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Is there anything better than a satisfying breakfast to kickstart your day? I used to struggle to get every element of a hearty breakfast just right – runny egg whites, overcooked yolks, potatoes that were either mushy or rock hard. But after plenty of kitchen experimentation, I’ve cracked the code! This Skillet Breakfast Hash with Perfectly Cooked Eggs is now a weekend staple in my house, and I can’t wait to share the secret to those perfectly cooked eggs with you.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Breakfast Hash

This isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a breakfast game-changer! Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this skillet breakfast hash:

  • One-Pan Wonder: Less mess and minimal cleanup? Yes, please! Everything cooks together in one skillet, making it perfect for busy mornings.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt it to your preferences. Swap out the veggies, add different spices, or use your favorite type of breakfast meat.
  • Perfectly Cooked Eggs, Guaranteed: No more guessing games. The lid-on method ensures that the whites are set and the yolks are runny and delicious.
  • Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, this hash keeps you full and energized for hours.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Skillet Breakfast Hash

The key to a truly exceptional skillet breakfast hash lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender potatoes, all topped with perfectly cooked eggs, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s gather everything you need to bring this dish to life.

  • Olive Oil: We’ll start with a tablespoon of good-quality olive oil. This provides a healthy fat base for sautéing the vegetables and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Breakfast Sausage: A pound of your favorite breakfast sausage, sliced. Whether you prefer mild, spicy, or maple-flavored, the choice is yours. This adds a savory, meaty element to the hash.
  • Bell Peppers: One red and one yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced. The combination of colors not only looks beautiful but also provides a mix of sweet and slightly tangy flavors.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: A pound of Yukon gold potatoes, diced. These potatoes have a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. They also hold their shape well during cooking, preventing them from becoming mushy.
  • Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika. This adds a smoky depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Large Eggs: Four large eggs. These are the stars of the show! Choose fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Fresh Chives: Chopped fresh chives, for garnish. These add a pop of color and a delicate oniony flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

Crafting Your Skillet Breakfast Hash: Step-by-Step

Ready to transform these ingredients into a delicious and satisfying skillet breakfast hash? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think! The secret to the perfectly cooked eggs is all in the technique, which I’ll guide you through step-by-step.

  1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced breakfast sausage. Cook until browned on all sides, rendering out some of the fat and adding a delicious savory flavor to the skillet. Remove the sausage and set aside, but leave the flavorful rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, using the rendered sausage fat to coat them. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. The key here is to avoid overcrowding the pan. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they brown properly.
  3. Add the Bell Peppers: Introduce the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the potatoes. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the peppers are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. The smoked paprika not only adds flavor but also a beautiful color to the dish.
  4. Combine and Create Wells: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the potatoes and peppers. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the flavors meld together. Now, using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the hash mixture. These wells will cradle the eggs and allow them to cook evenly.
  5. The Perfect Egg Technique: Crack one egg into each well. This is where the magic happens! Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-5 minutes. The steam created by covering the skillet gently cooks the tops of the eggs, ensuring even cooking without overcooking the yolks. Keep a close eye on the eggs, as cooking times can vary depending on your stove and the thickness of your skillet.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh chives. The chives add a pop of color and a fresh, oniony flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the hash and eggs. Serve immediately while everything is still hot and delicious.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Breakfast Hash Every Time

Want to take your skillet breakfast hash to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure success every time:

  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet: While you can use any large skillet, a cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly and retains heat well, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes and eggs.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will steam the ingredients instead of browning them. Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust Cooking Times: Cooking times may vary depending on your stove and the size of your skillet. Keep a close eye on the eggs and adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hash mixture for a little extra heat.
  • Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hash during the last minute of cooking for a cheesy, melty finish. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere would all be delicious choices.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, for a vegetarian version. You might also consider adding some crumbled tempeh for extra protein.

What to Serve With Skillet Breakfast Hash

This skillet breakfast hash is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to create a more elaborate brunch spread, here are a few serving suggestions:

  • Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and healthy counterpoint to the richness of the hash.
  • Toast or Biscuits: Serve with toasted bread or fluffy biscuits for soaking up the runny egg yolks and delicious hash juices. Perhaps you can try the Herbed Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light and refreshing side.
  • Coffee or Tea: No brunch is complete without a hot beverage!

Your Skillet Breakfast Hash Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of potato?

While Yukon gold potatoes are my personal favorite for this recipe, you can certainly substitute them with other types of potatoes. Russet potatoes will work well, but they may not be as creamy as Yukon golds. Red potatoes are another good option, as they hold their shape well during cooking. Sweet potatoes would also add a unique and delicious twist to the dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While the eggs are best cooked fresh, you can prepare the hash mixture ahead of time. Cook the sausage, potatoes, and peppers according to the recipe instructions, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the hash in the skillet and add the eggs.

Can I freeze this skillet breakfast hash?

I don’t recommend freezing the hash with the eggs already cooked, as the texture of the eggs will change. However, you can freeze the hash mixture without the eggs. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the eggs.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries! You can still make this recipe in a regular skillet. Just make sure it’s large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and has a lid that fits tightly. A non-stick skillet will also work well, but you may not get the same level of browning on the potatoes.

Enjoy Your Homemade Skillet Breakfast Hash!

There you have it – a simple yet satisfying Skillet Breakfast Hash recipe that will elevate your weekend breakfasts. With perfectly cooked eggs, savory sausage, and tender vegetables, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a breakfast that’s both delicious and easy to make! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your skillet breakfast hash turned out. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family!

Skillet Breakfast Hash (Perfectly Cooked Eggs)

Skillet Breakfast Hash (Perfectly Cooked Eggs) Save For Later!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced breakfast sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the potatoes. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the peppers are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the potatoes and peppers. Stir to combine.
  6. Creating wells: Use a spoon to create four small wells in the hash mixture.
  7. Crack one egg into each well.
  8. The Perfect Egg Technique: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-5 minutes. The steam created by covering the skillet gently cooks the tops of the eggs, ensuring even cooking without overcooking the yolks.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chives.
  10. Serve immediately.

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