It’s your boy AB from Smokin’ and Grillin’ wit AB, and today I’ve got something that’s gonna make your mornings brighter and your bellies happier. We’re talking about a breakfast skillet that’s packed with flavor, loaded with hearty ingredients, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this Breakfast Skillet with Potatoes, Onions, Bell Peppers, Italian Sausage, Andouille Sausage, Cheese, and Eggs is the way to go. So, let’s fire up those skillets and get cookin’!
This breakfast skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine waking up to the smell of sizzling sausage, caramelized onions, and bell peppers mingling with crispy, golden potatoes. Top it off with gooey, melted cheese and perfectly cooked eggs, and you’ve got a dish that’ll make you jump out of bed. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s everything you want in a breakfast. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your taste and can be made ahead of time for those busy mornings. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious breakfast skillet:
- 2 lbs Italian sausage
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Breakfast Skillet
1. Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
2. Cook the Andouille Sausage
In the same skillet, add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the andouille sausage from the skillet and set it aside with the Italian sausage.
3. Cook the Vegetables
If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re done, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the sausages.
4. Cook the Potatoes
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced potatoes, spreading them out in an even layer. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Combine Everything
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the cooked sausages, onions, and bell peppers back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
6. Cook the Eggs
Create small wells in the mixture and crack the eggs into the wells. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes for runny yolks or longer for firmer yolks.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the eggs are cooked to your preference, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Dice your vegetables and potatoes the night before to save time in the morning.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For the best results, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. It retains heat better and gives the potatoes a nice crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the potatoes. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend can add a unique twist.
- Eggs Your Way: If you prefer scrambled eggs, whisk them separately and pour them over the sausage and veggie mixture before adding the cheese.
- Spice it Up: Add a bit of heat with some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Veggie Variation: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
- Double Up: Cooking for a larger crowd? Double the recipe and use two skillets.
- Keep Warm: If you’re making this for a brunch party, keep the skillet warm in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro can add a nice touch of freshness.
Variations
- Southwestern Skillet: Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Top with avocado and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Veggie Delight: Skip the sausage and load up on extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Greek Skillet: Add some feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with oregano and serve with pita bread.
- Mexican Skillet: Use chorizo instead of sausage and add some jalapeños and cilantro. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
- Cheesy Bacon: Swap out the sausage for crispy bacon and use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Ham and Swiss: Use diced ham and Swiss cheese for a classic combination.
- Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage or add some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Seafood Twist: Add some cooked shrimp or crab meat for a luxurious touch.
- Breakfast Pizza: Spread the mixture over a pre-baked pizza crust and bake until the cheese is bubbly.
- Breakfast Burritos: Roll the mixture in flour tortillas for an easy, on-the-go option.
What to Serve With
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for sopping up all those delicious juices.
- Avocado Toast: A trendy and tasty side.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and fresh berries for a healthy balance.
- Freshly Squeezed Juice: Orange, grapefruit, or a tropical blend.
- Pancakes or Waffles: For those who want a sweet and savory combo.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy and delicious, it pairs perfectly with the skillet.
- Hash Browns: Double up on the potatoes for the true spud lover.
- Sour Cream and Salsa: For a bit of tang and spice.
- Coffee and Mimosas: Because brunch isn’t complete without them!
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion out the skillet into individual servings and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the skillet the night before and simply reheat it in the morning. Just hold off on adding the eggs until you’re ready to serve.
Quantity for Family Gatherings
For a family gathering, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. A single skillet as described will serve about 4-6 people. If you’re hosting a larger group, plan accordingly. Two skillets should be enough for 8-12 people, and three for about 12-18 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prep most of this dish in advance to make your morning smoother. Cook the sausages, veggies, and potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything in the skillet, add the cheese and eggs, and cook until the eggs are done. This way, you can have a hot, homemade breakfast on the table in no time.
Rise and Shine Breakfast Skillet: A Hearty Start to Your Day
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the andouille sausage from the skillet and set it aside with the Italian sausage.
- If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re done, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the sausages.
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced potatoes, spreading them out in an even layer. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, add the cooked sausages, onions, and bell peppers back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Create small wells in the mixture and crack the eggs into the wells. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, about 5-7 minutes for runny yolks or longer for firmer yolks.
- Once the eggs are cooked to your preference, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy!
