Save This hearty bacon, eggs, and hash browns breakfast has been my weekend staple for years. There's something deeply satisfying about the combination of crispy bacon, golden hash browns, and fluffy eggs that creates the perfect start to any morning.
I first made this classic breakfast combination when hosting a family brunch, and it's become our Sunday tradition ever since. The smell of bacon cooking still takes me back to slow mornings growing up when we gathered around the table with nothing else but good food and good company.
Ingredients
- Bacon slices: thick cut for a meatier texture and richer flavor. Look for bacon with good fat marbling for the best results.
- Large eggs: the fresher the better for the brightest yolks and best flavor. Farm fresh eggs make a noticeable difference.
- Butter or cooking oil: for eggs use butter for richness or a neutral oil if you prefer.
- Russet potatoes: ideal for hash browns due to their high starch content which creates that perfect crispy exterior.
- Onion: optional but adds wonderful flavor to the hash browns. Sweet onions work particularly well.
- Vegetable oil or butter: for hash browns butter adds flavor while oil creates a crispier texture.
- Salt and pepper: fresh ground pepper makes a difference in the final flavor profile.
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the edges begin to curl, then flip and continue cooking until crisp but not burnt, about 8 to 10 minutes total. The key is maintaining a moderate heat to render the fat without burning. Transfer to paper towels to drain, keeping the rendered fat for extra flavor in other components if desired.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Rinse the grated potatoes thoroughly in cold water, swishing them around to remove excess starch which is the secret to crispy hash browns. Drain completely, then squeeze out every bit of moisture using a clean kitchen towel. The drier your potatoes, the crispier your hash browns will be. This step cannot be rushed or skipped.
- Cook the Hash Browns:
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Spread the potato mixture evenly and press down gently with a spatula to maximize surface contact. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust. Resist the urge to peek or flip too early. Once golden, carefully flip in sections and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until crispy throughout.
- Cook the Eggs:
- In a separate nonstick skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat until melted but not browning. For sunny side up, crack eggs directly into the pan and cook until whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 3 to 4 minutes. For over easy, gently flip after 2 minutes and cook briefly on the second side. For scrambled, whisk eggs in a bowl first, then cook while gently stirring until just set but still moist.
- Serve Immediately:
- Arrange the components on warmed plates with hash browns on the bottom, eggs alongside, and bacon as the finishing touch. Season with a final sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper if desired. The contrast of textures from crispy to fluffy creates the perfect bite.
Save This breakfast takes me back to my childhood when my grandfather would make hash browns from scratch. He taught me that the secret was squeezing every drop of moisture from the potatoes before cooking. That extra five minutes of effort makes all the difference between soggy and perfectly crispy hash browns.
Make-Ahead Options
The hash brown mixture can be prepared up to a day ahead. Grate the potatoes, rinse, and dry them thoroughly, then store in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. This preparation step saves valuable morning time without sacrificing quality.
For busy weekday mornings, you can fully cook and refrigerate the hash browns and bacon, then quickly reheat them in a hot skillet while cooking fresh eggs. The hash browns will regain most of their crispiness when reheated on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Customization Ideas
This classic breakfast serves as the perfect canvas for endless variations. Try adding diced bell peppers and jalapeños to the hash browns for a Southwestern twist. For a heartier version, incorporate diced ham or sausage into the potato mixture before cooking.
For a healthier spin, substitute sweet potatoes for russets in your hash browns. They offer additional nutrients and a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory bacon. You can also use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon.
Herb lovers might enjoy adding fresh chives, parsley, or dill to their eggs. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the hash browns during the last minute of cooking creates a deliciously crispy cheese crust that elevates the entire dish.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your hash browns aren't crisping properly, the most common culprit is excess moisture. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes after rinsing. Another trick is to sprinkle a small amount of flour over the dried potatoes to absorb any remaining moisture.
For bacon that cooks evenly without curling, start with a cold pan rather than preheating it. The gradual heat allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in flat, perfectly crisp bacon strips. For extra-crispy bacon, place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
If your eggs stick to the pan, your heat may be too high or your nonstick surface may be wearing out. Always use a quality nonstick pan for eggs and keep the heat at medium or medium-low. A small amount of butter swirled to coat the entire surface also helps prevent sticking.
Save The beauty of this classic breakfast lies in its simplicity. Each component allows the natural flavors to shine through, creating a meal that's somehow both humble and luxurious. I've made this breakfast countless times, and the satisfaction of seeing a perfectly cooked plate come together never fades.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve extra crispy hash browns?
Rinse and drain potatoes well, squeeze out excess moisture, and avoid crowding the pan. Let them cook undisturbed before flipping.
- → What’s the best way to cook bacon evenly?
Arrange slices in a single layer, use medium heat, and turn as needed to prevent burning and promote even browning.
- → Can I customize the eggs in this breakfast?
Yes, prepare eggs sunny-side up, over-easy, or scrambled, adjusting cooking time to get your preferred consistency.
- → Is this breakfast gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your bacon is gluten-free. Double-check the ingredients to ensure no additives contain gluten.
- → How can I save time when making this meal?
Cook bacon and hash browns simultaneously in separate pans, and prep ingredients ahead for faster assembly.