If you’re the type who loves digging into a sizzling, satisfying breakfast right out of the pan, this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is a total game changer. Packed with crispy bacon, golden hash browns, gooey cheddar, and perfectly cooked eggs nestled right in the mix, every forkful delivers comfort and excitement. The colors pop, the flavors sing, and the best part is how uncomplicated it all is—ideal for rolling out of bed on a weekend or wowing your brunch crowd. You’ll find this becomes a go-to way to kickstart any day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet are as down-to-earth as they are delicious. Each one has a purpose, from bringing savory richness to adding vibrant color or that irresistible cheesy finish. Here’s how every component comes together to make your breakfast unforgettable:
- Bacon: Chopped and fried until crispy, bacon instantly amps up the flavor and gives saltiness to each bite.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and ensures nothing sticks, providing a subtle layer of richness.
- Onion: Diced onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, rounding out the savory base.
- Bell pepper: Adds pops of color and a gentle sweetness that brightens up the skillet.
- Frozen diced hash browns: The starchy, crispy bed that soaks up everything delicious happening in the pan.
- Garlic powder: Boosts overall depth with aromatic goodness, making each bite more flavorful.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that works wonderfully with bacon and eggs.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—taste and tweak as you go.
- Eggs: Nestled into the skillet, these are the stars that transform the dish into a legit breakfast staple.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over everything for the ultimate gooey, cheesy finish.
- Green onions: Bright and fresh, a final sprinkle of these wakes up all the other flavors.
How to Make Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Start by tossing your chopped bacon into a large skillet over medium heat. Let it cook until it’s irresistibly crispy and golden, turning the pieces occasionally to get them evenly done. Once the bacon is perfect, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, but be sure to leave about a tablespoon of that magical bacon grease in the pan. That flavor boost will pay off in every bite!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add a splash of olive oil right into that bacon goodness, then toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until everything is fragrant, soft, and just starting to take on a sweet note. This is where the skillet starts building its savory backbone.
Step 3: Brown the Hash Browns
Next, pile in those frozen diced hash browns. Whether you’re working from frozen or thawed, they’ll crisp right up! Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir everything to coat the potatoes evenly in those spices. Let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally—aim for golden, crispy edges that are pure bliss alongside the soft veggies.
Step 4: Create Egg Wells and Cook the Eggs
Making four little wells in the hash brown mixture is both fun and functional. Crack an egg right into each well. Pop a lid on your skillet and let the eggs cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the whites are set just how you like and the yolks are perfectly runny (or more firm, if that’s your jam). The eggs will steam gently and nestle into their potato beds.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the skillet with a flood of shredded cheddar cheese, the crispy bacon you set aside, and plenty of fresh green onion. Let the cheese melt into stringy perfection—then serve the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet hot and fresh, directly from the pan for maximum impact.
How to Serve Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on the final touches! Scatter extra green onions, a pinch more cheddar, and even a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also add a burst of color and a garden-fresh finish that wakes up the whole skillet.
Side Dishes
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is hearty, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad, a stack of toast, or even a crisp little green salad makes for a complete brunch. If you’re feeding a crew, have some bakery-fresh muffins or buttery croissants at the table, and you’ll win best host before the coffee’s even finished brewing.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not double the recipe and make it on a sheet pan for a crowd, or split it into mini cast iron skillets for individual servings? You could also top the finished skillet with avocado slices or roasted tomatoes for an extra splash of color. For brunch parties, set out toppings like salsa, jalapeños, or hot honey so everyone can customize their own portion of Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit, making those next-day bites extra savory and satisfying.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, divide portions into freezer-safe containers (leave off the green onions until after reheating). The skillet freezes surprisingly well for up to a month, especially if you don’t mind eggs that are a little firmer when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for about a minute, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat until hot throughout. If you’ve gone the freezer route, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or green onions before serving to bring the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon in the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet?
Absolutely! Sausage is delicious here, or keep it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms or even tempeh bacon for a hearty plant-based twist. This skillet loves variety.
What’s the best kind of cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and brings classic breakfast flavor, but you can mix in pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for different vibes. Use what you love or have on hand!
Can I prepare any part of the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet ahead?
Yes! You can dice your onions, peppers, and even bacon the night before to speed things up in the morning. Just store the prepped ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge.
How do I keep the eggs from overcooking?
Watch them closely once you add the eggs, and use a lid to gently steam until they’re just set. For runny yolks, five minutes should be perfect—check often for your desired doneness.
Can I make this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet dairy-free?
Definitely! Just skip the cheddar or use your favorite dairy-free shreds. The recipe is just as hearty and flavorful, even without cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a pan of Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet with the people you love—or even just treating yourself to an epic breakfast. Every bite is a little celebration of crispy, cheesy comfort, and the recipe’s flexibility means you’ll never get bored. Give it a try, and I promise your mornings will get a whole lot brighter!
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Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan breakfast option that combines crispy hash browns, eggs, cheese, bacon, and veggies for a delicious morning meal.
Ingredients
Bacon:
4 slices chopped
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion:
1/2 diced
Bell Pepper:
1 diced
Frozen Diced Hash Browns:
2 cups
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1/4 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Eggs:
4 large
Cheddar Cheese:
1/2 cup shredded
Green Onions:
2 sliced
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté Veggies: Add olive oil, diced onion, and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add Hash Browns: Stir in hash browns, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until hash browns are golden and crispy, about 8–10 minutes.
- Cook Eggs: Make four wells in the skillet and crack an egg into each. Cover and cook until eggs are done to your liking, about 5–6 minutes for runny yolks.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- You can swap bacon for sausage or mushrooms.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
