Welcome to the ultimate guide for a Quick and Hearty Breakfast Hash – a truly satisfying one-pan meal that promises minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! Packed with savory sausage, perfectly crispy potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and luscious melty cheese, this skillet hash is designed to kickstart your day the right way. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy morning, preparing a delightful brunch for a crowd, or looking for an efficient meal prep solution, this recipe delivers wholesome goodness in every bite. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes and hello to a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast that will quickly become a family favorite.
Elevate Your Morning with a Hearty Breakfast Hash
There’s nothing quite like a robust breakfast to set a positive tone for the day, and this skillet breakfast hash truly embodies that spirit. What makes it so incredibly appealing isn’t just its incredible taste, but also its remarkable simplicity. This isn’t just another breakfast; it’s a complete culinary experience, all cooked in a single pan. Imagine golden, crispy potatoes mingling with perfectly crumbled, seasoned sausage, complemented by the sweet crunch of colorful bell peppers and the aromatic depth of onions. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, providing a wholesome balance of good carbohydrates for sustained energy and rich protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout your morning. Its effortless preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weekdays, lazy weekend brunches, or even when you need to effortlessly feed a large gathering. Plus, its components hold up beautifully, making it a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade breakfast throughout the week with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Hash
Absolutely! This breakfast hash is wonderfully suited for meal preparation. You can cook the sausage, potatoes, and vegetables in advance and store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the hash mixture in your skillet over medium heat. Once warmed through, create small wells in the hash and crack your fresh eggs directly into them. Cook the eggs to your desired doneness, and then sprinkle with cheese. Cooking the eggs fresh ensures the best flavor and texture, transforming your prepped components into a hot, delicious meal in minutes.
For a perfect breakfast hash with delightfully crispy edges and a tender interior, baby gold or red potatoes are excellent choices as they naturally hold their shape well during pan-frying. Their skins are thin and don’t require peeling, saving you precious prep time. If those aren’t available, russet or Yukon gold potatoes also work beautifully. The key with these larger varieties is to dice them into uniform, small pieces (about ½-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness. Avoid cutting them too large, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less satisfying texture.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and easily adaptable to your preferences! While ground breakfast sausage is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other meats. Diced ham or cooked bacon crumbled into the hash adds a different smoky depth. For a leaner option, turkey sausage works wonderfully. You could also explore Italian sausage for a hint of fennel and spice, or even kielbasa for a more robust flavor profile. To create a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and boost the vegetable content. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (added towards the end), zucchini, or even diced sweet potatoes make excellent additions, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal without meat. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste!
Achieving perfectly cooked eggs on your breakfast hash is simple. After cracking the eggs into the wells, cover the skillet with a lid. This traps steam, helping the tops of the eggs cook evenly while the whites set. For soft, runny yolks, cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer firmer, jammy yolks, extend the cooking time to about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your stove and the size of your skillet. The whites should be set and opaque, but the yolks should still have a gentle wobble for a runny center, or be mostly firm for a jammy texture.
While this Breakfast Hash is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal all on its own, you might want to add a few simple sides to round out your breakfast spread. A slice of buttered toast, a warm croissant, or a side of fresh fruit (such as berries or sliced melon) complements the richness of the hash beautifully. For beverages, a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting tea, or a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice are classic choices that perfectly complete the meal. Consider a light green salad if serving for brunch to add an unexpected fresh element.
For those who enjoy a little kick, incorporating heat into your breakfast hash is easy. You can sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet along with the other seasonings while cooking the vegetables – this allows the spice to infuse throughout the dish. Alternatively, you can offer red pepper flakes as a garnish for individual servings, allowing everyone to customize their heat level. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the finished hash adds an instant burst of spice. For a more integrated heat, stir in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other dried seasonings, adjusting the amount to your desired spice preference.
Toppings can truly elevate your breakfast hash, adding extra layers of flavor and texture. Freshly chopped chives or green onions provide a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color. A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can offer a delightful creamy contrast to the savory hash. Salsa, whether mild or spicy, adds a zesty, fresh element. For more heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is always a good idea. Sliced avocado offers a creamy, healthy fat that pairs beautifully. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the toppings to your family’s preferences!
Leftover breakfast hash should be stored promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety. We generally don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the eggs can develop a rubbery, unpleasant texture after being frozen and reheated. To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options: for a quick warm-up, microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds at a time, or until thoroughly heated through. For a crispier result, spread the hash evenly on a sheet pan and reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot and the potatoes regain some crispness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Skillet Breakfast Hash
Crafting a delicious breakfast hash starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for substitutions:
- Ground Breakfast Sausage: A staple for any savory breakfast. We recommend a mild or medium spiced variety to balance the flavors. As mentioned in our FAQs, you can easily substitute with Italian sausage for an herbaceous kick, kielbasa for a smoky note, or even diced ham or crumbled bacon for different textures and tastes. For a vegetarian alternative, simply omit the meat and add more veggies or a plant-based sausage.
- Baby Potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are fantastic for hash as they cook quickly and develop a lovely crispy skin without needing to be peeled. Red or gold potatoes are excellent choices. If you’re using larger russet or Yukon gold potatoes, ensure they are diced into even, small cubes for uniform cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: These add vibrant color, a fresh crunch, and a subtle sweetness that brightens the entire dish. Feel free to use orange or yellow bell peppers for a slightly milder flavor, or a mix of all colors for an even more visually appealing hash. If you’re not a fan of peppers, you can certainly leave them out or substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Yellow Onion: The cornerstone of savory dishes, yellow onion provides a sweet and aromatic base when sautéed. A shallot can be a wonderful, milder substitute if you prefer a more delicate onion flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable depth of flavor. If using jarred minced garlic, about 2 teaspoons should be sufficient, but adjust according to your preference for a more intense garlic punch.
- Dried Rosemary: This aromatic herb pairs beautifully with potatoes and sausage, adding a woody, pine-like fragrance. If you have fresh rosemary on hand, use 2 Tablespoons of finely chopped fresh leaves for an even more potent and fresh flavor.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: This classic combination of seasonings forms the backbone of the hash’s flavor profile. It’s a tried-and-true blend that offers savory notes and a hint of warmth from the paprika. Don’t hesitate to adjust the quantities to your taste. For an adventurous twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning for a more complex, zesty flavor.
- Salted Butter: We prefer salted butter for its rich, creamy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the hash and helps the eggs cook perfectly. Unsalted butter can also be used; just be mindful to adjust the salt content of the dish accordingly. Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Large Eggs: The crowning glory of the hash, providing rich protein and a beautiful presentation. If you prefer a potato and sausage hash without eggs, you can simply skip this step. Adjust the number of eggs based on your serving size – typically one egg per serving works best.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheddar cheese adds a comforting, savory layer to the eggs and hash. A sharp white cheddar offers a more sophisticated flavor, but any cheddar works. For a little extra kick, consider using pepper jack cheese, or opt for a Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Skillet Breakfast Hash
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping breakfast hash that’s bursting with flavor and easy to clean up:
Cook the Sausage: Begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here) over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess fat, and set it aside. This ensures your hash won’t be overly greasy.
Crisp the Potatoes: If there’s minimal rendered sausage fat in the skillet, add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the 2 pounds of diced baby potatoes to the skillet, spreading them in an even layer. Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and develop a beautiful golden, crispy crust. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible hash texture, typically taking about 10-15 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables and Season: Once the potatoes are nicely browned, add the 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 medium diced yellow onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook, continuing to sauté until the potatoes are cooked through and tender, and the onions and peppers have softened to your liking. This typically takes another 8-10 minutes. Ensure everything is well coated in the fragrant spices.
Combine and Prepare for Eggs: Gently stir the cooked ground sausage back into the skillet with the potato and vegetable mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed and heated through. Using the back of your spoon or spatula, create four distinct wells in the hash mixture, spacing them out evenly in the skillet.
Add Butter and Eggs: Place 1/2 Tablespoon of cubed salted butter into the center of each of the four wells you’ve created. Once the butter starts to melt, carefully crack one large egg into each butter-filled well. Try to keep the yolks intact for a beautiful presentation.
Cheese Please!: Generously sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) over the entire skillet, paying special attention to covering the eggs. The cheese will melt beautifully over the eggs and hash, adding another layer of creamy, savory goodness.
Cook the Eggs to Perfection: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Allow the eggs to cook until they reach your desired level of doneness. For soft, runny yolks, this will typically take about 2-3 minutes. For firmer, jammy yolks, cook for approximately 4 minutes. The steam trapped by the lid will help the egg whites set beautifully without needing to flip them.
Serve Immediately: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer servings of the warm, cheesy breakfast hash with an egg on top to individual plates. Serve immediately and enjoy this wholesome and hearty one-pan meal!
Explore More Delicious Hash and Breakfast Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with this versatile breakfast hash, you’re in for a treat! The world of hashes and hearty breakfast casseroles is rich with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Don’t stop here – dive into these other incredible recipes that promise to deliver comfort and satisfaction:
- Classic Corned Beef Hash: A timeless favorite, combining savory corned beef with potatoes and onions.
- Tex-Mex Sausage Hash Brown Casserole: Bring some South-of-the-border flair to your breakfast with this zesty, hearty casserole.
- Hearty Sausage Hash Brown Casserole: A comforting baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
- Rustic Cowboy Hash Brown Skillet: For a rugged, robust breakfast, this skillet combines all the best flavors of the frontier.
- Savory Ham Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: A fantastic way to use up leftover ham in a delicious and easy breakfast bake.
Breakfast Hash
A hearty and satisfying one-pan meal featuring a delicious mixture of sausage, crispy potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and eggs, all topped with melty cheese.
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15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
4
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, diced (can use red or gold)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter, cubed (divided use)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used a white cheddar)
Instructions
Cook and crumble 1 pound ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Transfer the meat to a plate and set it aside.
Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and 2 pounds diced baby potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they have started to brown and crisp up.
Stir in 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Continue to cook until the potatoes are cooked through and the onions and peppers have softened and are fragrant.
Then, stir the cooked ground sausage back into the skillet with the potato and vegetable mixture until everything is well combined.
Make four indentations or wells in the hash mixture and add 1/2 Tablespoon cubed salted butter to each hole.
Carefully crack one large egg into each butter-filled well.
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese generously over the potatoes and eggs.
Cover the pan with a lid and allow the eggs to steam and cook to your preferred doneness, typically about 2 to 4 minutes depending on how runny you like your yolks. Serve this delicious one-pan breakfast hash immediately!
Notes
- For additional ingredient substitutions, customization ideas, or answers to common questions, please refer to our detailed FAQ section and ingredient list above.
Breakfast, Brunch
American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 49g |
Protein: 32g |
Fat: 49g |
Sodium: 1521mg |
Fiber: 7g |
Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to create your own unforgettable skillet breakfast hash. Its blend of convenience, customization, and robust flavors makes it an undeniable winner for any meal, any day. Enjoy the process of bringing this delightful dish to life, and savor every hearty bite!