A Breakfast Skillet with Bacon and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal to start your day. Loaded with crispy bacon, golden potatoes, sautéed onions, and eggs cooked to perfection, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s both delicious and filling.

The combination of smoky, savory flavors with the crisp texture of potatoes makes every bite irresistible. Ideal for weekends, brunch gatherings, or even a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night, this skillet breakfast guarantees a satisfying start to your day.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum taste. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, while the potatoes turn crispy on the outside and soft inside.

The eggs bring everything together for a balanced, protein-packed meal. It’s hearty, rustic, and the aroma alone makes mornings brighter!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This skillet is a must-try because it captures everything we love about breakfast in one pan — crispy potatoes, sizzling bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs. It’s endlessly customizable: add veggies, cheese, or herbs to suit your taste.

The balance of textures — crispy, creamy, and savory — makes it feel both indulgent and homemade. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish always impresses without extra effort.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (per serving): ~420 kcal

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Skillet:

6 slices of bacon, chopped
4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or russet)
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings
4 large eggs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and reserve some fat.
Add diced potatoes to the skillet and cook until golden and tender.
Sauté onions and peppers until fragrant.
Add seasonings, then return bacon to the skillet.
Make small wells, crack in the eggs, and cook until done.
Sprinkle cheese and garnish before serving hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet (or replace with olive oil).

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the hot skillet.
Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and tender.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet.
Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and mix it evenly with the potatoes and veggies.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Make 4 small wells in the mixture.
Crack one egg into each well.
Cover the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top (optional).
Cover briefly to melt the cheese.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve your Breakfast Skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style presentation. Pair it with buttered toast, avocado slices, or a side of fruit for a complete breakfast. A drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa adds a nice kick. Serve with coffee, orange juice, or even mimosas for an indulgent weekend brunch.

Additional Recipe Tips

Parboil potatoes for 3 minutes before pan-frying to speed up cooking time.
Use a cast-iron skillet for the best crisp and heat distribution.
Don’t overcrowd the pan — it prevents potatoes from crisping properly.
Season as you go for layered flavor.
Cover while cooking eggs to get soft, runny yolks without overcooking.

Variations

Southwestern Skillet: Add jalapeños, black beans, and salsa.
Cheesy Bacon Skillet: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
Veggie Lover’s Version: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Sweet Potato Skillet: Substitute regular potatoes with diced sweet potatoes.
Sausage Swap: Replace bacon with breakfast sausage or chorizo for a different twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked potato and bacon mixture (without eggs) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and adding freshly cooked eggs.

Special Equipment Needed

Large cast-iron or non-stick skillet
Spatula or wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Lid (for cooking eggs evenly)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, just add it back to the skillet when combining ingredients to warm it through.

Q2: Can I make this without eggs?
Absolutely — it’s still delicious as a bacon and potato hash.

Q3: What potatoes work best?
Yukon Golds or Russets are ideal for crisp outsides and fluffy insides.

Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the bacon and add mushrooms, spinach, or smoked paprika for flavor.

Q5: Can I bake this instead?
Yes, cook all ingredients first, then bake in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes with eggs cracked on top.

Conclusion

This Breakfast Skillet with Bacon and Potatoes is a cozy, flavorful way to start your morning. It’s packed with hearty ingredients, easy to customize, and full of smoky, crispy goodness. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s a satisfying one-pan meal that brings everyone to the table. Simple, delicious, and always comforting — this skillet recipe will quickly become a weekend favorite!