There’s something incredibly comforting about a skillet loaded with crispy hash browns, golden eggs, and savory sausage—it’s the kind of breakfast that makes weekend mornings feel extra special! And, because it all happens in one pan, cleanup is a breeze (score!).
If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast, this Hash Brown Breakfast Skillet is calling your name. It’s got crispy layers of texture, gooey melted cheese, and a blend of flavors that everyone will love. Bonus: You can customize it to your heart’s content with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. Let’s dive into this breakfast masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan meal – less mess, less stress!
- Perfect for weekend brunches or when you need a filling breakfast.
- Customizable to suit your taste—throw in your favorite veggies, swap the sausage, or add some hot sauce for a kick.
- Uses budget-friendly, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Frozen Hash Browns: They’re quick, convenient, and crisp up beautifully. If you prefer, you can shred fresh potatoes, just make sure to squeeze out all the excess moisture.
- Breakfast Sausage: Adds a savory, meaty element. Swap for turkey sausage or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Eggs: These melt into the dish and add the perfect creamy texture as they cook.
- Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can opt for any melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Onions & Bell Peppers: These add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies, like mushrooms or spinach.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are the basics, but you could even add a little paprika or red pepper flakes for spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, grab your skillet, because this hearty breakfast is about to come together in a flash!
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron works beautifully here!) over medium heat and drizzle with a little oil. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add some more oil and toss in the frozen hash browns. Press them down evenly to form a layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the bottom.
- Flip the hash browns and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy on both sides. Don’t be afraid to let them brown! This is what gives the dish that delicious crunch.
- Add the onions and bell peppers on top of the hash browns, giving them a quick sauté just until they soften.
- Return the sausage crumbles to the skillet, spreading them evenly over the veggies and hash browns.
- Create little wells or divots in the hash browns, and crack the eggs into these pockets. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes for a soft yolk. If you prefer well-done eggs, let them cook a little longer.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the entire skillet, letting it melt into gooey perfection. Once melted, remove from heat.
- Serve directly from the skillet! Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and of course, your favorite hot sauce is always welcome.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For extra crispy hash browns, resist the urge to stir them—let the bottom layer brown before flipping.
- If you’re feeding a crowd or want a make-ahead version, you can bake this in a casserole dish. Layer everything up and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until the eggs set.
- Fry your eggs separately if you’re nervous about undercooking—then just top the skillet right before serving.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for cooked black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce over the top for a flavorful kick.
- Cheese Swaps: Try pepper jack, gouda, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with fresh fruit and a side of toast for a well-rounded brunch, or keep it simple with just some fresh juice or coffee.
FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm up in a skillet or microwave until the eggs are hot again.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep most of the components in advance. Brown the sausage and chop the veggies the night before, then toss it all together in the morning when you’re ready to cook.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Omit the sausage and eggs. Replace with your favorite vegan sausage and tofu scramble, and use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Hash Brown Breakfast Skillet
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen hash browns
- 4 breakfast sausage links, crumbled
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set aside.
- Crisp the hash browns in the same skillet, flipping to brown both sides.
- Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until slightly softened.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and spread evenly.
- Create wells in the hash browns and crack in the eggs. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook until the eggs are done to your preference, then top with cheese. Serve hot!
Your weekend breakfast just got a whole lot tastier! This Hash Brown Breakfast Skillet is sure to be a hit with the whole family—quick, customizable, and oh-so-comforting. When you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment below or share a pic on social media with #TheKitchensAid—let’s make breakfast something to look forward to!
