The Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is the ultimate way to kick off your morning with a big, bubbly, savory hug. Imagine crispy bacon, golden potatoes, sweet sautéed onions and peppers, all crowned by perfectly cooked eggs and a generous sprinkle of melty cheddar. It’s hearty, wholesome, and bursting with color and flavor — everything you want in a comforting breakfast, ready in just one pan and less than 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to treat yourself, this skillet will earn a spot in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this breakfast a showstopper isn’t just the dazzling flavors, but also how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a special role in adding crispness, creaminess, or a pop of color, ensuring your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet turns out beautifully every single time.
- Bacon (6 slices, chopped): The irresistible salty, smoky base that gives every bite character.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances the sauté while keeping veggies from sticking, and adds a gentle earthiness.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings a sweet, savory bite that makes everything taste extra homey.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Adds crunch and vivid color while balancing the savory flavors with sweetness.
- Russet potatoes (2 medium, diced into small cubes): The heart of the skillet — hearty, fluffy, and soak up all those tasty drippings.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Turns up the flavor with smoky, slightly spicy undertones.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates all the natural flavors and ties everything together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and just the right amount of kick.
- Eggs (4 large): The crowning glory — gently cooked right on top for maximum creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into delicious golden perfection, binding all the layers together.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Lend freshness and a subtle bite at the very end.
- Hot sauce (for serving, optional): For those who like a fiery finish, a few shakes wake up every bite!
How to Make Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and let it sizzle away, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden and irresistibly crisp. Once it’s ready, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, making sure to leave about a tablespoon of those flavorful drippings in the skillet for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies and Potatoes
Into those savory drippings, pour in the olive oil. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and potato cubes, and sprinkle everything with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then let them cook, stirring every so often, until the potatoes are beautifully golden and tender — about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfect when you can easily pierce a potato with a fork and they have that lovely, crisped-up edge.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Once the potato layer is perfectly cooked, use a spoon to make four small wells in the mixture. Crack an egg into each well, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything cook gently on medium-low. In about 4 to 5 minutes, the eggs will be just set, or you can leave them a touch longer if you like your yolks firmer.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Bacon
Now comes the magic: sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top along with the luscious cheddar cheese. Pop the lid back on just until the cheese has melted into gooey bliss, then remove from the heat. The skillet should be bubbling and irresistible at this point!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scatter sliced green onions over the hot skillet and bring it straight to the table. If you’re a fan of heat, a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce adds a zesty punch to every bite. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet
Garnishes
The finishing touches can really make your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet pop! Freshly sliced green onions not only look gorgeous but provide a crisp bite. If you enjoy extra color and a touch of heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a whole new layer of freshness. And, of course, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or even a spoonful of salsa brings another round of morning flavor fireworks.
Side Dishes
While this skillet is a meal in itself, pairing it with the right side can take it to the next level. Try serving it with warm, toasted bread or fluffy biscuits for a little extra texture and a way to mop up those runny yolks. For a lighter touch, a simple fruit salad or sliced avocado on the side balances out the richness and keeps things bright and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re having guests or just want to elevate brunch at home, get creative with your presentation! Serve the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet right in the pan for that rustic, family-style moment. Alternatively, divide into mini cast iron skillets for individual servings (so cute for brunch parties). A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers on top turns this hearty favorite into a true brunch showpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare once everyone gets a taste!), simply scoop the remaining Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors often get even better after a night of melding, making this an easy go-to for busy mornings.
Freezing
While this skillet is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for future quick breakfasts. Allow the skillet to cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just note, the potatoes and eggs may soften a bit upon reheating — still tasty, just a little different in texture.
Reheating
To bring leftover Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet back to life, use the stovetop or microwave. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water and a lid to help everything warm through evenly without drying out. If you’re using the microwave, cover the container and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently to keep the eggs tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Absolutely! You can swap the bacon for sausage, ham, or even go completely vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. The beauty of the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is how flexible it is — customize to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
If you love a super crispy potato base, try roasting the diced potatoes in the oven first at 425°F for about 20 minutes. Once golden, add them to the skillet in place of the pan-fried potatoes for that unbeatable crispy bite.
Can I prepare parts of this skillet ahead of time?
Definitely. You can dice your vegetables and even pre-cook the bacon the night before, storing them in the fridge. When morning comes, just toss everything into the skillet and you’re minutes away from breakfast bliss!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a crowd-pleaser for nearly any dietary preference, provided you use gluten-free hot sauce if desired.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
You sure can. Use two large skillets or cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Serve on a big platter or right from the skillet for a fun, communal brunch experience everyone will rave about.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet enough – it brings together everything that makes breakfast exciting: sizzling bacon, crisp-tender potatoes, runny eggs, and gooey cheese, all in one easy pan. Give it a try this weekend, and I bet your kitchen will be filled with smiles and happy bellies. Let this dish become your new cozy tradition!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is a hearty and delicious one-pan breakfast dish that combines crispy bacon, tender potatoes, eggs, and melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients
Bacon:
6 slices bacon, chopped
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion:
1 small, diced
Red Bell Pepper:
1, diced
Russet Potatoes:
2 medium, diced into small cubes
Seasonings:
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Eggs:
4 large
Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup shredded
Green Onions:
2, sliced
Hot Sauce:
for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add olive oil, onion, bell pepper, and potatoes to the skillet. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until potatoes are golden and tender.
- Add Eggs: Make wells in the potato mixture and crack an egg into each one. Cover and cook until eggs are set.
- Finish Dish: Sprinkle with cooked bacon and shredded cheddar. Cover briefly to melt cheese. Garnish with green onions and serve warm with hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute sausage for bacon or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- For a crispier potato base, roast the diced potatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 235 mg
