Ingredients
Scale
- 4 Large Eggs: The star of any breakfast skillet! Eggs provide protein, essential vitamins, and that creamy, rich texture we all crave in the morning. Large eggs are recommended to ensure they cook evenly within the skillet. If you prefer a more set yolk, you can cook them a bit longer, or for a runny yolk, keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time.
- 1 Cup Diced Potatoes (Preferably Yukon Gold): Yukon Gold potatoes are our top choice for this skillet due to their creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking and become beautifully golden brown and tender. Their thinner skin also means less peeling! If you don’t have Yukon Golds, Russet potatoes will also work, but you might want to peel them and dice them a bit smaller as they take slightly longer to cook. Sweet potatoes are another delicious and nutritious alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.
- 1 Cup Cooked Breakfast Sausage, Crumbled (or Plant-Based Sausage): Savory breakfast sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and protein to the skillet. We recommend using a good quality breakfast sausage – pork, turkey, or chicken sausage all work well. For a vegetarian or vegan option, plant-based sausages are readily available and offer a similar texture and flavor. Make sure the sausage is cooked before adding it to the skillet to ensure food safety and optimal texture. If you’re using raw sausage, you’ll need to cook it in the skillet before adding the potatoes and vegetables.
- 1/2 Cup Bell Pepper, Diced (Any Color): Bell peppers bring vibrant color, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to the skillet. Any color bell pepper will work – red, yellow, orange, or green. Each color offers slightly different nutritional profiles and flavor nuances. Red bell peppers are the sweetest, while green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter note. Feel free to use a mix of colors for a visually appealing and nutritionally diverse skillet.
- 1/2 Cup Onion, Diced: Onions are a foundational flavor builder in countless dishes, and this breakfast skillet is no exception. Diced onion adds a savory base note and becomes wonderfully sweet as it softens in the skillet. Yellow or white onions are classic choices, but you could also use red onion for a slightly sharper flavor.
- 1 Cup Fresh Spinach: A boost of greens is always welcome, especially in a breakfast that’s designed to fuel your day. Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully in the skillet, adding a delicate earthy flavor and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Kale or other leafy greens can also be used as alternatives.
- 1/4 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Dairy-Free Cheese): A sprinkle of cheese adds a creamy, melty finish to the skillet and complements the other flavors beautifully. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for breakfast dishes, offering a mild to sharp flavor that pairs well with sausage and eggs. For a dairy-free option, there are many delicious plant-based shredded cheeses available that melt and taste remarkably similar to dairy cheese. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese are also great alternatives depending on your flavor preference.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient way to add savory garlic flavor throughout the skillet. Its subtle pungency enhances the other ingredients without being overpowering. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can use 1-2 cloves of minced garlic, adding it to the skillet along with the onions and bell peppers.
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is a secret weapon for adding depth and complexity to this breakfast skillet. Its smoky, slightly sweet flavor elevates the dish and complements the savory sausage and potatoes perfectly. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will still add color and a mild flavor, but the smoked version truly makes a difference.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in any dish. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, while pepper adds a touch of spice. Be sure to season each layer of the skillet – the potatoes, the vegetables, and the eggs – to ensure a well-balanced and flavorful breakfast.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil or butter is used to sauté the potatoes and vegetables, adding flavor and preventing sticking. Olive oil is a healthy option with a mild flavor, while butter adds richness and a classic breakfast flavor. You can also use a combination of both for the best of both worlds.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish (Optional, such as Parsley or Chives): Fresh herbs add a pop of color, freshness, and flavor to finish the skillet. Parsley and chives are classic choices that complement the savory flavors of the dish. Other herbs like cilantro, dill, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also be used to garnish and customize the flavor profile.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: The potatoes are the foundation of our skillet, so we start by getting them perfectly cooked. Place a large skillet (cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick will work) over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter and let it heat up until shimmering. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and have a slightly crispy exterior. Stirring occasionally is important to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they brown properly rather than steaming.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Once the potatoes are nicely browned and tender, it’s time to add the aromatic vegetables. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir to combine everything and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. The onions should become translucent and slightly softened, and the bell peppers should lose some of their raw crunch and become tender-crisp. Cooking the vegetables at this stage adds layers of flavor and ensures they are cooked through in the final skillet.
- Add the Sausage and Spinach: Now for the protein and greens! Stir in the crumbled cooked breakfast sausage to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sausage to warm through and its flavors to meld with the potatoes and vegetables. If you are using pre-cooked sausage, this step is primarily to heat it through and infuse the skillet with its savory goodness. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down and turns a vibrant green. Spinach cooks down very quickly, so this step should only take a minute or two. Don’t overcook the spinach; you want it to be wilted but still retain some texture and bright color.
- Create Wells for Eggs: This is where the magic happens! Using a spatula or spoon, make four small wells or indentations in the skillet mixture. These wells will cradle the eggs and prevent them from spreading too much. Space the wells evenly around the skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Eggs: Carefully crack an egg into each well. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Now, it’s time to cook the eggs to your desired doneness. For slightly runny yolks, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still soft and runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook for a few minutes longer. Keep an eye on the eggs as they cook, as cooking times can vary depending on your stovetop and skillet. If you don’t have a lid, you can use a large plate or baking sheet to cover the skillet. Cooking with a lid helps to trap the steam and cook the eggs more evenly.
- Add Cheese and Serve: With the eggs cooked to perfection, it’s time for the cheesy finale! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese) evenly over the top of the eggs and skillet mixture. Cover the skillet again for an additional minute, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. The residual heat from the skillet will melt the cheese quickly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Hearty One-Pan Breakfast Skillet is ready to be devoured! Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, such as chopped parsley or chives. Serve straight from the skillet, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy the warm, flavorful goodness. This skillet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with toasted bread, English muffins, or even tortillas for scooping up all the deliciousness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 450-550
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 25-30g