This breakfast hash recipe is my tribute to the iconic American diners that shaped my culinary journey. As a young chef training in New Jersey, I spent countless pre-dawn hours observing short-order cooks masterfully prepare hash plates for hungry truckers and early-shift workers. I’ve refined their techniques with professional precision while preserving the honest character of diner cooking, swapping traditional pork sausage for leaner chicken apple sausage.
Traditional Diner Breakfast Hash Plate
Crispy potatoes, savory chicken sausage, and perfectly cooked eggs recreate the ultimate traditional American diner breakfast experience.
Parboil the Potatoes
Place diced potatoes in a large pot of cold water with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. After 2 minutes, drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
Cook the Chicken Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken apple sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Crisp the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the dried parboiled potatoes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until crispy on multiple sides.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the potatoes. Cook for 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional cayenne. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return Sausage and Create Wells
Return the cooked chicken sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the potato mixture. Use the back of a spoon to create 4 wells evenly spaced in the mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add Eggs and Cheese
Crack an egg into each well. Season each egg with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 4-5 minutes (or longer for firmer yolks). Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire skillet, cover again, and cook for 1 minute until the cheese melts.
Garnish and Serve Diner-Style
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately, bringing the cast iron skillet to the table. For authentic diner presentation, offer hot sauce and ketchup on the side in squeeze bottles.
How to Make a Traditional Diner Breakfast Hash Plate
Learn how to make a classic American diner-style breakfast hash with crispy potatoes, chicken apple sausage, and perfectly cooked eggs. This hearty breakfast is perfect for weekend brunches or satisfying weekday mornings.
What makes this diner-style hash practical for home cooks is its systematic approach. The potatoes are par-cooked to ensure they crisp perfectly in the skillet without burning, while the chicken sausage provides rich flavor with significantly less fat than traditional options. Prep components ahead of time, and this hearty breakfast comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy mornings when you need substantial fuel or weekend brunches when you want to impress without stress.
Each bite delivers the quintessential diner experience—crispy-edged potatoes seasoned with onions and peppers, savory nuggets of chicken sausage, and the creamy richness of perfectly cooked eggs. The smoked paprika and thyme create that distinctive aroma that draws everyone to the table. Serve directly from the skillet with a pot of strong coffee for the authentic diner experience at home.
Did you know that American diners originally evolved from lunch wagons in the late 1800s? They became cultural institutions by serving affordable, hearty meals to working-class Americans. This recipe honors that democratic tradition of good food accessible to all. Next time you’re craving a diner breakfast without the wait, give this skillet hash plate a try—your family will thank you.
Comments are closed.