If you are craving a hearty morning meal that bursts with color, texture, and flavor, this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect combination of crispy potatoes, tender vegetables, and runny eggs all cooked together in one pan, making breakfast both effortless and delicious. Whether you want to fuel up for a busy day or impress friends with a cozy brunch, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe lies in its use of straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the crispy golden potatoes to the fresh burst of spinach and the creamy richness of eggs and cheese.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced: These provide a hearty and crispy base that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for frying the potatoes to golden perfection and bringing out their natural sweetness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the skillet’s flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color): Brightens the dish with vibrant color and a mild, fresh crunch.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a nutritious, earthy touch that balances the richness of the eggs and potatoes.
- 4 large eggs: The star component, providing protein and that luscious, gooey yolk.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional): Melts into the skillet for a creamy, indulgent finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Sprinkled on top for a hint of smoky warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasonings that bring all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness for the perfect final touch.
How to Make Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Get the Potatoes Crispy
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they brown evenly and become golden and tender. This crispy texture is what makes the base of the skillet so irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook them together for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly, releasing their sweet and savory aromas. This step adds complexity and that irresistible skillet charm.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it cook for about 2 minutes. The spinach wilts beautifully and introduces a lovely color contrast and earthiness that brightens the whole dish.
Step 4: Crack the Eggs
Make four little wells in your vegetable-potato mixture right in the skillet. Carefully crack one egg into each well. This way, the eggs can cook gently alongside the veggies, soaking up all the wonderful flavors around them.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the eggs cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is to have fully cooked whites with yolks still delightfully runny. This texture contrast is pure breakfast bliss.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese and Season
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the eggs, then cover again for an extra minute to melt. Finally, season the entire skillet with paprika, salt, and pepper. The smoky paprika adds a subtle kick that pulls everything together gorgeously.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley all over the skillet for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. Your Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley works beautifully as a garnish, don’t be afraid to experiment with other fresh herbs like chives or cilantro for an added burst of herbaceous flavor. A dollop of sour cream or avocado slices can also bring fantastic creaminess and balance out the dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands strong on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or toasted English muffins makes for an even more satisfying breakfast. Fresh fruit or a simple mixed greens salad brighten the meal and complement the savory richness of the skillet wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins or small skillets for a charming, personalized touch. It’s perfect for brunch parties where presentation matters as much as taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skillet tastes great the next day! Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this fantastic dish again without any fuss.
Freezing
While this Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Use freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the eggs and potatoes may change slightly once thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid rubbery eggs or soggy potatoes. Adding a splash of water and covering while reheating helps maintain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color to the skillet. Just make sure to dice them evenly and cook until tender and crispy to your liking.
Is it necessary to cover the skillet while cooking the eggs?
Covering traps heat and steam which helps cook the egg whites evenly while keeping yolks runny. Without a lid, the eggs might cook unevenly or take longer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat additions. If you want to make it vegan, you could substitute eggs with tofu scramble and use vegan cheese alternatives.
What’s the best cheese to use for this skillet?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all excellent choices as they melt smoothly and add a nice flavor contrast. Feel free to experiment with your favorite shredded cheese!
Can I prep any ingredients ahead of time?
Yes! You can dice the potatoes, onions, and peppers the night before, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge for a quicker morning assembly.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe has genuinely become one of my favorite go-to meals for busy mornings and leisurely weekends alike. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and best of all, brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your breakfast rotation!
Print
Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Loaded Breakfast Skillet is a hearty and flavorful morning meal featuring crispy potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Eggs & Dairy
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the potatoes.
- Cook potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and tender.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper: Add chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Cook spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted and incorporated.
- Add eggs: Make 4 wells in the vegetable and potato mixture, then crack an egg into each well carefully.
- Cook eggs: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet, if using, cover again and cook for an additional minute to melt the cheese.
- Season and garnish: Season the skillet with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables by adding mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use non-dairy cheese or omit cheese for a lactose-free or vegan variation (replace eggs accordingly).
- To make it a complete meal, serve with toast or avocado slices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
