Spicy Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers is the ultimate comfort breakfast — crispy golden potatoes sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of warming spices. It’s hearty, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with eggs, toast, or even avocado on the side.
The dish is a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on traditional breakfast hash. Every bite delivers crunch, spice, and the natural sweetness of roasted peppers. It’s a morning meal that wakes up your taste buds and fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, rustic, and full of life. It turns basic pantry ingredients — potatoes, onions, and peppers — into something deeply satisfying and exciting. The spices give the dish a gentle kick that’s perfect for jumpstarting your day, and the caramelized edges of the potatoes make every bite addictive.
Plus, it’s so versatile! You can serve it as a side with eggs or wrap it up in a breakfast burrito. It’s quick, affordable, and never fails to impress.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try because:
- It’s crispy, spicy, and colorful — all the things you want on your breakfast plate.
- It’s nutrient-rich, with vitamin-packed bell peppers and filling potatoes.
- It’s easy to customize — make it mild, smoky, or extra hot!
- Works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
- Great way to use leftover veggies and make something hearty.
Whether you serve it with eggs, sausage, or a simple slice of toast, these spicy potatoes are guaranteed to be the highlight of your morning.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings & Calories
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American / Southwestern
- Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Side Dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasoning:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp cumin (optional, for an earthy note)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Boil diced potatoes until slightly tender.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and peppers.
- Add parboiled potatoes, spices, and cook until crispy and golden.
- Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare and Parboil the Potatoes
- Wash and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes (keep the skin on for extra texture if you like).
- Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, just until slightly tender — not mushy.
- Drain and let them dry completely (you can pat them with a towel for crispier results).
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Peppers and Spices
- Add diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet.
- Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until peppers start to soften slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
- Add the drained potatoes to the skillet.
- Spread them out evenly and let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to crisp up.
- Stir and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice as desired.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve hot, straight from the pan.

How to Serve
- Classic Breakfast: Pair with scrambled or fried eggs and toast.
- Brunch Bowl: Top with avocado slices, salsa, or shredded cheese.
- Hearty Add-On: Serve with sausages, bacon, or grilled veggies.
- Tex-Mex Style: Wrap it in a tortilla with eggs for a spicy breakfast burrito.
Additional Recipe Tips
- For extra crispiness, dry the parboiled potatoes well and use a hot cast-iron skillet.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed for even browning.
- You can add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for a fresh, tangy twist.
- If using sweet potatoes, reduce cooking time slightly.
Variations
- Sweet Potato Hash: Substitute sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor.
- Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Add bacon bits, melted cheese, and green onions.
- Vegan Style: Top with avocado, black beans, and nutritional yeast.
- Cheesy Potatoes: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- Indian Twist: Add turmeric and garam masala for a spiced-up version.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crisp texture.
Freezing:
- Freeze cooked potatoes for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a hot pan or oven until crisp.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Saucepan for parboiling potatoes
- Knife and chopping board
FAQ
Q1: Can I skip boiling the potatoes first?
You can, but parboiling ensures they cook evenly and turn crispy on the outside while soft inside.
Q2: What kind of potatoes are best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a crispy yet fluffy texture.
Q3: Can I bake them instead?
Yes — spread the seasoned mixture on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway.
Q4: Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce cayenne or skip chili powder for a milder version.
Q5: How can I make it a full meal?
Top with eggs, beans, cheese, or avocado to make it a satisfying breakfast bowl.
Conclusion
Spicy Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers is a dish that brings warmth, spice, and satisfaction to your morning. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with smoky, spicy flavor from paprika and cayenne.
This simple yet irresistible recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something comforting and delicious. Whether you’re serving it at brunch with friends or enjoying it solo with a cup of coffee, it’s guaranteed to make your day brighter and tastier.
Spicy Breakfast Potatoes with Peppers
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
Main Ingredients:
4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 4 cups)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasoning:
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
½ tsp black pepper
¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp cumin (optional, for an earthy note)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare and Parboil the Potatoes : Wash and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes (keep the skin on for extra texture if you like). Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 5–6 minutes, just until slightly tender — not mushy. Drain and let them dry completely (you can pat them with a towel for crispier results).
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics : In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add Peppers and Spices : Add diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until peppers start to soften slightly.
- Step 4: Cook the Potatoes : Add the drained potatoes to the skillet. Spread them out evenly and let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to crisp up. Stir and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden brown on all sides. Taste and adjust salt or spice as desired.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve : Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot, straight from the pan.







