tablespoon of those savory bacon drippings in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Potatoes
Next, add the olive oil to the skillet along with the diced onion, red bell pepper, and cubed russet potatoes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything occasionally, letting the potatoes cook through and turn a lovely golden brown. This should take about 12 to 15 minutes, and it’s where all those wonderful flavors start to develop and blend.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Once your veggie and potato mixture is perfectly cooked, carefully create four small wells in the skillet. Crack one egg into each well and cover the pan with a lid. Let the eggs cook for around 4 to 5 minutes until they reach your preferred doneness, whether that’s runny yolks or fully set whites.
Step 4: Top with Bacon and Cheese
Sprinkle the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover it up again and let the cheese melt beautifully into gooey ribbons. This final meld of textures and flavors brings the whole dish to a satisfying crescendo.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, scatter the sliced green onions on top for a fresh burst, and serve immediately. Don’t forget the hot sauce if you want to add a zesty finish to your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe!
How to Serve Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions provide a crisp, fresh punch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the skillet. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. A squirt of hot sauce adds a fiery twist that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair this skillet with simple sides like toasted artisan bread or warm tortillas for scooping up every last bit. A fresh fruit salad or a light mixed greens salad can balance the skillet’s richness with juicy sweetness and a touch of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve the skillet family-style on a large cast-iron pan right at the table, letting everyone dig in with their favorite sides. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a neat presentation. Experiment with adding different veggies or swapping bacon for sausage to tailor the recipe to your crowd’s tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day breakfasts or quick lunches.
Freezing
This breakfast skillet can be frozen in portion-sized containers for up to two months. To freeze, cool the skillet completely, then seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. It’s a wonderful option for meal prep and having breakfast ready in a flash.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the eggs seem a little overcooked when reheated, try topping with a fresh egg cooked to your liking for an extra-special touch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and flavorful, cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or even mozzarella can be great substitutes depending on the flavor profile you want.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for hearty texture and flavor instead of meat.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
For crispier potatoes, roast the diced potatoes in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes before adding them to your skillet. This step adds a delicious crunch and caramelization.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just double or triple the ingredients and use a larger skillet or divide the mixture into multiple pans to accommodate everyone.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can provide a similar warmth and subtle smokiness, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe truly feels like a warm, inviting way to start your day. It’s full of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly, making breakfast both comforting and exciting. I hope you give this recipe a try soon — it’s one of those dishes that turns an ordinary morning into a little celebration of good food and easy cooking.
Print
Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is a hearty and delicious meal perfect for starting your day. Featuring crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and rich eggs topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions, it combines classic breakfast flavors in one satisfying pan. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized with your favorite add-ins and served with a splash of hot sauce for extra zest.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium russet potatoes, diced into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
Optional
- Hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables and Potatoes: Add olive oil to the skillet along with the diced onion, red bell pepper, and cubed potatoes. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes turn golden and become tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Cook the Eggs: Create four small wells in the cooked potato mixture. Carefully crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and yolks reach your preferred doneness.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the eggs and potatoes. Cover the skillet again briefly and allow the cheese to melt, which should take a minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve the breakfast skillet warm, optionally topped with hot sauce for an added kick.
Notes
- You can substitute sausage for the bacon to change up the flavor profile.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for additional nutrition and texture variety.
- For a crispier potato base, roast the diced potatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet.
