Loaded Breakfast Hash

There’s nothing quite like the smell of sizzling breakfast filling the kitchen on a weekend morning. For my family, that aroma often heralds the arrival of our beloved Loaded Breakfast Hash. It’s become a weekend staple, a dish that’s not only incredibly satisfying and flavorful but also wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt to whatever we have on hand. Initially, I stumbled upon a basic hash recipe online, but over time, it’s evolved into our own personalized masterpiece – a true “loaded” experience. What started as a simple potato and sausage scramble has become a vibrant medley of textures and tastes, incorporating colorful veggies, smoky bacon, savory cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from vegetables, devours this hash without complaint, especially when topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can swap out proteins, veggies, and cheeses based on your preferences and what’s in your fridge. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked meats and vegetables, minimizing food waste while maximizing flavor. From lazy Sunday brunches to quick weeknight “breakfast for dinner,” this Loaded Breakfast Hash has become our go-to meal for comfort, flavor, and sheer deliciousness. Prepare to be amazed at how simple ingredients can transform into a breakfast (or any time!) sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

This Loaded Breakfast Hash is all about layering flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they work so well together:

• Potatoes (2 lbs, Yukon Gold or Russet, diced): The foundation of our hash, potatoes provide a hearty base and crispy texture when properly cooked. Yukon Golds offer a creamy interior and slightly sweet flavor, while Russets crisp up beautifully for that classic hash texture. Dicing them ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Cooked Sausage (1 lb, breakfast sausage or chorizo, crumbled): Protein power and savory depth! Breakfast sausage brings a classic breakfast flavor, while chorizo adds a spicy kick. Ensure it’s pre-cooked for easy incorporation and to prevent excess grease in the hash. Crumbling it evenly distributes the flavor throughout the dish.
• Bacon (8 strips, cooked and crumbled): Smoky, salty, and undeniably delicious, bacon elevates the hash with its crispy texture and rich flavor. Cook until crispy to render out the fat and then crumble for easy mixing and maximum bacon goodness in every bite.
• Onion (1 large, diced): Aromatic base and subtle sweetness. Onions sautéed with the potatoes and other ingredients release their natural sugars and create a flavorful foundation for the hash. Dicing ensures they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the mixture.
• Bell Peppers (2, any color, diced): Color, sweetness, and a touch of crunch. Bell peppers add vibrant color and a mild sweetness that complements the savory elements. Choose your favorite colors or a mix for visual appeal. Dicing them ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Pungent aroma and flavor enhancer. Garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Mincing ensures it disperses evenly and infuses the hash with its aromatic essence without overpowering other flavors.
• Eggs (6-8, large): Creamy richness and protein boost. Eggs are the crowning glory of breakfast hash, adding a rich, creamy texture and extra protein. You can cook them directly in the hash or serve them sunny-side up or poached on top.
• Cheese (1 cup, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack): Melty goodness and flavor complexity. Cheese adds a creamy, melty element that binds the hash together and provides a delicious savory note. Cheddar offers a classic flavor, Monterey Jack is mild and melty, and pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Shredding ensures even melting and distribution.
• Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Cooking fat and flavor carrier. Olive oil provides a healthy cooking fat and helps to crisp up the potatoes and vegetables. It also acts as a carrier for the flavors of the spices and aromatics.
• Seasonings (Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, to taste): Flavor enhancers and depth of flavor. A blend of seasonings enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and creates a well-rounded, delicious hash. Adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional, chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro, for garnish): Freshness and visual appeal. Fresh herbs add a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color as a garnish. Choose your favorites based on preference and availability.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Hash Heaven

Creating this Loaded Breakfast Hash is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple instructions to achieve breakfast perfection:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing and dicing your potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes. For optimal crispiness, you can parboil the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain them well and set aside. Parboiling helps ensure they cook through evenly and develop a crispy exterior in the hash. If you prefer a quicker method, you can skip parboiling, but ensure you cook the potatoes for a longer time in the pan to achieve tenderness.
2. Cook the Bacon (if using raw bacon): If you’re using raw bacon, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside. If you’re using pre-cooked bacon, you can skip this step. Bacon fat adds incredible flavor to the hash, so reserving a bit is highly recommended.
3. Sauté Onions and Peppers: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat (or olive oil if not using bacon), add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent and the peppers are slightly tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sautéing these vegetables first softens them and releases their flavors, creating a flavorful base for the hash.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add your chosen spices – salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Cooking the garlic briefly before adding other ingredients releases its aromatic compounds and infuses the oil with flavor. Adding spices now allows them to bloom in the heat and enhance the overall flavor of the hash.
5. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the vegetables and spices. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown and crispy on the edges. If you parboiled the potatoes, this step will be quicker. If not, you may need to cook them a bit longer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even browning and crisping. Resist the urge to stir too frequently; allowing the potatoes to sit undisturbed for periods allows them to develop a crispy crust.
6. Incorporate Cooked Sausage and Bacon: Once the potatoes are cooked and crispy, add the crumbled cooked sausage and bacon to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Ensure the pre-cooked sausage and bacon are heated through properly for food safety and to meld the flavors with the potatoes and vegetables.
7. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the hash in the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and gooey. Covering the skillet traps the heat and helps the cheese melt evenly and quickly.
8. Cook the Eggs (Optional, in the hash): For eggs cooked directly in the hash, create small wells in the hash mixture in the skillet. Crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Cooking eggs directly in the hash is a convenient and visually appealing way to serve them. Adjust cooking time based on your preference for runny or firm yolks.
9. Serve and Garnish: Remove the Loaded Breakfast Hash from the heat. If you didn’t cook eggs directly in the hash, you can prepare them separately – sunny-side up, poached, or scrambled – and serve them on top of the hash. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and hearty Loaded Breakfast Hash!

Nutrition Facts: A Power-Packed Breakfast

This Loaded Breakfast Hash is not only delicious but also provides a good source of energy and nutrients to kickstart your day. Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Servings: Approximately 6 servings

Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (depending on cheese and egg additions)

Approximate Nutrition Facts per Serving:

• Protein: 25-30g (Provides sustained energy and supports muscle building)
• Fat: 25-35g (Includes healthy fats from olive oil and bacon/sausage, providing satiety)

This breakfast hash is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and some fiber. It’s important to consider portion sizes and adjust ingredients to meet your individual dietary needs and preferences. You can reduce fat by using leaner meats like turkey sausage or chicken bacon, and increase fiber by adding more vegetables.

Preparation Time: Quick and Efficient

This Loaded Breakfast Hash is surprisingly quick to prepare, especially for a dish packed with so much flavor.

Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes dicing vegetables, potatoes, and crumbling cooked meats)

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (This includes sautéing vegetables, cooking potatoes, and assembling the hash)

Total Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes

While it takes about an hour from start to finish, much of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to multitask or relax while the hash sizzles away on the stovetop. For even faster prep, you can utilize pre-diced vegetables or pre-cooked bacon and sausage. This recipe is perfect for weekend brunches or even a satisfying weeknight “breakfast for dinner” when you’re short on time but craving a flavorful and comforting meal.

How to Serve: Versatile and Delicious Options

Loaded Breakfast Hash is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways to suit different occasions and preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Breakfast Plate: Serve a generous portion of hash on a plate, topped with a perfectly cooked egg (sunny-side up, poached, or fried). Add a side of toast, English muffins, or biscuits for soaking up all the flavorful juices.
• Breakfast Burrito Filling: Spoon the hash into warm tortillas along with scrambled eggs, salsa, avocado, and sour cream for hearty and flavorful breakfast burritos.
• Hash Bowls: Create customizable breakfast bowls by layering hash with cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Eggs Benedict Hash: Elevate your brunch game by serving the hash as a base for Eggs Benedict. Top the hash with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce for a decadent and satisfying dish.
• Breakfast Tacos: Fill warm corn or flour tortillas with the hash, scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings like salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges for a fun and flavorful breakfast taco experience.
• Side Dish for Brunch: Serve smaller portions of the hash as a flavorful side dish alongside other brunch favorites like pancakes, waffles, French toast, or omelets.
• Breakfast Pizza Topping: Use the hash as a topping for homemade breakfast pizzas. Spread pizza dough with a creamy sauce (like béchamel or Alfredo), top with hash, cheese, and baked eggs for a unique and satisfying breakfast pizza.
• With Toppings Galore: Set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their hash. Great topping options include:
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Salsa or Hot Sauce
  • Avocado or Guacamole
  • Chopped Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Chives, Cilantro)
  • Shredded Cheese (Extra Cheddar, Pepper Jack)
  • Fried or Pickled Onions
  • Jalapeños (Fresh or Pickled)

Additional Tips: Elevating Your Hash Game

To make your Loaded Breakfast Hash truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips:

1. Potato Prep is Key: For extra crispy potatoes, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before adding them to the hot skillet.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the potatoes in batches if necessary ensures they brown and crisp evenly. Overcrowding the pan will steam the potatoes instead of frying them, resulting in soggy hash.
3. Use Pre-Cooked Meats for Speed: Utilizing pre-cooked sausage, bacon, or ham significantly reduces prep and cook time. It’s a great option for busy mornings or weeknight meals.
4. Vary Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, kale, or roasted sweet potatoes all make delicious additions to breakfast hash. Consider roasting root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots beforehand for a deeper flavor.
5. Spice it Up: Adjust the spice level to your preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra zing.
6. Cheese it Right: Experiment with different cheeses to complement the flavors of your hash. Gouda, Gruyere, or even goat cheese can add unique and delicious notes. Consider a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor.
7. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prep the vegetables and cook the potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and finish cooking the hash just before serving. This is great for meal prepping or for streamlining breakfast preparation.
8. Leftovers are Amazing: Loaded Breakfast Hash reheats beautifully and is just as delicious the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave. Leftover hash is perfect for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.

FAQ: Your Burning Hash Questions Answered

Q1: Can I make this hash vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and bacon. For a vegan version, omit the sausage, bacon, and cheese. You can enhance the flavor with plant-based sausage substitutes, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or beans for protein.

Q2: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

A: Yes, sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious alternative! They add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the hash. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as sweet potatoes can cook a bit faster than regular potatoes.

Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftover breakfast hash?

A: The best way to reheat hash is in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil or butter, stirring occasionally until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze breakfast hash?

A: Yes, you can freeze breakfast hash. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. For best results, freeze it without the eggs and cheese, and add those fresh when reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.

Q5: What kind of sausage works best in breakfast hash?

A: Breakfast sausage, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), chorizo, or even andouille sausage all work well. Choose your favorite type based on your preferred flavor profile. Pre-cooked sausage is recommended for convenience.

Q6: Can I add eggs directly to the hash in the skillet?

A: Yes, you can! Create wells in the hash mixture in the skillet, crack eggs into the wells, cover, and cook until the eggs are set to your liking. This is a convenient and visually appealing way to serve eggs with hash.

Q7: What if my potatoes are not getting crispy?

A: Ensure you are using enough oil or fat in the skillet and cooking over medium-high heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid stirring too frequently – let the potatoes sit undisturbed to develop a crispy crust. Soaking and drying the potatoes beforehand also helps with crispiness.

Q8: Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

A: Yes, you can prepare the hash (without eggs) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prepping breakfasts or quick meals throughout the week. You can also prep all the ingredients – dice vegetables and potatoes – in advance to save time on cooking day.

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