These skillet breakfast potatoes are crispy, golden, and full of flavor! With just a mix of potatoes, onions, and spices, they’re super easy to whip up in the morning.
I love making these potatoes when I have the time for a leisurely breakfast. They make the perfect side for eggs or bacon, and they always get a thumbs up from everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe due to their starchy nature. If you want a healthier twist, try sweet potatoes. They add a lovely sweetness and hold texture well.
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or omit it entirely and use olive oil for cooking instead!
Onion: A small onion adds depth to the dish. You can switch it out for shallots or even green onions for a milder taste.
Eggs: Eggs provide protein and make the dish more filling. If you’re looking for a vegan version, try using tofu or chickpea flour scrambled as a substitute.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika gives a lovely earthy flavor. For a unique twist, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano instead.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Perfectly Crispy?
Getting those potatoes crispy is all about technique! Here are some tips to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Make sure your potatoes are cut into equal-sized cubes, so they cook evenly. Aim for about 1/2-inch sizes.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give the potatoes enough space to get nice and brown without steaming.
- Cook on medium heat and let them sit for a few minutes before stirring. This helps develop that crispy crust.
- Be patient! It may take around 15-20 minutes of cooking to reach that golden, fork-tender texture.
How to Make Skillet Breakfast Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a delicious skillet breakfast ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon bits and set them aside, making sure to leave the bacon fat in the skillet — it’s full of flavor!
2. Preparing the Potatoes:
If needed, add olive oil to the skillet until you have about 2 tablespoons of fat total. Then, add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to get a crispy edge. After that, stir and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes in total).
3. Adding the Other Ingredients:
When the potatoes are halfway cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and starting to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Then, mix in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors!
4. Finishing Touches:
Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet for the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. Once everything is cooked, create two small wells in the potato mixture and crack an egg into each well.
5. Cooking the Eggs:
Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil and let it cook until the eggs are cooked to your liking (about 3-5 minutes for runny yolks). Keep an eye on them to get your preferred level of doneness!
6. Serving Your Dish:
Once the eggs are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like some extra flavor. Serve hot directly from the skillet and enjoy your crispy, flavorful breakfast potatoes with eggs!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a delightful sweetness to the dish and work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a little water or broth to keep the potatoes from drying out during reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil instead. You might also want to add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
What Are Some Good Serving Suggestions?
These skillet breakfast potatoes are great on their own or served alongside eggs, breakfast sausage, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, pair it with fresh fruit or a light salad!
