Is there anything more satisfying than a single-skillet breakfast with minimal cleanup? This recipe emerged from necessity during my time at a wilderness cooking retreat, where I needed to feed hungry hikers with limited equipment. The bacon-potato combination was so popular that it became a signature dish in my first cookbook, with guests still sending me photos of their recreations a decade later.
Hearty Bacon Potato Morning Skillet
A comforting one-pan breakfast with crispy bacon, golden potatoes and perfectly cooked eggs that maximizes flavor while minimizing cleanup.
Parboil the Potatoes
Place diced potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the Bacon
Place a large 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Cook the Potatoes
Increase heat to medium-high. Add the parboiled potatoes to the bacon fat in an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until potatoes are golden and crispy on multiple sides.
Add Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic, smoked paprika, rosemary, remaining salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return Bacon and Create Wells
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, stirring to combine everything. Using the back of a spoon, create 4 wells in the mixture for the eggs.
Add Eggs and Finish
Crack an egg into each well. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 3-5 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny (or cook longer for firmer yolks).
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or portion onto individual plates.
How To Make THE BEST Loaded Country Breakfast Skillet
Learn how to make a delicious loaded country breakfast skillet with bacon, potatoes and eggs.
This morning skillet solves the common problem of juggling multiple pans during breakfast prep. By using rendering bacon fat to flavor potatoes, then finishing with eggs in the same pan, you achieve maximum flavor with minimal equipment. A 2020 survey found that 64% of Americans cite ‘too many dishes’ as their primary reason for skipping home-cooked breakfasts—this solves that problem while delivering restaurant-quality results.
The contrasting textures create sensory delight with each bite—crispy bacon edges, tender-crisp potato cubes with golden exteriors, silky egg yolks, and the fresh bite of green onions. The flavors build throughout cooking, with the bacon fat infusing everything with a subtle smokiness that commercial seasonings simply can’t replicate.
According to sleep researchers at Stanford University, starting your day with protein helps regulate your body’s wake-sleep cycle. This breakfast provides 25 grams of protein per serving, which is optimal for morning metabolism activation. For a complete nutritional boost, serve alongside fresh fruit or berries to add natural sweetness and fiber to balance the savory components.
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