Loaded Breakfast Hash – The Ultimate Brunch Delight
What Makes This Breakfast Hash So Special?
This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill breakfast hash. What sets this apart is the “loaded” aspect. We’re not just talking potatoes and meat here. We’re talking layers of flavor, textures that dance on your tongue, and a customizable experience that caters to everyone’s preferences. * Crispy Potatoes: The foundation of any good hash is perfectly crispy potatoes. We’ll use a method that guarantees golden-brown, crunchy edges and a fluffy interior. * Savory Protein: Choose your own adventure! Sausage, bacon, chorizo, pulled pork – the possibilities are endless. * Vibrant Veggies: Onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach – add a burst of color and nutrients to your hash. * Cheesy Goodness: Because everything is better with cheese, right? Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack – pick your favorite and sprinkle generously. * Perfectly Cooked Eggs: Sunnyside up, over easy, scrambled – however you like them, the runny yolk is the perfect sauce for this hash. * Flavor Boosters: Fresh herbs, spicy sauces, tangy toppings – these finishing touches take the hash to the next level.Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Remember, this is just a guide – feel free to adjust the amounts and ingredients to your liking! * Potatoes: 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes * Protein: 1 lb breakfast sausage (Italian sausage, chorizo, or bacon, cooked and crumbled) * Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced * Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), diced * Mushrooms: 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced * Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced * Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons * Butter: 2 tablespoons * Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese * Eggs: 6-8 large eggs * Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives * Salt and Pepper: To taste * Optional Toppings: Avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce You might also enjoy Breakfast Pizza if you love a savory start to your day!Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make This Hash!
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious loaded breakfast hash you’ve ever tasted. Don’t be intimidated; I’ll guide you through every step! 1. Prepare the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures crispy potatoes. 2. Parboil the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside. This parboiling step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy exterior. 3. Cook the Protein: If you’re using sausage or bacon, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Crumble the sausage or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside. 4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. 5. Add the Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma at this stage is heavenly! 6. Crisp the Potatoes: Add the parboiled potatoes to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10-15 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even browning. The key is to let the potatoes sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time to develop that crispy crust. 7. Combine Everything: Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon with the potatoes and vegetables. Heat through. 8. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hash and cover the skillet. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn! 9. Cook the Eggs: While the cheese is melting, cook your eggs in a separate skillet to your desired doneness. I personally love sunny-side-up eggs with a runny yolk that coats the hash beautifully. 10. Assemble and Serve: Spoon the loaded breakfast hash onto plates. Top each serving with a cooked egg and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!The Recipe: Loaded Breakfast Hash – The Ultimate Brunch Delight
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: * 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes * 1 lb breakfast sausage (Italian sausage, chorizo, or bacon, cooked and crumbled) * 1 medium yellow onion, diced * 1 bell pepper (any color), diced * 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 2 tablespoons butter * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese * 6-8 large eggs * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives * Salt and pepper to taste * Optional toppings: Avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce Instructions: 1. Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. 2. Drain the potatoes and place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside. 3. If using sausage or bacon, cook in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Crumble or chop and set aside. 4. In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. 5. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 3-5 minutes. 6. Add the parboiled potatoes to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10-15 minutes. 7. Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon with the potatoes and vegetables. Heat through. 8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hash and cover the skillet. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. 9. Cook your eggs in a separate skillet to your desired doneness. 10. Spoon the loaded breakfast hash onto plates. Top each serving with a cooked egg and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately. If you’re looking for a quicker option on busy mornings, give the AIR FRYER EGG TOAST a try! It’s surprisingly delicious and ready in minutes.Success Tips for the Perfect Hash
Want to guarantee a perfect, restaurant-quality loaded breakfast hash every time? Follow these golden rules: * Don’t Skip the Parboiling: Parboiling the potatoes is essential for achieving that crispy exterior and fluffy interior. It also helps to speed up the cooking process. * Use Enough Fat: Don’t be shy with the olive oil and butter. The fat helps to create that golden-brown, crispy texture. * Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding the pan will result in steamed, soggy potatoes. * Let the Potatoes Brown: Resist the urge to stir the potatoes too often. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time to develop that crispy crust. * Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season your hash with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Taste and adjust as needed.Variations and Customization
The beauty of this Loaded Breakfast Hash – The Ultimate Brunch Delight is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients. * Protein Variations: Try using chorizo, pulled pork, diced ham, or even vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile. * Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes. * Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick. * Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of sweetness with caramelized onions or a drizzle of maple syrup. * Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. * Make it Vegan: Omit the meat and cheese and use vegan sausage and cheese substitutes. For another fun breakfast option, consider Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts. They offer a completely different, but equally satisfying, flavor experience.Make-Ahead Tips
Want to get ahead of the game? You can prepare some of the ingredients in advance. * Chop the Vegetables: Chop the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. * Cook the Protein: Cook the sausage or bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. * Parboil the Potatoes: Parboil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the hash, simply sauté the vegetables, add the potatoes and protein, and continue with the recipe as directed. If you are looking for a make ahead option, try Baked French Toast Casserole which can be prepped the night before!Serving Suggestions
This Loaded Breakfast Hash – The Ultimate Brunch Delight is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with: * Toast or Biscuits: For soaking up all those delicious juices. * Fresh Fruit Salad: For a refreshing contrast to the savory hash. * Yogurt and Granola: For a lighter side dish. * Coffee or Tea: The perfect accompaniment to a leisurely brunch. * Mimosas or Bloody Marys: For a festive brunch celebration!Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet * Large pot * Cutting board * Knife * Mixing bowl * Spatula And if you are looking for something sweet for breakfast, try Crème Brûlée French Toast. It’s a showstopper!Storage Instructions
If you have any leftover loaded breakfast hash, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You can also freeze the hash for longer storage. Let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Also, consider Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats if you need something you can grab and go!Final Thoughts
This Loaded Breakfast Hash – The Ultimate Brunch Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and good times. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. So, gather your friends and family, get cooking, and enjoy the ultimate brunch experience! I promise you, this hash will become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!What makes this breakfast hash different from other breakfast hashes?
This loaded breakfast hash includes crispy potatoes, your choice of savory protein, vibrant vegetables, cheese, perfectly cooked eggs, and flavor boosters. It’s customizable to your preferences and offers layers of flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the breakfast hash ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables, cook the protein, and parboil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for later use.
What are some variations I can make to the breakfast hash?
You can vary the protein (chorizo, pulled pork, ham), vegetables (spinach, kale, zucchini), and cheese (Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyere). You can also add spices, sweetness, or make it vegetarian or vegan.
What is the key to getting crispy potatoes in this hash?
Parboiling the potatoes and not overcrowding the pan are essential for achieving crispy potatoes. Also, let the potatoes sit undisturbed for a few minutes at a time to develop a crispy crust. Using enough fat (olive oil and butter) is also important.
Ultimate Loaded Breakfast Hash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let soak for 15 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- Drain the potatoes and place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- If using sausage or bacon, cook in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Crumble or chop and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the parboiled potatoes to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon with the potatoes and vegetables. Heat through.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hash and cover the skillet. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook your eggs in a separate skillet to your desired doneness.
- Spoon the loaded breakfast hash onto plates. Top each serving with a cooked egg and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.