When I first made this simple loaded breakfast skillet recipe, I couldn’t believe how perfectly the flavors came together in just one pan. The crispy potatoes, savory bacon, and melty cheese were like a comforting hug on a plate.
It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you excited to get out of bed! This dish has become my secret weapon for feeding family and friends something hearty, filling, and absolutely delicious and just like this recipe, you can also enjoy a breakfast skillet recipe for other fun variations.

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty breakfast skillet. Each ingredient brings its own unique charm, so don’t skip on the details!
- 4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces: Crispy bacon brings salty goodness to this dish.
- 3 russet potatoes, chopped into ¾-inch cubes: Use fresh potatoes for the best texture; avoid frozen ones as they can get soggy.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.
- 2 green onions, sliced: These give you a fresh, zesty kick at the end.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A little garlic goes a long way for that deep, savory touch.
- ¼ cup water: Helps to steam the potatoes for faster cooking.
- 4 large eggs: The star of the dish; cook them to your liking!
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts so much better than pre-packaged.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a hint of smoky depth to tie the flavors together.
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these to your preference.
Note: This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on portions.
Variations
Make this breakfast skillet personalized with these easy swaps and additions!
- Protein: Swap bacon for sausage, ham, or even a plant-based veggie sausage. You might also enjoy experimenting with sausage as featured in other breakfast recipes.
- Veggies: Boost the nutrition with bell peppers, baby spinach, or mushrooms.
- Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a cheese upgrade.
- Spice: Add a little heat with diced jalapeños or a pinch of red chili flakes.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown to help plan your morning:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
A few basic tools make this recipe super easy to pull off:
- Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking everything in a single pan.
- Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and creating space for the eggs.
- Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and other ingredients evenly.
How to Make a Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet?
This skillet recipe comes together in easy steps, creating a delicious meal with minimal fuss.
Cook the Bacon
Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces to the pan and cook until golden and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels, but leave some bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables
Toss the chopped onion into the skillet and sauté until it softens and starts to caramelize. Add the potato cubes, coating them evenly with the bacon fat. Pour in the water, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once the potatoes are perfectly soft, mix in the minced garlic, sliced green onions, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These bold flavors take the dish to a whole new level while making your kitchen smell amazing.
Crack the Eggs
Use a wooden spoon to make four small wells in the potato mixture. Crack an egg into each well, giving a gentle sprinkle of salt and pepper. This keeps the eggs deliciously seasoned.
Top with Cheese
Scatter the shredded Cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits over the entire skillet. Cover everything and cook for about 5 minutes, until the eggs reach your preferred doneness and the cheese melts like a dream.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve the skillet straight from the pan to keep things simple. Pair it with some crusty bread, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra flair, or add a twist by trying an English muffin breakfast pizza for brunch inspiration.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve learned a few tricks to make this skillet even tastier:
- Start with Pre-Boiled Potatoes: Parboiling or microwaving the potatoes saves time and ensures they cook evenly in the skillet.
- Keep a Close Eye on the Eggs: For runny yolks, remove the skillet from heat as soon as the whites set. They’ll keep cooking from the residual heat.
- Use Nonstick Equipment: A nonstick or cast-iron skillet works like a charm for easy cooking and cleanup.
How to Serve a Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet?
Serve your skillet right out of the pan for a rustic, family-style feel. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color. Round out the meal with toasted sourdough bread, fresh fruit salad, or even avocado slices for a modern twist.
Nutritional Information
This dish is hearty and satisfying. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 418
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers, here’s what to do:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave until warm.
- Freezing: Although fresh is best, you can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Be sure to thaw them completely before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This breakfast skillet recipe has something for everyone!
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy and saving you time.
- Customizable Delight: Effortlessly swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Comfort Food Heaven: Every bite is a warm, hearty hug, perfect for starting your morning off right.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve it family-style for a cozy and inviting meal with loved ones.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients mean big flavor without a high grocery bill.
Enjoy this simple loaded breakfast skillet as an everyday treat or a crowd-pleasing dish for special occasions. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress!

Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 russet potatoes chopped into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces to the pan and cook until golden and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels, but leave some bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Toss the chopped onion into the skillet and sauté until it softens and starts to caramelize. Add the potato cubes, coating them evenly with the bacon fat. Pour in the water, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the potatoes are perfectly soft, mix in the minced garlic, sliced green onions, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These bold flavors take the dish to a whole new level while making your kitchen smell amazing.
- Use a wooden spoon to make four small wells in the potato mixture. Crack an egg into each well, giving a gentle sprinkle of salt and pepper. This keeps the eggs deliciously seasoned.
- Scatter the shredded Cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits over the entire skillet. Cover everything and cook for about 5 minutes, until the eggs reach your preferred doneness and the cheese melts like a dream.
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, serve the skillet straight from the pan to keep things simple. Pair it with some crusty bread, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra flair, or add a twist by trying an English muffin breakfast pizza for brunch inspiration.
Notes
- Prep Tip: Parboil or microwave potatoes ahead of time for faster cooking.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a kick.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.