Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet: The Ultimate Breakfast Comfort Food

This Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet is the ultimate breakfast (or brunch, or brinner!) comfort food. It’s packed with crispy hash browns, savory sausage and bacon, fluffy eggs, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. Perfect for a weekend family breakfast or a crowd-pleasing brunch, this skillet is customizable to your liking. Swap out meats, add veggies, or use different cheeses – the possibilities are endless! Let’s dive into how to make this amazing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet

* **Easy to make:** This recipe comes together quickly and easily, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Swap out meats, add vegetables, or use different cheeses.
* **One-pan wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win! This recipe is cooked entirely in one skillet.
* **Hearty and satisfying:** Packed with protein, carbs, and delicious flavor, this skillet will keep you full for hours.
* **Perfect for sharing:** This skillet is great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust amounts based on your preferences.

* **Hash Browns:** 20-32 ounces of frozen hash browns, thawed. Using thawed hash browns ensures they crisp up nicely.
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience.
* **Sausage:** 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) also works well.
* **Eggs:** 6-8 large eggs. The number of eggs depends on your skillet size and preference.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Use your favorite cheese or a combination.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, diced. Adds flavor and texture.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2 bell pepper (any color), diced. Optional, but adds color and nutrients.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds depth of flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. For cooking the hash browns, sausage, and vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously for optimal flavor.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped green onions, fresh parsley, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, avocado.

Equipment Needed

* **Large Oven-Safe Skillet:** A 12-inch cast iron skillet is ideal, but any large, oven-safe skillet will work.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For scrambling the eggs and combining ingredients.
* **Spatula:** For stirring and flipping the ingredients.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping vegetables and bacon (if not using pre-cooked).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet.

**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Sausage**

* If using regular bacon, cook the bacon in the skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
* If using raw sausage, cook the sausage in the same skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
* If using pre-cooked bacon or sausage, simply set them aside for later use.

**Step 2: Cook the Vegetables**

* Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Hash Browns**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the thawed hash browns in an even layer.
* Cook over medium-high heat, pressing down occasionally, until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy on the bottom, about 8-10 minutes. Flip the hash browns and cook for another 5-7 minutes until crispy on the other side.
* Season the hash browns with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Assemble the Skillet**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Reduce the heat to low. Distribute the cooked sausage, bacon, and vegetables evenly over the hash browns.
* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, bacon, and vegetables.

**Step 5: Bake the Skillet**

* Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
* Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, fresh parsley, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa, or avocado.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet

* **Use a good quality skillet:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and excellent browning. However, any large oven-safe skillet will work.
* **Thaw the hash browns:** Thawing the hash browns before cooking helps them crisp up better. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on the defrost setting.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Cook the hash browns in a single layer to ensure they crisp up properly. If you have too many hash browns, cook them in batches.
* **Season generously:** Season each layer of the skillet with salt and pepper to taste. This will ensure that the entire dish is flavorful.
* **Adjust the cooking time:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the skillet frequently and remove it when the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
* **Let it rest:** Letting the skillet cool for a few minutes before serving allows the eggs to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Variations and Substitutions

This Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet is highly customizable. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

* **Meat:** Substitute the bacon and sausage with other meats, such as ham, chorizo, or turkey sausage. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or steak.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or jalapeños. Sauté them with the onions and bell peppers.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, provolone, or Gruyere. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Spices:** Add other spices, such as paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder. Experiment with different flavor combinations.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based sausage substitute to make this skillet dairy-free.
* **Egg Whites Only:** For a lighter option, use only egg whites instead of whole eggs.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even better:

* **Serve with a side of fruit:** Fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes, provides a refreshing contrast to the savory skillet.
* **Serve with toast or biscuits:** Add toast, English muffins, or biscuits for a complete breakfast or brunch.
* **Serve with a salad:** A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Offer a variety of toppings:** Provide a selection of toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, avocado, and chopped green onions, so everyone can customize their own portion.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This skillet can be partially prepared ahead of time. You can cook the bacon, sausage, and vegetables the day before and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the skillet, simply cook the hash browns, combine all the ingredients, and bake as directed.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the skillet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** Approximately 600-800 calories per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size).
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 40-50 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams

(Note: This is an approximation and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.)

Conclusion

The Cheesy Bacon Sausage Egg Hash Brown Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this hearty and satisfying skillet in no time. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Enjoy the process of cooking and the delicious results. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!