The aroma of sizzling bacon mingling with golden, crispy potatoes and sweet bell peppers is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen. This Bacon, Egg, and Potato Hash is more than a breakfast, it’s a morning ritual filled with warmth, comfort, and homestyle goodness.
Whether you’re serving it up for a lazy weekend brunch or making a quick weekday skillet, this hash is a satisfying and complete meal in one pan. The creamy yolks of perfectly cooked eggs nestled into a bed of seasoned vegetables and smoky bacon make every bite worth waking up for.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
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4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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4 large eggs
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
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Add olive oil to the skillet, then add diced potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown.
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Stir in the onion and red bell pepper. Cook another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the potatoes are golden and crisp.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Create 4 small wells in the hash mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes until the eggs are done to your preference.
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Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
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Serve hot and enjoy your hearty breakfast hash!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort Classic: Bacon, Egg, and Potato Hash – A Hearty One-Pan Morning Feast
When it comes to creating a breakfast that checks all the boxes, hearty, satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare, there’s nothing quite like a skillet of Bacon, Egg, and Potato Hash. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and a true breakfast hero that has stood the test of time in kitchens around the world.
Crispy, golden potatoes form the base of this warm and comforting hash, paired with the irresistible smokiness of thick-cut bacon and the bright richness of eggs cooked right in the same skillet. Add in a touch of onion, red bell pepper, and some paprika, and you have a dish that sings with bold flavor and rustic simplicity.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a leisurely weekend brunch, a breakfast-for-dinner night, or to impress guests at a casual gathering, this one-pan recipe delivers delicious results every time.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
Hash, as a culinary concept, dates back to the 17th century. The term “hash” comes from the French word hacher, which means “to chop.” Traditionally, hash was a clever way to repurpose leftover meats and vegetables into a filling meal. Over time, it evolved into a beloved breakfast staple in many cultures.
In America, hash became especially popular in the early 1900s as a diner favorite. The classic “hash and eggs” combo has graced breakfast counters for decades and still remains a top menu item. This recipe honors that diner-style tradition but brings a fresher, homemade approach with more control over the ingredients, seasoning, and style.
Why This Recipe Works
The appeal of this dish lies in its texture and flavor contrast: crispy potatoes meet soft, runny egg yolks; smoky bacon is balanced by the sweetness of sautéed onions and peppers. Cooking everything in one pan not only makes for easy cleanup, but also allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
The bacon fat left behind in the skillet is gold, it adds an unmatched depth of flavor to the potatoes and veggies. The smoked paprika enhances that natural smokiness without overpowering the dish. And the eggs? They’re the crown jewel, adding richness and a silky finish when their yolks mingle with the rest of the hash.
Ingredient Breakdown & Tips
Potatoes:
Russet potatoes are ideal for this dish due to their starch content and ability to crisp up nicely. Dice them small and uniformly so they cook evenly and quickly. For an even crispier texture, soak the diced potatoes in water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly before cooking.
Optional Variations: Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-rich option. Or use baby Yukon golds for a creamier bite.
Bacon:
Choose thick-cut bacon for its robust texture. As it cooks, it not only becomes delightfully crispy but releases flavorful fat that you’ll use to sauté the vegetables and potatoes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the bacon to ensure it crisps properly.
Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with a plant-based substitute or roasted mushrooms for an umami-packed, meatless twist.
Onions & Peppers:
These aromatics bring subtle sweetness and vibrant color. Red bell peppers are mild and sweet, but you can experiment with yellow or green varieties depending on your preference. Red onions, shallots, or even leeks could also be used for different flavor profiles.
Eggs:
You can crack the eggs directly onto the hash for a true one-pan meal. Cook them until the whites are just set and the yolks remain runny, or longer, if you prefer firmer yolks.
Tip: If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can scramble the eggs separately and stir them into the hash just before serving for easier portioning.
Customizing Your Hash
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. While bacon, eggs, and potatoes form the core, you can easily swap in other ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some creative ideas:
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Add cheese: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or feta can be added after the eggs for an extra layer of richness.
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Include greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach near the end of cooking for a nutrient boost.
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Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery breakfast bite.
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Top with sauces: A drizzle of hollandaise, sriracha mayo, or avocado crema can elevate the dish for a gourmet twist.
Nutritional Notes
This dish is high in protein and fat, which makes it filling and satisfying, ideal for kickstarting your day. It also contains important nutrients like potassium from the potatoes, choline from the eggs, and B-vitamins from the bacon.
That said, it is on the richer side, so consider pairing it with something light and fresh, like a fruit salad or a green smoothie, if you’re aiming for balance.
For a lighter version, use turkey bacon or lean ham, cook the eggs without fat, and opt for a non-stick skillet.
Meal Prep & Storage
While this dish is best served fresh, you can absolutely prep components ahead of time:
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Potatoes: Par-cook them a day ahead by roasting or boiling, then crisp them in the skillet the next day.
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Bacon: Fry in advance and store in the fridge, just warm before using.
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Veggies: Dice your onions and peppers in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Leftover hash can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you want to re-add eggs, cook them fresh and add them on top when serving.
When to Serve It
Bacon, Egg, and Potato Hash is incredibly versatile when it comes to timing. While it’s a breakfast classic, it works just as well for:
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Brunch gatherings: Serve it on a large platter family-style with fresh juice or mimosas.
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Weeknight dinners: When you want something comforting without fuss, this dish delivers.
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Holiday mornings: It’s perfect for Christmas or Easter breakfast, offering a festive and filling start to the day.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete the experience with these sides or additions:
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Toasted sourdough or crusty bread
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Fresh fruit salad or citrus wedges
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Hot coffee or a spiced chai latte
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A mimosa or Bloody Mary for a celebratory brunch
Conclusion
Bacon, Egg, and Potato Hash isn’t just a dish it’s a memory in the making. It’s the scent of breakfast wafting through the house on a lazy Sunday morning, the sizzle of bacon in the skillet, the joy of gathering around a table with a simple but soul-satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients, a single pan, and a little love, this hash brings comfort, flavor, and a sense of home to every bite.
Whether you stick to the classic or put your own spin on it, this recipe is a keeper, a staple you’ll come back to time and time again.