There is something irresistibly comforting about a hearty skillet breakfast, and this Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe truly hits every note. Imagine crispy bacon mingling with tender, golden potatoes, vibrant red bell peppers, and sweet onions, all crowned with perfectly cooked eggs and melted cheddar cheese. This dish wraps together textures and flavors in a way that feels like a warm morning hug, making it an absolute favorite for weekend brunches or any day you want to start on a delicious note. The combination is simple yet spectacular, delivering a filling and nutritious meal that’s sure to become your go-to breakfast craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor. Each component serves a distinct purpose—from the crispiness of the bacon to the creamy melty cheese, and the tender potatoes that soak up all the seasoning.
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Adds smoky, crispy goodness that brings the skillet to life.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the veggies and potatoes without overpowering flavors.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings a natural sweetness and essential aroma to the mix.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Russet potatoes (2 medium, diced): The hearty base that crisps up beautifully and soaks up seasonings.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with gentle, savory notes.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a smoky depth that complements the bacon.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and warmth.
- Eggs (4 large): The star protein ingredient, cooked just right in little wells of potato magic.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts over the top for rich creaminess and a savory finish.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh garnish to brighten each bite.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who like their mornings with a bit of heat.
How to Make Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat, tossing in the chopped bacon. Cook it until it is wonderfully crispy and golden. This step is key because the bacon’s rendered fat will add incredible flavor to the dish. When your bacon reaches that perfect crunch, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon drippings right there in the skillet for extra taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Potatoes
Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then toss in your diced onion, red bell pepper, and those cubed russet potatoes. Season the mixture generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination transforms the humble potatoes into a golden, tender, and flavorful base. Cook everything, stirring occasionally, for about 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are just right—soft on the inside but beautifully browned on the outside.
Step 3: Create Wells and Cook the Eggs
Once the potato mixture is perfectly cooked, make four small wells in the skillet. Gently crack an egg into each one, being careful not to break the yolks. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook, steaming gently until the whites are set but yolks still slightly runny, or longer if you prefer your eggs fully cooked. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon, Melt to Perfection
Sprinkle your crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs and potatoes. Cover the skillet once again and let the cheese melt into gooey, savory bliss, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. This final touch ties all the flavors together, creating an irresistibly cheesy, smoky masterpiece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Turn off the heat and finish by scattering sliced green onions across the top for a fresh, peppery crunch. Serve the skillet warm with a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little extra zing. And that’s it—a vibrant, hearty breakfast that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your tummy with pure happiness.
How to Serve Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions add a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy base. Feel free to sprinkle in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you want an herbal lift. A dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream also works wonders, giving the dish extra dimension and a little personal flair.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a hearty stand-alone meal, but if you want to round it out, pair it with fresh fruit salad for some natural sweetness or whole grain toast to soak up any extra egg yolk and cheese. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully, making your breakfast well balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
To ramp up the wow factor, serve the breakfast skillet in individual cast iron skillets at the table. Add colorful plates and napkins to brighten up breakfast time, and offer small bowls of your favorite hot sauces or fresh avocado slices for guests to customize each bite. Breaking out a bottle of sparkling water with lemon or a freshly brewed artisan coffee will truly elevate this cozy morning ritual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though they rarely last long), place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The combination of potatoes and bacon keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the potato and bacon mixture before adding eggs and cheese. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh eggs and cheese.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to preserve the crispy texture of the potatoes. If you froze the mixture without eggs, scramble fresh eggs in the pan during reheating for that just-made freshness. Microwaving works too but might soften the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I substitute sausage for the bacon in this recipe?
Absolutely! Sausage works wonderfully and adds its own savory flavor. Just brown and crumble it similarly to how you cook the bacon to maintain that hearty meatiness.
What if I want to add more vegetables?
Great idea! Mushrooms, spinach, or even diced tomatoes can be added during the sauté step for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook any vegetables with longer cook times before adding faster-cooking ones.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in the Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
While this version relies on bacon and eggs, you can easily adapt it by substituting plant-based bacon alternatives and using tofu scramble instead of eggs. Nutritional yeast can replace the cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor.
How do I get crispy potatoes every time?
The key is to use russet potatoes and cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly without burning. Patting them dry before cooking and not overcrowding the pan also helps ensure maximum crispness.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say this Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, bringing warmth and delight every time it hits the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—a true celebration of breakfast eaten family-style or just for yourself. Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip it up any morning and let this dish brighten your day with every savory bite.
Print
Loaded Breakfast Skillet with Bacon, Potatoes, and Cheddar 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 flavorful morning meal featuring crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sautéed veggies, and perfectly cooked eggs topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal gluten-free breakfast to start your day with satisfying comfort and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 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
Other
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables and Potatoes: Add the 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. Stir occasionally and cook until the potatoes are golden and tender, approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
- Cook Eggs in Potato Mixture: Create four small wells in the cooked potato mixture and carefully crack one egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the eggs reach your desired level of doneness.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover briefly again to allow the cheese to melt.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve the breakfast warm. Add hot sauce if desired for an extra kick.
Notes
- Substitute sausage for the bacon to change up the protein.
- Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for more variety and nutrients.
- For crispier potatoes, roast the diced potatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet.
