Let’s talk about breakfast skillets, because they’re hands down one of my favorite ways to satisfy everyone’s hunger, including my own. Whether it’s for Christmas morning or any ole Saturday, the whole thing is pure perfection. From the savory meats to those sunny side whole eggs bursting with color, it’s always a great way to start the day. Throw in some crispy potatoes plus a drizzle of chimichurri sauce and you’ve got an epic meal. And don’t forget, the best way to enjoy a good breakfast skillet is around the table with your whole family or a group of friends.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Breakfast Skillets
Breakfast skillets represent endless creativity and flavor possibilities. Undoubtedly, they let you bring together fresh ingredients onto one plate with minimal fuss—aside from a little chopping and cracking of eggs. You can mix and match whatever you’ve got on hand, from crispy hash browns to some green pepper, smoky bacon, or even last night’s leftovers. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to turn everyday ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal that works for any time of day.
While these skillets might not be a good idea for busy mornings (since building a fire isn’t really conducive for a 9-5 job), they’re definitely a fun way to enjoy your slower mornings when you have time to sit by the fire. Hopefully with some good company too, bonus points of you’re out enjoying nature.
General Tips for Making Great Breakfast Skillets
- Source the freshest meats and sausages – Whenever possible, source the freshest meats and sausages to ensure the best flavor experience. Consider signing up for ButcherBox to have a selection of meats and sausages shipped to your door.
- Free-range eggs are the way to go – Happy chickens roaming freely on bugs and seeds produce the brightest, most vibrant large eggs full of flavor, color, and heart-healthy Omega 3s. They may cost a little more, but for the boost in flavor and health, I’m all in.
- The key to crispy brown potatoes – For the crispiest breakfast potatoes, soak your diced potatoes in cold water with a pinch of baking soda for 15–20 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and gives you that perfectly golden brown, crispy texture. Dry the potatoes well before adding them to the skillet.
- Keep it seasoned, and don’t fear the heat – Well-seasoned skillet ingredients will give you that signature flavor. Don’t forget a little salt, black pepper, and even a pinch of garlic powder. And for some heat that matches your personal preference, don’t forget the FYR!
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
- Invest in a good cast iron pan – It’s a backyard grilling workhorse, and when it comes to breakfast skillets, it truly shines. In fact, cast iron retains heat so evenly that it creates the perfect sear on meats and those golden, crispy edges on potatoes. Plus, with proper care, it lasts a lifetime and even gets better with age. Caring for your skillet, however, is an art. To keep yours in top shape, be sure to check out these related posts: Cleaning Your Cast Iron Skillet, Season or Re-Season a Cast Iron Skillet, and 5 Ways to Better Use Your Cast Iron.
Cowboy Breakfast Skillet Origins
The cowboy breakfast skillet has its roots in the chuckwagon days of the Wild West. Back then, cowboys needed a hearty breakfast to fuel their long days, so they tossed whatever they had on hand—breakfast sausage, slices of bacon, cooked potatoes, and eggs—into a single skillet over the fire. Over time, the result became a one-pan wonder that’s still a family favorite today.
Breakfast Skillet Recipe Round-Up
Breakfast skillets are more than a big breakfast idea. They are, in fact, the perfect way to bring everyone together over a hot, satisfying meal. So, when you’re ready, grab your cast iron skillet, toss in your favorites, and let’s make breakfast the most important meal of the day—cowboy style!
Country Breakfast Skillet
Huevos Rancheros
Ron Swanson Breakfast Skillet
Southwestern Breakfast Skillet
Breakfast Skillet Platter
Leftover Brisket Breakfast Skillet
Smoked Sausage Cheesy Breakfast Skillet Recipe
Campfire Breakfast Skillet
Breakfast Fry Up
Chipotle Coffee Rub Steak & Eggs Skillet
Smithfield Yuengling Breakfast Hash Recipe
Steak and Eggs with Cowboy Butter
Steak Bites with Smoked Chimichurri
Cowboy Steak and Eggs
Steak and Egg Bites
Steak and Eggs with Crispy Green Chili Oil
Steak and Eggs with Charred Scallion Chimichurri
Chorizo Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Cowboy Campfire Breakfast
Loaded Huevos Rancheros Nachos
Cherry Chipotle Ham Steak and Eggs
What to Serve with a Delicious Breakfast Skillet
These breakfast skillets are solid on their own, but why not level up? Add English muffins, bagels, or sourdough bread slices to the mix. Balance it out with some avocado slices, or keep it fresh with a fruit salad. As for drinks, fresh-squeezed OJ is undoubtedly always a win.
More Breakfast Favorites
Leftovers and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag to keep them fresh. For best results, reheat in your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of grass-fed beef tallow to keep the food moist and bring back that delicious, freshly cooked flavor.
FAQs for Breakfast Skillets
For a killer potato breakfast skillet, go with Yukon Golds for buttery flavor or Russets for a classic crispy finish. Cut them evenly, soak them in cold water with a pinch of baking soda, and get ready for next-level crispiness.
Want those yolks to stay whole? Start with fresh eggs—they’re the MVP for firm, unbreakable yolks. Also, don’t fuss with them too much after cracking them into the little pre-made wells before serving.
Sure, why not? Sweet potatoes are a great way to bring a hint of natural sweetness to the hard-core savory ingredients. I personally like my sweet potatoes drizzled with BBQ sauce.
Add flavor to everything you’re cooking
shop over the fire spice lines
