Name: Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 slices bacon, chopped; 8 breakfast sausage links; 1 small onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish; 1.5 lbs Russet potatoes (about 2 large), peeled and diced into ½’’ cubes (about 3 cups); Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 6 large eggs; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or favorite cheese); Salsa, for serving; Hot sauce, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

There’s something truly satisfying about a hearty, flavorful breakfast that fills your whole kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and gets everyone eagerly sitting down at the table. This Breakfast Skillet Recipe is a perfect blend of crispy bacon, savory sausage, tender potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and melty cheddar cheese all coming together under a blanket of perfectly cooked eggs. It’s not only a comforting meal but also a feast for the eyes and taste buds, making it a beloved go-to for weekend mornings or any time you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing start to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several strips of crispy cooked bacon lying in a metal pan. The bacon strips are dark reddish-brown with shiny oily spots and some charred edges. The pan has bits of cooked oil and browned residue around the bacon, adding texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Breakfast Skillet Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating layers of flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable.

Bacon (8-10 slices, chopped): Provides crispy, smoky goodness to balance the rich eggs and potatoes.
Breakfast sausage links (8, chopped): Adds hearty, savory depth to the dish with its spice profile.
Small onion (1, diced): Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for sautéing.
Red bell pepper (1, diced): Brings vibrant color and a mild sweetness to brighten every bite.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, pungent undertone that wakes up your palate.
Russet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs or 2 large, peeled and diced): These starchy potatoes crisp up perfectly for a satisfying texture contrast.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each element to perfection.
Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Large eggs (6): The star protein that brings creaminess and richness to the skillet.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully on top, tying all ingredients together with its sharp, creamy note.
Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh garnish that adds a crisp, oniony bite.
Salsa and hot sauce: Optional but highly recommended to add zest and customizable spice at serving.

How to Make Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage and bacon

Start by placing your sausage links in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly and cook through without drying out. Once done, set them aside on paper towels to drain. Then, add the chopped bacon to the same pan and let it crisp up. Reserve 3-4 tablespoons of the rendered grease in the skillet, which will infuse the potatoes with exceptional flavor. If that’s not enough grease, a little oil or butter will do just fine.

Step 2: Crisp the potatoes and sauté the veggies

Add your diced Russet potatoes in a single layer in the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let them cook mostly undisturbed, flipping only occasionally to get that beautiful golden crispness on all sides, and cooking until fork tender—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes unless you’re using frozen diced hash browns, which will cook faster. Then, push the potatoes to one side of the pan and toss in your onions, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these fragrant veggies for around three minutes until they soften and release their delicious aroma.

Step 3: Combine meats and sprinkle seasoning

Chop the cooked sausage links into bite-sized pieces and add both them and the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Give everything a gentle stir to combine flavors evenly. Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the mix, which will add a subtle smoky aroma and complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Step 4: Add eggs and cheese

With a wooden spoon, create six small wells in the pan’s contents—these are for your eggs. Crack one egg into each well, then season each with a pinch of salt and pepper. After the eggs are nestled in, spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This ensures each bite delivers creamy melted cheese alongside the richness of the eggs.

Step 5: Cover and cook until perfect

Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Let it cook gently for a few minutes until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain just right, and the cheese melts into an irresistible gooey layer. Keep an eye on it, so the eggs don’t overcook—you want that perfect balance between custardy and firm.

How to Serve Breakfast Skillet Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with a single layer of cooked diced potatoes mixed with bits of red pepper and small pieces of browned sausage, all scattered evenly. On top, there is a single fried egg with a runny, bright yellow yolk draped over the potatoes, and some small green herbs sprinkled on the egg and potatoes. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface with a striped cloth visible near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions sprinkled over the top add the perfect bright, crisp flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. For a bit of extra kick and to complement the smoky paprika, serve with bowls of your favorite red or green salsa and a dash of hot sauce. These additions let everyone tailor their breakfast experience to their liking.

Side Dishes

This breakfast skillet is a meal in itself, but pairing it with warm, toasted bread or a flaky biscuit rounds out the meal wonderfully. Fresh fruit like orange slices or berries provides a refreshing contrast, balancing out the hearty skillet with bursts of natural sweetness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this skillet right in the pan at the table for a rustic, family-style feel that invites everyone to dig in. For individual servings, scoop portions into small bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for a creamy finish. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro can also brighten the presentation and flavor beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Breakfast Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day breakfast just as delightful and often easier to reheat.

Freezing

If you want to keep this skillet on hand for longer, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When freezing, it’s best to omit the eggs and add them fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture. Alternatively, freeze the skillet mixture and cook fresh eggs on top when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to revive the crispy texture of the potatoes and bring back the savory aromas. Adding a fresh egg or sprinkling extra cheese on top during reheating can freshen it up nicely. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do, cover loosely to steam and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are perfect for their starchy crispiness, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist. Just adjust cooking time slightly since different potatoes vary in moisture and firmness.

What can I use instead of breakfast sausage links?

If you’re looking to switch things up, ground sausage works just as well. For a healthier spin, you could try turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage alternatives, which still provide that satisfying savory hit.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the sausage and bacon, and consider adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for heartiness. You can also use vegetarian sausage or smoky tempeh to replicate some of the original flavors.

How do I get the potatoes crispy without them sticking?

Pat your potatoes dry before cooking to reduce moisture, which helps them crisp. Keep the pan hot before adding potatoes and avoid moving them too much while they’re cooking so a crust can form, then flip carefully to brown evenly.

Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

Yes! While cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack for creaminess, pepper jack for some heat, or even a crumbly feta or goat cheese for tangy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a pan every time you make it. It’s a celebration of classic breakfast flavors working together with simple but delicious ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become one of your most treasured morning meals. So go ahead, make that skillet sizzle, gather loved ones around, and enjoy a breakfast that fills your home with comfort and joy.