If you’ve ever dreamed of a hearty, flavorful morning meal that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, then this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine crispy bacon, tender sautéed veggies, golden potatoes, and eggs cooked just right—all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that satisfies every craving and fuels your day with a smile. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, this skillet packs everything good about breakfast into one pan and one delicious experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe; each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make this skillet truly unforgettable. They’re all easy to find, familiar, and come together harmoniously.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping everything cook evenly.
- Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible smoky richness and a satisfying crunch.
- Small onion (diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Bell pepper (any color, diced): Adds bright color and a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
- Frozen diced potatoes (2 cups): Golden, crispy, and tender, these form the hearty base—fresh potatoes work great too.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the potatoes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Large eggs (4): The crowning glory of this skillet, cooked just how you like them.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey, rich pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Provide fresh, crisp bursts of flavor and a gorgeous finishing touch.
- Hot sauce or salsa (optional): A little heat or tang if you’re craving an extra kick.
How to Make Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and cook it until it’s beautifully crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave around a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet—it adds incredible depth in the next stage.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and let them soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and blends their flavors making sure every bite is mouthwateringly tasty.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes with Seasonings
Now it’s time for the potatoes. Stir in your diced potatoes along with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cooking this mixture for 10 to 12 minutes while stirring occasionally helps the potatoes get golden brown and tender without losing that slight crisp on the edges that’s so satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Create four little wells in the cooked potato mixture and crack an egg into each one. Cover your skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how runny or firm you like the yolks. This gentle steam-cooking method gives you perfectly set whites and your desired yolk consistency every time.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon, Cheese, and Garnishes
Scatter the crispy bacon bits back over the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese into creamy clouds that pair wonderfully with the eggs and potatoes. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh sliced green onions.
How to Serve Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are crucial because they add a pop of color and a bite of sharp freshness to this rich dish. If you like an extra splash of flavor, drizzle on some hot sauce or your favorite salsa. The spicy kick cuts through the richness and elevates every forkful.
Side Dishes
This skillet is substantial on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm buttery toast, fresh fruit salad, or even a light mixed green salad if you want to balance out the meal with some lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skillet family-style right from the pan for a cozy, communal meal vibe. Alternatively, divide it into individual portions on brightly colored plates to make breakfast feel extra special. For a party or brunch, offer an array of toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or chopped herbs so guests can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This loaded breakfast skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and textures. Make sure to add the eggs fresh if you plan to reheat to keep their taste and texture delightful.
Freezing
While potatoes and veggies freeze well, eggs do not fare as nicely when frozen after cooking in this style. For freezing, cook the skillet up to the point before adding eggs. Freeze the potato and veggie mixture in portions and reheat on the stove or microwave, then add freshly cooked eggs on top.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If you stored the mix without eggs, cook your eggs separately and add them before serving for that perfect final touch. This way, everything tastes fresh and just as inviting as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and maybe add some extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap bacon for vegetarian sausage to keep that hearty element.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Both frozen diced potatoes and fresh diced potatoes are fantastic. Frozen potatoes save time and are conveniently ready to cook, while fresh potatoes offer a bit more natural texture and you can experiment with sweet potatoes too.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetables and potatoes ahead and store them separately. When ready to eat, reheat the potato mixture and cook fresh eggs right before serving. This keeps everything tasting just right.
How can I make the eggs runny?
Cover the skillet and cook the eggs for about 4 minutes—this usually results in set whites with nicely runny yolks. Keep an eye on them because exact cooking times may vary depending on your stove and pan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that any added sauces like hot sauce or salsa are also gluten-free, which most typically are.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe that grabs your heart and your hunger at once. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and customizable which makes it perfect for all kinds of mornings. Give it a try and you might just find your new favorite breakfast ritual that’s packed with love, warmth, and endless deliciousness.
Print
Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet packed with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. Ideal for a satisfying gluten-free breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 large eggs
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cups frozen diced potatoes (or fresh)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Oils and Extras
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Hot sauce or salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
- Add eggs: Make four small wells in the potato mixture and crack an egg into each well carefully, trying not to break the yolks.
- Cook eggs: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and yolks reach your preferred doneness.
- Add toppings and serve: Sprinkle the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with optional hot sauce or salsa alongside.
Notes
- Swap bacon for breakfast sausage or omit the meat to make it vegetarian.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added nutrients and a sweeter flavor.
- This skillet is perfect for meal prep—cook everything except the eggs, then reheat portions and top with freshly cooked eggs when ready to serve.
