Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan breakfast loaded with crispy potatoes, sizzling bacon, hearty sausage, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs. This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is everything you love about a diner-style breakfast, but made right in your own kitchen with minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd on a lazy weekend or whipping up a quick weekday breakfast, this skillet meal is packed with flavor, protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied all morning. The best part? You can customize it however you like—swap the bacon for turkey bacon, add extra veggies, or make it spicy with jalapeños.

I first started making this breakfast skillet on busy mornings when I wanted something filling without the hassle of making separate dishes. Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win. Plus, there’s something fun about cracking eggs directly into the skillet and watching them cook over the sizzling mixture. It feels like a little breakfast magic!

This dish is quick, easy, and satisfying, making it perfect for meal prepping, weekend brunches, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. So let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet. It’s the ultimate hearty and flavorful breakfast that delivers both convenience and taste.

1. One-Pan Wonder

Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and more flavor, since the ingredients cook together, infusing the dish with rich, smoky, and savory notes.

2. Quick and Easy

With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hot, satisfying breakfast on the table without spending all morning in the kitchen.

3. Packed with Protein

Eggs, sausage, and bacon provide a protein-packed meal that keeps you full for hours. This is perfect if you’re looking for a breakfast that will fuel your day.

4. Customizable

Not a fan of bacon? Swap it for turkey bacon or smoked chicken. Want extra veggies? Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can easily make this recipe your own.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch, a meal-prep breakfast, or even a weeknight dinner, this skillet works anytime.

Health Benefits

While this Loaded Breakfast Skillet is indulgent and satisfying, it also has some great nutritional benefits. Let’s break down what makes this dish a great way to start your day.

1. High in Protein

Protein is essential for muscle repair and energy. The combination of eggs, sausage, and bacon provides a great balance of complete proteins to keep you feeling full and energized.

2. Healthy Fats for Satiety

The bacon and eggs provide healthy fats, which are important for brain function and hormone balance. If you use avocado as a topping, you get an extra dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

3. Nutrient-Packed Vegetables

Adding bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes boosts this meal with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C, while onions provide important minerals.

4. Energy-Boosting Carbs

Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, which are a great source of energy and help keep you feeling satisfied. If you prefer, you can use sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative with extra fiber and vitamins.

5. Naturally Gluten-Free

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, this skillet is naturally free from gluten as long as your sausage is gluten-free.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the full recipe, here’s a breakdown of the time, servings, and nutrition for this dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 519 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 237mg
• Sodium: 671mg
• Potassium: 698mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin C: 37mg
• Calcium: 253mg
• Iron: 3mg

Ingredients List

To make this loaded breakfast skillet, you’ll need the following simple and wholesome ingredients.

Main Ingredients:

• 4-6 strips turkey or beef bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8-10 sausage links, cooked and chopped
• 3-4 cups diced potatoes (or frozen hash browns)
• ½ cup sweet onion, diced (optional)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Toppings (Optional, But Recommended!)

• Sliced green onions
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced avocado
• Jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s get into the fun part—cooking!

Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the pan for extra flavor.

Cook the Potatoes

4. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, tossing them in the bacon grease. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden and crispy.
5. If using, stir in diced onions and bell peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.

Add the Sausage and Bacon

6. Add the chopped sausage back into the skillet, stirring everything together so the flavors blend.

Cook the Eggs

7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Make 4 small wells in the mixture and carefully crack an egg into each one.
9. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the egg whites are set.

Add Cheese and Serve

10. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the skillet and let it melt.
11. Garnish with green onions, avocado slices, tomatoes, or jalapeños.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

• With Toast – Serve with a side of warm whole-wheat toast or buttered sourdough.
• With a Side of Fruit – A fresh fruit salad with berries and oranges balances the rich flavors.
• With Hot Sauce – Drizzle your favorite hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick.
• With Tortillas – Wrap it in a tortilla to make a breakfast burrito!

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs well with:

• A fresh orange juice or iced coffee
• A smoothie with banana, almond milk, and peanut butter
• A light salad with arugula and lemon vinaigrette

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Freeze the cooked sausage, bacon, and potatoes separately for meal prep.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Breakfast Skillet

One of the best things about this breakfast skillet is how versatile it is. You can easily swap ingredients or add extra flavors to suit your taste. If you want a healthier version, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and swap the bacon for chicken sausage or smoked turkey. If you love spicy food, try adding sriracha, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños. For a Mediterranean twist, mix in feta cheese, olives, and fresh spinach. Prefer a heartier dish? Toss in some black beans, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex-style breakfast. The possibilities are endless!

Why Cast Iron Skillets Make the Best Breakfast Dishes

A good cast iron skillet makes all the difference when cooking this dish. Unlike regular pans, cast iron retains heat evenly and creates a perfect crispy texture on the potatoes. Plus, cooking in cast iron adds an extra layer of flavor over time as the pan becomes seasoned. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a stainless steel or non-stick pan will work too, but you might not get the same level of crispiness. To keep your cast iron skillet in top shape, always clean it with warm water (no soap) and dry it completely before storing.

How to Make This a Meal Prep-Friendly Breakfast

If you love having a quick and easy breakfast ready to go, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. Cook everything except the eggs, then store individual portions in airtight containers. In the morning, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave and add a freshly cooked egg on top. You can also freeze pre-cooked potatoes, sausage, and bacon in separate bags, making it even easier to throw together a fresh skillet meal whenever you need it.

The Best Toppings to Elevate Your Skillet

Toppings can take this dish from great to amazing. Adding fresh green onions, sliced avocado, or crumbled feta gives an extra pop of flavor. If you want a little tanginess, try a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa. Love creamy textures? A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream pairs beautifully with the crispy potatoes and eggs. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brightens up the whole dish. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this breakfast skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potatoes, bacon, and sausage the night before, then reheat them in a skillet the next morning. Once heated, crack in the eggs and cook until set. This saves a lot of time while still giving you a fresh, hot breakfast.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Both russet and Yukon gold potatoes work well because they crisp up nicely while staying soft inside. You can also use sweet potatoes for a healthier twist. If you’re short on time, frozen hash browns are a great alternative.

How do I keep my potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your pan is properly heated and greased before adding the potatoes. Cooking them in bacon grease or butter helps create a crispy, golden crust. Also, avoid stirring them too often—let them sit for a few minutes to develop a nice sear before flipping.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe is super customizable. You can swap the turkey bacon for beef bacon, smoked chicken, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for extra spice.

What’s the best way to cook the eggs?

If you like runny yolks, cook the eggs until the whites are just set but the yolks are still soft. For firmer yolks, let them cook longer or break the yolks slightly before covering the skillet.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just leave out the bacon and sausage, and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also add black beans or tofu for extra protein.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for an extra kick. You can also cook the potatoes with a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a spicy salsa on top before serving.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you have this easy, protein-packed, and customizable Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet recipe, it’s time to try it yourself! If you make it, share your experience and let me know what toppings you used. Enjoy your delicious one-pan breakfast!

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