There’s something inherently comforting about a hearty breakfast skillet. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs all brought together with a generous sprinkle of melted cheese is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. This Cheesy Bacon-Sausage-Egg-Hash Brown Skillet is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast gathering. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering breakfast dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon-Sausage-Egg-Hash Brown Skillet
For the Hash Browns
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Skillet
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Bacon-Sausage-Egg-Hash Brown Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Hash Browns
- Thaw and Dry: Ensure the frozen hash browns are completely thawed and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to achieving crispy hash browns.
- Season and Cook: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the thawed hash browns, spreading them out evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cook for 7-10 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. Once crispy, transfer the hash browns to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sausage
- Render Bacon: In the same skillet, add the diced bacon. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cook Sausage: Add the crumbled breakfast sausage to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté Onions and Peppers: In the same skillet, with the remaining bacon and sausage fat, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked hash browns, bacon, and sausage to the skillet, mixing them with the sautéed vegetables until evenly distributed.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture.
Step 5: Prepare and Cook the Eggs
- Whisk Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Pour and Cook: Pour the egg mixture over the hash brown, sausage, and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted, about 8-10 minutes. If you prefer, you can finish cooking the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the eggs are fully set.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Cheesy Bacon-Sausage-Egg-Hash Brown Skillet hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs perfectly with toast, fresh fruit, or a side of avocado for a complete breakfast experience.
About the Main Ingredients
Hash Browns
Hash browns are a staple in many breakfast dishes, offering a crispy and satisfying base for this skillet. Made from shredded potatoes, hash browns are cooked until golden brown and crispy, adding texture and flavor to the dish. The key to perfect hash browns is to remove as much moisture as possible before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Bacon
Bacon brings a rich, smoky flavor to the skillet. Cooking the bacon until crispy renders out the fat, which can be used to cook the other ingredients, infusing them with additional flavor. Bacon also adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy element to the dish. Using crumbled sausage ensures it is evenly distributed throughout the skillet, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. The sausage also contributes to the heartiness of the breakfast, making it a satisfying meal.
Eggs
Eggs are the binding component in this skillet, holding everything together. Whisking the eggs with a bit of milk helps them cook up fluffy and light. The eggs also provide a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy hash browns and adds a rich, custardy layer to the skillet.
Cheese
Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses melt beautifully over the top of the skillet, creating a gooey and cheesy topping that ties all the flavors together. Cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder, creamy element. Together, they make the dish irresistibly cheesy.
Vegetables
Onions and bell peppers add sweetness and a touch of freshness to the skillet. Sautéing the vegetables in the rendered bacon and sausage fat enhances their flavor and ensures they are tender and caramelized, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
This Cheesy Bacon-Sausage-Egg-Hash Brown Skillet is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish, combining all the classic breakfast flavors in one pan. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy any morning cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this skillet is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the hearty goodness of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, smoky bacon, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese all in one delicious skillet.
