Description
A hearty cowboy breakfast skillet packed with bacon, eggs, and potatoes, perfect for a filling breakfast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 7 strips (½ pound / 227 g) bacon
- 4 cups (about 400 g) frozen cubed hash brown potatoes O’Brien, thawed
- 5 large eggs
- ¾ cup (75 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons (42 g) butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Bacon: Place bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until bacon is crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds a hearty smoky flavor essential for the dish.
- Step 2: Reserve Drippings: Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet, leaving 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan. These drippings are vital to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
- Step 3: Crumble the Bacon: While the bacon is still warm, crumble it into bite-sized pieces for easier handling and even flavor distribution. Set aside.
- Step 4: Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the thawed potatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the skillet with the reserved drippings. The mixture should sizzle immediately, signaling proper heat.
- Step 5: Cook Until Tender: Cover the skillet and cook the potatoes over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for the potatoes to turn golden brown and become tender, indicating caramelization.
- Step 6: Monitor for Dryness and Add Butter: About halfway through cooking the potatoes (around 6 to 7 minutes), visually check the skillet for dryness. Add 1 tablespoon of butter at a time where the skillet looks dry to keep the mixture moist and aid even browning.
- Step 7: Create Egg Wells: Using a spatula or spoon, make five deep wells in the potato mixture. Crack one large egg into each well, ensuring each well is deep enough to hold the whole egg to prevent spillover.
- Step 8: Cover and Cook Eggs: Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Check the eggs visually to confirm the whites have fully set with no transparent areas—this indicates they are completely cooked.
- Step 9: Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Serve: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the skillet. Cover the pan again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt thoroughly. Serve the skillet hot directly from the pan.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently to preserve egg texture and flavor.
- Freezing: Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- If bacon is not crisping during frying, increase heat slightly and cook another 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If potatoes stick to the skillet, add an additional tablespoon of butter and loosen them carefully with a spatula.
- If eggs are not setting properly, cover the skillet tightly for an extra 2 minutes to trap steam that aids cooking.
- Add cheese during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking for even melting without overcooking eggs.
- If hash browns brown too fast before tender, reduce heat slightly after 8 minutes and continue cooking while stirring occasionally.
- Serve the cowboy breakfast skillet with fresh fruit or mixed green salad to provide a refreshing balance.
- Include avocado toast or gluten-free toast to soak up the skillet’s rich flavors.
- Top with salsa, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add brightness.
- Swap the bacon for breakfast sausage following the same quantity (about ½ pound) for a spicier option.
- Add diced bell peppers and sweet onion for extra flavor and color; remove seeds from peppers for tenderness.
- Use farm-fresh large eggs for optimal richness and binding.
- For a keto variation, substitute potatoes with riced cauliflower (about 4 cups) and follow similar cooking steps while adjusting cook time to achieve tenderness.
- Choose bacon with minimal fillers for better texture and flavor.
- Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture; chop into even pieces for even cooking.
- Select bell peppers that are firm and smooth-skinned for sweetness and visual appeal.
- Sweet onions should be heavy for size and have dry, papery skins to ensure freshness.
- Shred block sharp cheddar yourself for better melting properties and fresher flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg