Peanut Butter Fingers

Have you heard certain foods or meals referred to a “stick to your ribs” kind of foods? The hearty, filling foods that seem to stay with you and leave you feeling nourished… and sometimes sluggish? Well, that’s this breakfast hash but minus the whole sluggish part. We’ll save the sluggish feeling for breakfast plates filled with cinnamon rolls and piles of pancakes.

This breakfast hash is the perfect mix of filling and nourishing breakfast favorites — eggs, crispy cubed potatoes, bacon — paired with good-for-you vibrant veggies that work their magic and make you feel just plain GOOD after eating a plateful. And, like any decent breakfast hash recipe, it’s easy to make, customizable depending on what you have on hand and works just as great as a busy weekday morning breakfast as it does for a slow Sunday morning meal.

Breakfast Hash Recipe

To me, a decent breakfast hash must check a few boxes. I want a breakfast hash that comes together fast and uses easy ingredients I likely already have on hand. Ideally a breakfast hash is made in a single skillet or frying pan and balances a bunch of savory flavors with myriad textures from vegetables, proteins and potatoes. We’re talking crispy on the outside but tender on the inside potatoes. Bacon that’s cooked first so it’s not too soggy… and then you get the benefit of using the bacon grease to fry up your potatoes. We’re using our heads here, friends, and the flavor will speak for itself!

What Is Breakfast Hash

Breakfast hash is a skillet dish made by combining diced potatoes with ingredients such as meat (often bacon, sausage or corned beef), vegetables and eggs. It is known for its crispy texture, hearty homecooked flavors and its ability to be easily customized.

The word “hash” actually comes from a French word meaning “to chop,” which makes sense as most of the ingredients in a hash recipe are chopped into small pieces before cooking. Potato hash may include bacon, sausage, ham, leftover chicken or steak. Corned beef hash is another classic version that combines chopped corned beef with potatoes and onions. (My mom would make corned beef hash regularly when we were kids and it was one of my all-time favorite breakfasts!)

Breakfast hash has been a popular recipe for both home cooks and restaurants to serve because it’s incredibly versatile and transforms basic ingredients into a filling meal. An added bonus: It’s also a wonderful way to use leftovers. Cooked vegetables, roasted potatoes and extra meat can all find a delicious second life in a breakfast hash recipe.

Are Hash Browns Healthy For Breakfast

Homemade hash browns can absolutely be part of a balanced breakfast when thoughtfully prepared. Of course their nutritional value depends largely on the cooking method, portion size and ingredients used to make them; McDonald’s hash browns are not the same as the hash browns you might make in your kitchen, ya know?

Potatoes provide carbohydrates (energy!), potassium and vitamin C while cooking them at home allows you to use your preferred oil and adjust the amount of butter and salt to your dietary preferences. Pairing hash browns or potato hash with eggs, lean protein and vegetables can also create a high protein breakfast, as well as a more balanced and satisfying meal. If you’d like to add more fiber and nutrients, replacing some or all of the potatoes with diced sweet potato can be a good option.

What Is Breakfast Hash Made Of

The ingredients in a breakfast hash can change depending on the recipe, but most versions include a few basic components:

• A base: Diced potatoes, shredded hash browns or sweet potato
• Protein: Bacon, sausage, ham, steak, corned beef hash or a plant-based option
• Vegetables: Onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini or broccoli
• Eggs: Scrambled directly into the skillet or cooked separately and served on top
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, herbs or your favorite seasoning blend
• Optional toppings: Cheese, avocado, fresh herbs, salsa or hot sauce

How To Make Hash Breakfast

Use a Large Skillet to Avoid Overcrowding

A large skillet gives the ingredients room to make contact with the hot cooking surface. If the skillet is overcrowded, the potatoes will release moisture and steam rather than becoming golden and crisp. A 12-inch skillet works well for this breakfast hash.

Cook the Potatoes First for the Best Texture

Potatoes generally take longer to cook than the other ingredients, so give them a head start. In this recipe, the potatoes cook in the rendered bacon grease, which adds a wonderful savory flavor. Wait until they are tender and browned before transferring them to a plate.

Let the Potatoes Sit Undisturbed to Get Crispy

It can be tempting to stir the potatoes constantly, but leaving them alone for several minutes at a time is the key to developing a golden crust. Allow one side to brown before turning the potatoes and repeating the process.

Cut Ingredients Evenly for Consistent Cooking

Try to dice the potatoes into similar-size cubes so they finish cooking at approximately the same time. Cut the onion and bell pepper into evenly sized pieces as well. Smaller potato cubes will cook faster, while larger pieces may take longer than the suggested cooking time.

Add Vegetables After the Potatoes Start Browning

Cooking the vegetables separately from the potatoes helps preserve their texture. Once the potatoes are crisp, transfer them to a plate and sauté the onion and red bell pepper. Add the spinach near the end because it only needs a minute or two to wilt.

Season in Layers for Better Flavor

Rather than adding all the seasoning at the end, season the individual components as they cook. A little salt and pepper on the potatoes, followed by more seasoning on the vegetables and eggs, creates a more evenly flavored breakfast hash.

Finish With Eggs Cooked to Your Preference

This recipe uses scrambled eggs, which makes it easy to combine everything in the same skillet. You may also make small wells in the finished hash, crack eggs into them, cover the skillet and cook until the whites are set. Fried or poached eggs are also delicious served on top.

Breakfast Hash Brown Recipe

Here is everything you need to make this breakfast hash brown recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, diced
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large russet potatoes, diced into cubes (about 4 cups)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups spinach

Optional toppings:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon.

Add the diced bacon to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry until crispy, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Prepare the eggs.

While the bacon cooks, whisk together the eggs, milk and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes.

Add the diced potatoes to the bacon grease. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned, crispy and tender. Transfer the potatoes to a plate or bowl and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables.

Add the onion, bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper to the skillet. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Scramble the eggs.

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Use a spatula to gently scramble the eggs until they are cooked to your preference.

Step 6: Add the spinach.

Add the spinach and stir until it wilts.

Step 7: Combine and serve.

Return the bacon and potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Top the finished breakfast hash with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Breakfast Hash Recipe

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What Goes Well With Hash Browns For Breakfast

This breakfast hash is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with plenty of breakfast favorites:

• Fresh berries or a seasonal fruit salad
• Sliced avocado
• Toast, biscuits or English muffins
• Salsa, pico de gallo or hot sauce
• Greek yogurt
• A simple green salad
• Chicken sausage or turkey sausage
• Smoothies
• Coffee, tea or fresh orange juice

If you’re looking for more filling morning meal ideas, check out these high protein breakfast recipes.

One of the best things about this breakfast hash recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Replace the russet potatoes with sweet potato, use green or yellow bell pepper, add mushrooms or substitute sausage for the bacon. You can even turn leftovers into a new meal by adding roasted vegetables or cooked meat from the night before.

Whether you serve it during a busy weekday morning or make it the centerpiece of a leisurely weekend brunch, this crispy, savory breakfast hash is a flavorful way to begin the day. I hope you love it!!