I discovered the power of this Skillet Breakfast Platter during my toughest cooking challenge – feeding 30 hungry ranchers at a Wyoming cattle drive. With limited equipment and no formal kitchen, I had to create something hearty, delicious and efficient. This one-pan wonder saved the day and earned me a standing ovation from cowboys who knew good food when they tasted it!
Classic American Skillet Breakfast Platter
A complete breakfast in one skillet with crispy potatoes, bacon, sausage, and sunny-side-up eggs topped with melted cheese and fresh chives.
Par-cook the Potatoes
Place diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain well.
Cook the Bacon
In a large 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Brown the Sausage
Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
Crisp the Potatoes
If there's excessive fat in the skillet, pour off all but about 3 tablespoons. Add the par-cooked potatoes in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, stir, and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and potatoes are crispy on multiple sides.
Add Seasonings and Meat
Add minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the bacon and sausage to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
Add Eggs and Cheese
Using the back of a spoon, create 6 wells in the potato mixture. Crack an egg into each well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny (or longer if you prefer firmer yolks). Sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover again, and cook just until cheese melts, about 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives. Serve directly from the skillet or portion onto plates. Offer hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
One-Pan Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Learn how to make a complete breakfast in just one pan with this easy and delicious breakfast skillet recipe.
What makes this recipe so practical is its brilliant efficiency. Instead of juggling multiple pans and timing issues, everything cooks in a single skillet, layering flavors as you go. The bacon fat becomes the cooking medium for ultra-flavorful home fries, while the residual heat gently cooks the eggs to perfection. It’s the ultimate hands-on cooking technique that makes you feel like a professional chef even if you’re new to breakfast cookery.
Each bite delivers that perfect harmony of crispy bacon, golden potatoes with caramelized edges, and eggs with gloriously runny yolks that create a natural sauce for everything they touch. The melted cheese brings a rich creaminess that binds everything together, while fresh chives add a bright, oniony counterpoint.
This platter has become my signature dish for impressing overnight guests and solving the “what’s for brunch?” dilemma. I’ve taught this technique in countless cooking workshops, and students consistently report it’s the first recipe where they felt like a genuine cook rather than someone just following instructions. Master this, and you’ll never look at breakfast the same way again!
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