Bacon Potato Skillet – Crispy, Hearty One-Pan Meal
1. Introduction
Few dishes hit the comfort food sweet spot quite like a sizzling Bacon Potato Skillet. Crispy golden potatoes paired with smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—it’s hearty, satisfying, and all cooked in one pan.
This recipe is the kind of dish you can serve at breakfast with eggs, at brunch for a crowd, or even as a quick dinner with a side salad. It’s rustic, simple, and uses everyday ingredients, but the flavors come together in a way that feels truly special.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Versatile: Works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Who doesn’t love bacon and potatoes?
- Customizable: Add veggies, cheese, or even eggs on top.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet) – The star of the dish, crispy on the outside, fluffy inside.
- Bacon – Smoky, salty, and rich, adds depth of flavor.
- Onion – Sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Garlic – For aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil or Bacon Drippings – To crisp up the potatoes.
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary) – Adds brightness and freshness.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Grated cheddar or parmesan for cheesy goodness.
- Eggs (fried or scrambled) to turn it into a breakfast skillet.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some drippings in the skillet. - Cook the Potatoes
Add diced potatoes to the skillet with 1–2 tbsp olive oil (if needed). Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 12–15 minutes). - Add Aromatics
Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft and caramelized. - Combine with Bacon
Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. - Finish & Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
4. Tips and Variations
- Parboil Potatoes: For extra fluffy centers, parboil potatoes for 5 minutes before crisping.
- Cheesy Skillet: Add shredded cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking and let it melt.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrients.
- Egg Upgrade: Crack eggs into the skillet and bake for 8–10 minutes for a breakfast hash.
- Spicy Kick: Add paprika, chili flakes, or jalapeños.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fried or poached eggs for a hearty breakfast.
- Serve with toast or crusty bread for brunch.
- Add a fresh side salad for dinner.
- Enjoy as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted veggies.
6. Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet for best crispiness, or microwave for quick reheating.
7. Recipe Notes
- Works best in a cast-iron skillet for even crisping.
- Cut potatoes into small, even cubes for faster cooking.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approx. 1 cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook bacon until crispy, set aside.
- Add potatoes to skillet, cook until golden and tender.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cook until soft.
- Return bacon to skillet, season, and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
10. FAQs
Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, they add a naturally sweet flavor and pair well with bacon.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip the bacon and use olive oil, then add mushrooms or peppers for flavor.
Q3: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, dice and parboil potatoes in advance for quicker cooking.
Q4: What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast-iron skillet gives the crispiest potatoes and best flavor.
Q5: Can I add eggs directly to the skillet?
Absolutely—crack eggs in and bake or fry for a complete meal.
11. Final Thoughts
This Bacon Potato Skillet is everything you want in a one-pan meal: crispy, smoky, hearty, and comforting. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast hash, a brunch centerpiece, or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Try it out, customize it with your favorite add-ins, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!