There’s no need to load the family up and try to beat the rush to Denny’s or IHOP on a weekend morning. Breakfast skillets are an easy way to use up leftovers for an easy, economical meal.
Whenever I bake potatoes, I load up the tray. First, because potatoes are cheap and filling and second because I’ll then have leftover potatoes for breakfast skillets.
While this is usually a breakfast meal, sometimes breakfast skillets get made for dinner, like last night.
Take any leftover baked potatoes and put them in the microwave, just long enough to get warm, but not too hot to handle. 2 – 3 minutes will work. Then cut them into half-inch cubes.
I had a few pieces of bacon that weren’t enough for everyone to have a full slice, but there were enough to give everyone a few crumbles and to grease the skillet. Cook the bacon in a large skillet with straight sides, cast iron, if you have it.
While the bacon and potatoes are cooking, dice any leftover or “on the verge” vegetables. This week I had a couple of bell peppers, an onion and a handful of multi-colored tomatoes.
Once the bacon (or sausage or ham) is cooked to your preference, remove it from the pan. If you don’t have any meat you can just heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil, butter, or shortening,
Add the onions and other vegetables to the pan in a single layer. As soon as the onions begin to soften add your diced potatoes. Now, wait.
Give it a few minutes and then stir with a wooden spoon and be sure to scrape up any browned bits. Salt and pepper to taste, we also like Lawry’s or Cajun seasoning. Keep cooking until everything is heated through and browned to your preference. You can add cheese if you like and for an extra protein top with eggs cooked to your preference.
Use whatever combination is lurking in your fridge. I have had great success with broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and cauliflower. Sausage, leftover ham, or chicken make great additions as well, although I might avoid any meat flavored heavily with herbs first thing in the morning, your mileage may vary.
Enjoy.
Want some more breakfast ideas? Try these breakfast recipes:
