Loaded Breakfast Skillet Recipe

Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor and a crispy texture to the dish.

Potatoes: Provide a hearty base and become tender and golden when cooked.

Cheddar cheese: Melts over the top, adding a rich, creamy finish.

Eggs: Cooked to your liking, they add protein and richness.

Olive oil: Used to cook the potatoes, adding a subtle flavor and helping them brown.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

When cooking the bacon, make sure to start with a cold skillet. This allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in crispier bacon. Additionally, when making the wells for the eggs, use a spoon to create evenly sized spaces. This ensures that the eggs cook uniformly. Finally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the potatoes while they cook.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still provides a similar smoky flavor and crisp texture.

• bacon - Substitute with vegetarian bacon: Vegetarian bacon offers a plant-based option that mimics the taste and texture of traditional bacon.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and are packed with vitamins and fiber.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that can be roasted to achieve a similar texture.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a vegan option that offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.

• eggs - Substitute with tofu: Crumbled tofu can be seasoned and cooked to mimic scrambled eggs, offering a plant-based protein source.

• eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: A chickpea flour batter can be used to make a vegan omelette or scramble.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is another healthy fat with a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different mineral content and flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick and can be used to increase the heat level of the dish.

• Allow the loaded breakfast skillet to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the potatoes soggy.
• Transfer the cooled skillet contents into an airtight container. If you have multiple servings, consider using individual containers for easy reheating.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal freshness, consume within this timeframe.
• To reheat, place the skillet mixture in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil to a non-stick pan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For freezing, portion the loaded breakfast skillet into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight.
• Reheat the thawed skillet mixture using the microwave or stovetop methods mentioned above. If the eggs become overcooked during reheating, consider adding a fresh egg when reheating on the stovetop for a more enjoyable texture.
• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the reheated skillet and cover until melted.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the leftover breakfast skillet to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and eggs are warmed through.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the leftover breakfast skillet in the pan and cover with a lid. Stir occasionally and heat until everything is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

• For an air fryer, preheat to 320°F. Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will help retain the crispiness of the potatoes and bacon.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the leftovers on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great for maintaining the texture of the cheddar cheese and potatoes.

• Skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the bacon, potatoes, and eggs all in one place.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the potatoes and bacon, as well as for making wells in the potato mixture for the eggs.

• Tongs: Handy for removing the crispy bacon from the skillet without breaking it.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the potatoes into small, even pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the potatoes and bacon.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the diced potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Cheese grater: If you are shredding the cheddar cheese yourself, this tool is essential.

• Lid: A lid for the skillet helps melt the cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

• Serving spoon: Useful for serving the finished loaded breakfast skillet hot.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add it to the skillet without waiting for it to crisp up.

Use frozen potatoes: Opt for pre-diced frozen potatoes. They cook faster and save you the time of peeling and chopping.

Shred cheese ahead: Shred the cheddar cheese beforehand and store it in an airtight container. This will save you a step during the cooking process.

Crack eggs in a bowl: Crack the eggs into a bowl before adding them to the skillet. This ensures no shell pieces and speeds up the process.