Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Get ready to make mornings memorable with this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet, a one-pan feast that brings together all your breakfast favorites. Crispy bacon, savory sausage, colorful veggies, golden potatoes, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs are layered in a single skillet, creating a hearty dish that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a wonderful crowd-pleaser—deliciously satisfying, speedy to whip up, and endlessly customizable for whatever you or your family is in the mood for. Breakfast just got a serious upgrade!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet truly shine are its straightforward, well-loved ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s a deep, smoky flavor, a pop of color, or the comforting bite of crispy potatoes—making this meal one you’ll want to recreate again and again.

• Bacon: Chopped and rendered until crispy, bacon brings a smoky richness and irresistible crunch to every bite.
• Breakfast sausage: Crumbled sausage adds classic, savory flavor and a filling, meaty punch to the skillet.
• Olive oil (if needed): A splash ensures your veggies and potatoes cook without sticking and helps marry all the flavors together.
• Onion: Diced onion provides aromatic sweetness and depth, forming a delicious base for the skillet.
• Bell pepper: The diced pepper adds vibrant color, gentle sweetness, and extra nutrition to the mix.
• Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns, thawed: Using thawed potatoes saves time and ensures golden, crispy results—perfect for soaking up all those tasty drippings.
• Eggs: Whether you go for sunny side up or scrambled, eggs are the hearty centerpiece of this loving breakfast.
• Salt and black pepper: Season everything just right, enhancing each ingredient’s natural flavors.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, golden cheddar brings creamy richness and that irresistible “loaded” factor.
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish: A final flourish, fresh herbs brighten up the skillet and make it look as delicious as it tastes.

How to Make Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding the chopped bacon. Let it sizzle away until the bits are beautifully golden and crispy. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with a paper towel, leaving about a tablespoon of those magical drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Next, add the crumbled breakfast sausage to the skillet, letting it brown and break apart as it cooks. This adds another rich, savory layer to your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet. Once the sausage is fully cooked and crumbly, remove it to sit with the bacon—don’t worry, we’ll bring them back to the party soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

If your skillet looks a little dry, swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about five minutes. They’ll soften, get slightly golden, and fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. This step brings color, sweetness, and a touch of crunch.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Now stir in the thawed diced potatoes or hash browns, making sure they’re evenly coated with all those savory bits in the pan. Spread them out and give them a little time—about 8 to 10 minutes—to turn golden, crisp, and irresistibly tender. Stir occasionally so they brown all over, but not too much or you’ll miss that coveted crust.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet, making room for the eggs. Crack them straight in, or if you prefer, scramble them before adding. Cover the skillet, and cook the eggs to your liking—whether it’s sunny side up, over-easy, or mixed right into the skillet with the potatoes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Now it’s time for the grand finale! Sprinkle the cooked bacon, sausage, and shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Let the cheese melt for just 1 to 2 minutes—the anticipation is half the fun. Finish with a dash of salt and black pepper, then shower the skillet with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of freshness. Serve piping hot and enjoy watching it disappear.

How to Serve Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet

Garnishes

The power of a simple garnish can’t be overstated! A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley lifts the entire Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet, providing a burst of fresh flavor and an eye-catching finish. For a little extra spice, a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños is absolutely delicious.

Side Dishes

While the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet can truly stand on its own, pairing it with a side of toasted bread, warm tortillas, or a bowl of fresh fruit brings beautiful balance. If you’re craving something lighter, serve it with a crisp side salad to finish off your breakfast feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make it fun? Serve the skillet straight from the pan for a family-style brunch, or dish it up into mini cast iron skillets for a personalized touch. You can even stuff it into breakfast burritos or pile it high on a toasted English muffin for a fast and hearty breakfast sandwich. The Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is your playground!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the skillet cool, then transfer everything to an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days and makes a fantastic next-day breakfast or lunch—just as flavorful as when it was first made.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked, cooled Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. For the best texture, avoid freezing eggs cooked sunny side up; scrambled works better if you plan ahead. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick, hearty meal later.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of oil if needed. The microwave works too, just be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture. If you want to refresh the cheese, sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top during heating!

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat in this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible—swap in diced ham, turkey sausage, or even chorizo to make it your own, or use up what you have in the fridge. The flavors will blend deliciously every time.

What’s the best way to make this skillet vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and sausage, and instead try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or extra bell peppers. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of your favorite vegetarian sausage adds great flavor, keeping things hearty and satisfying.

Can I prep anything ahead for busy mornings?

Yes! Chop all your veggies, portion out the potatoes, and even pre-cook the bacon and sausage the night before. In the morning, you’ll breeze right through the steps and get breakfast on the table in a flash.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy potatoes?

Make sure your potatoes are well thawed and patted dry before adding to the pan. Cooking them in a single layer and giving them enough time to crisp up is key for that golden, crave-able texture in every bite.

Is this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet gluten-free?

It sure is! Just keep an eye on the sausage and bacon labels for any hidden gluten-containing fillers, and you’re all set for a gluten-free, hearty breakfast that everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet enough—it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, fills your kitchen with the best aromas, and guarantees happy bellies. Whether for a weekend brunch or a cozy “breakfast for dinner,” you’ll find yourself coming back to this skillet again and again. Go on—give it a try, and make a new breakfast tradition in your home!

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