Bacon Egg Potato Hash: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Bacon egg potato hash: the ultimate breakfast of champions, and honestly, my go-to comfort food any time of day! Imagine crispy, golden potatoes mingling with savory bacon and perfectly cooked eggs, all in one delicious and satisfying dish. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While the exact origins of hash are a bit murky, it’s generally accepted that it evolved as a way to use up leftover meats and vegetables. Think of it as the original zero-waste meal! Over time, regional variations popped up, each with its own unique twist. This particular bacon egg potato hash combination is a modern classic, taking the best elements of a hearty breakfast and transforming them into something truly special.

What’s not to love? The combination of textures is simply divine – the creamy potatoes, the crispy bacon, and the runny yolk all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of bacon and eggs? It’s a flavor combination that’s been winning hearts (and stomachs) for generations. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Hot sauce, for serving

Preparing the Bacon and Vegetables

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
2. Remove Bacon and Reserve Fat: Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. If you don’t have enough bacon fat, supplement with olive oil.
3. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the onion.
4. Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the softened onion. Stir well to coat the potatoes with the bacon fat and onion mixture.
5. Cook the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned. This will take about 15-20 minutes. To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches. You want them to be nicely browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir well to combine.
7. Cook the Bell Peppers: Cook the bell peppers for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite.
8. Add the Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
9. Season to Taste: Season the potato and vegetable mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.

Combining and Finishing the Hash

1. Add the Bacon Back In: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet with the potatoes and vegetables. Stir well to combine and heat through.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the hash and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.
3. Create Wells for the Eggs: Using a spoon, create six small wells in the hash mixture, spacing them evenly around the skillet.
4. Add Olive Oil (Optional): Drizzle a little olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) over the hash for extra flavor and richness.

Cooking the Eggs

1. Crack the Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each of the wells you created in the hash.
2. Cook the Eggs: Cook the eggs over low to medium heat until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. This will take about 5-7 minutes, depending on your preference for yolk doneness. You can cover the skillet with a lid for the last few minutes of cooking to help the whites set more quickly.
3. Season the Eggs: Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving the Bacon Egg Potato Hash

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the hash.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the bacon egg potato hash immediately while it’s hot.
3. Optional Toppings: Offer hot sauce, extra bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt as optional toppings.
4. Enjoy! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a satisfying dinner.

Tips for the Best Bacon Egg Potato Hash

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for hash because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they tend to be a bit more starchy.
• Dice the Potatoes Evenly: Dicing the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes ensures that they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will cause the potatoes to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches.
• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet will distribute heat evenly and prevent the potatoes from sticking and burning.
• Adjust the Cooking Time: The cooking time for the potatoes and eggs will vary depending on your stove and the size of your skillet. Keep an eye on the hash and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Get Creative with the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the hash, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the hash for a little extra heat.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese over the hash during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
• Make it Ahead: You can cook the bacon and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet and add the eggs.
• Leftovers: Leftover bacon egg potato hash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Variations on Bacon Egg Potato Hash

• Sweet Potato Hash: Substitute sweet potatoes for the Yukon Gold potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful hash.
• Chorizo Hash: Substitute chorizo for the bacon for a spicy and flavorful hash.
• Vegetarian Hash: Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, for a vegetarian hash.
• Corned Beef Hash: Substitute corned beef for the bacon for a classic corned beef hash.
• Breakfast Sausage Hash: Substitute breakfast sausage for the bacon for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Hash: Add diced jalapeños to the hash for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Hash: Add diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the hash for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Mexican Hash: Add diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro to the hash, and serve with salsa and sour cream for a Mexican-inspired dish.

Health Benefits of Bacon Egg Potato Hash

• Protein: Bacon and eggs are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Carbohydrates: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes, bell peppers, and onions are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
• Healthy Fats: Bacon fat and olive oil provide healthy fats, which are important for brain function and hormone production.
• Antioxidants: Bell peppers and other vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Conclusion:

This bacon egg potato hash isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the crispy, salty bacon to the perfectly cooked potatoes and the runny yolk of a fried egg, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. I truly believe this is a dish that will quickly become a weekend staple in your household, and for good reason. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.

But why is this particular recipe a must-try? It’s all about the balance. We’ve carefully crafted the ingredient ratios to ensure that no single flavor overpowers the others. The potatoes are cooked until golden brown and slightly crispy, providing a delightful textural contrast to the creamy egg yolk. The bacon adds that essential smoky, salty element, while a touch of fresh herbs brightens everything up. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up a batch of this deliciousness.

Looking for serving suggestions? This bacon egg potato hash is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon, for a lighter touch. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that complements the richness of the dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of hot sauce or a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

The possibilities don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with variations. Swap out the bacon for sausage or ham for a different flavor profile. Add some chopped onions, peppers, or mushrooms to the hash for extra vegetables. Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious twist. You could even top it with some shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. I’ve even tried adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese after plating, and it was amazing!

Variations to Try:

• Spicy Hash: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Veggie-Loaded Hash: Include bell peppers, onions, and spinach.
• Sweet Potato Hash: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.
• Cheesy Hash: Top with your favorite shredded cheese.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! The beauty of cooking is that there are no rules, only guidelines. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create something amazing.

I truly believe that this bacon egg potato hash will become a family favorite. It’s the perfect way to start your day, fuel your adventures, or simply enjoy a comforting and delicious meal.

Now, it’s your turn! I can’t wait to hear about your experience making this recipe. Did you try any of the variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of hash-loving foodies and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking! I am confident you will love this recipe as much as I do.

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