Welcome to your new favorite breakfast sensation! Imagine waking up on a crisp morning, the air hinting at coziness, and knowing that a comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy breakfast is just minutes away from coming together in a single pan. This isn’t just any breakfast; it’s a delightful breakfast skillet bake, perfect for chilly mornings, festive holidays, or any weekend when you crave something truly special without the fuss.
Effortless Morning Delights: The Ultimate Easy Breakfast Skillet
Are you someone who appreciates a stress-free start to your day, especially when it involves delicious food? Then get ready to fall in love with this easy breakfast skillet bake. It’s designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor, making it a fantastic choice for busy families, brunch hosts, or anyone looking to add a touch of warmth to their morning routine.
We’ve crafted this recipe with minimal prep and maximum taste in mind. It’s a dish we’ve enjoyed countless times over the weekends, always receiving rave reviews for its comforting combination of classic breakfast elements. The magic lies in layering simple ingredients into a single skillet and letting the oven do all the work, transforming them into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. We’re talking about crispy hash browns, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, all bound together with fluffy eggs.
Why This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Skillet is a Game Changer
This ham and cheese breakfast skillet is particularly ideal for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering. Why? Because it’s an ingenious way to utilize leftover holiday ham! Instead of letting those delicious remnants go to waste, chop them up and give them a second life in this incredible morning bake. Of course, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy it; it’s equally wonderful on a lazy Sunday morning.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its adaptability. While we provide specific recommendations, feel free to make it your own. For the cheese, any variety that melts beautifully will work wonders. We’ve had fantastic results with Provolone, which offers a lovely mild, nutty flavor and a superb melt. However, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of cheeses would be equally delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites!
And let’s not forget the garnishes. A sprinkle of bright roasted red pepper and fresh green onions not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also introduces layers of fresh, complementary flavors. The sweetness of the red pepper and the mild bite of the green onions elevate this simple dish from good to absolutely fantastic.
Mastering Your Skillet: Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
Using a good quality cast iron skillet is key to achieving that perfect rustic charm and even cooking. Cast iron skillets retain heat beautifully, ensuring your skillet casserole gets a lovely crispy bottom layer of hash browns while the top browns evenly. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe baking dish will work, though you might miss some of that signature skillet crispiness.
For the hash browns, frozen varieties are a fantastic time-saver, but ensure they are thawed slightly before layering them into the skillet to help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely. If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, you’ll want to par-cook or finely shred them and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy outcome. The goal is a delightful texture contrast between the crispy potatoes and the soft, eggy interior.
When it comes to the ham, diced pre-cooked ham works perfectly. If you’re using leftover ham from a holiday roast, cut it into small, uniform pieces so it distributes well throughout the casserole. For an added layer of flavor, you could even briefly sauté the ham before adding it to the skillet to give it a slightly caramelized edge.
Ingredient Spotlight: Building Your Delicious Breakfast Skillet
Every component in this breakfast skillet recipe plays a crucial role in its irresistible appeal:
- Frozen Hash Browns: The foundation of our skillet, providing a satisfying texture and hearty base. Look for shredded or diced hash browns for the best results.
- Shredded Cheese: We loved Provolone, but Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, and cheddar offers classic comfort. The key is a cheese that melts beautifully.
- Chopped Ham: Savory and rich, it pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Leftover ham is a bonus, but store-bought diced ham is convenient.
- Large Eggs & Whole Milk: Whisked together with a touch of salt and pepper, this mixture creates the custardy, fluffy core of the casserole. Whole milk adds richness, but any milk will do.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your taste!
- Chopped Green Onions & Roasted Red Pepper: These aren’t just garnishes; they add freshness, color, and a delightful aromatic contrast to the richness of the dish.
Breakfast Skillet – The Full Recipe
Author: Anna
Super easy breakfast skillet for the chilly mornings!
This hearty and easy breakfast skillet with hash browns, ham, and cheese is perfect for any morning, especially holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 307 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 cup frozen hash browns
- ¾ cup shredded Pepper Jack or cheddar cheese (I used Provolone)
- 1.5 cup chopped ham
- 4 large eggs
- 1.5 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped roasted red pepper
Instructions
- Grease a cast iron skillet.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Arrange hash browns evenly on the bottom of the skillet.
- Sprinkle with cheese and ham.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Add salt and pepper and whisk again.
- Pour over the ham and potatoes.
- Bake for 40 to 43 minutes until set and golden.
- Garnish with roasted red pepper and green onions.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 840mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 15.6mg | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment with rating below!
FAQs About Our Easy Breakfast Skillet
Can I prepare this breakfast skillet ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This easy breakfast bake is excellent for make-ahead mornings. You can assemble the entire skillet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply pop it into the preheated oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through from chilled.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, diced bell peppers, or onions can be added with the ham.
- Meats: Swap ham for cooked crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, or even turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra zest.
- Cheeses: Experiment with different melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a Mexican blend.
How do I ensure my hash browns are crispy?
For the crispiest hash browns, ensure your skillet is well-greased, and the hash browns are spread in an even layer. Some people like to pre-cook their hash browns slightly in the skillet on the stovetop before adding other ingredients and baking. Using thawed hash browns also helps them crisp up better in the oven.
What should I serve with this breakfast skillet?
This hearty ham and cheese skillet is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, a side of toast or muffins, or a refreshing glass of orange juice or coffee. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can also elevate the flavors.
How long does the breakfast skillet last as leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The texture may soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
More Delicious Breakfast Casseroles to Love
If you’re a fan of easy, comforting breakfast bakes, then you’re in for a treat! This skillet casserole is just one of many fantastic recipes that can simplify your mornings and delight your taste buds. We encourage you to explore other options that offer similar convenience and flavor. Breakfast casseroles are a true lifesaver for brunches, holidays, or just feeding a crowd without spending all morning in the kitchen. They are designed to be forgiving, often allow for make-ahead preparation, and consistently deliver satisfying results.
For another proven crowd-pleaser that builds on the concept of a hearty, all-in-one breakfast, consider trying our other highly-rated recipe. It’s a classic for a reason and has been a favorite among our readers for years.
Perfect Breakfast Casserole (2015 recipe)
