A hearty, one-pan breakfast that brings together crispy potatoes, colorful vegetables, savory sausage, and cheesy eggs for a satisfying outdoor meal or weekend brunch. This mountain skillet is the ultimate campsite breakfast that’s equally delicious made in your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mountain skillet breakfast is the definition of rustic comfort food. Everything cooks in a single pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as each ingredient builds upon the last. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and cheesy scrambled eggs creates a complete meal that will fuel your morning adventures. Whether you’re camping under the stars or enjoying a lazy Sunday at home, this versatile recipe delivers a filling breakfast that’s both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. The recipe is easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers or accommodating dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Oil provides the necessary fat for browning the potatoes and cooking the vegetables to perfection. Any neutral cooking oil works well here, such as vegetable, canola, or even olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their buttery flavor and ability to hold their shape while developing a crispy exterior. Their waxy texture means they won’t fall apart during cooking, creating those perfect golden cubes that form the foundation of this dish.
Green bell pepper adds a fresh crunch and subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. The vibrant color also brings visual appeal to the skillet, but you can substitute any color bell pepper based on preference or availability.
Yellow onion provides a aromatic base that becomes deliciously caramelized during cooking. As it softens and browns, it releases natural sugars that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sea salt is essential for seasoning each layer of the dish. Its larger crystals and clean flavor make it ideal for bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables and eggs.
Sausage brings protein and rich, savory flavor to the skillet. The recipe is flexible regarding the type of sausage—breakfast links, Italian sausage, or even plant-based alternatives all work wonderfully depending on your preference.
Eggs serve as the binding component that brings everything together. When scrambled directly in the pan with the other ingredients, they create pockets of tenderness throughout the hearty skillet.
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the eggs, adding creaminess and a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. The cheese helps unite all the components into a cohesive dish.
Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a finishing touch. Their raw crispness contrasts nicely with the cooked ingredients beneath.
Ground black pepper and hot sauce are optional finishing touches that allow each person to adjust the heat level to their preference, adding a customizable element to this crowd-pleasing dish.
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the potatoes and cook, turning them occasionally, until they begin to brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add another tablespoon of oil and the green bell pepper. Saute for 5 minutes until beginning to soften, then add the onion and salt. Saute for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and beginning to take on color. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Thoroughly beat the eggs in a bowl. Once all the vegetables are soft and browned, lower the heat and push them to the sides of the pan. Add a bit of oil to the center of the pan, then add the eggs and the shredded cheese to the skillet. Use your spatula to scramble the eggs until they set. Then, fold the vegetables back into the mix.
- Remove from the heat and top with sliced green onions, cracked pepper, and hot sauce (optional).
Servings and Timing
This mountain skillet recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family breakfast or a hungry group of campers. The total preparation time is 40 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep work and 30 minutes of cooking time. Each serving provides a balanced combination of proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the morning.
Variations
Southwestern Skillet: Add black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños to the vegetables. Season with cumin and chili powder, and finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and double up on vegetables by adding mushrooms, spinach, and diced red bell peppers for additional color and nutrients.
Paleo/Whole30 Compliant: Replace the potatoes with diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash, use compliant sausage, and omit the cheese or replace with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Loaded Breakfast Skillet: Add extras like diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, or even tortilla strips after cooking for a loaded breakfast experience.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover mountain skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld together and taste even better the next day.
Freezing: While you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, the texture of the potatoes and eggs may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap individual portions tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating on Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat the skillet on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or additional oil to prevent sticking. Cover with a lid to help distribute the heat evenly without drying out the eggs.
Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through (typically 1-2 minutes total).
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the potatoes and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately from the cooked eggs. When ready to serve, quickly reheat the vegetables and then add freshly scrambled eggs for a compromise between convenience and optimal texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for camping?
Yes, you can pre-chop all vegetables and pre-cook the potatoes partially before your trip. Store them in separate containers in your cooler, then finish the cooking process at your campsite for a quicker breakfast.
What’s the best type of skillet to use for this recipe?
A well-seasoned cast iron skillet works best as it distributes heat evenly and adds a slight flavor enhancement. However, any large non-stick or heavy-bottomed skillet will work well too.
How can I ensure my potatoes get crispy instead of soggy?
Don’t overcrowd the pan, use enough oil, and allow the potatoes to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring to develop a crispy exterior. Patting them dry before cooking also helps remove excess moisture.
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes can be a great time-saver. Add them directly to the hot pan with oil and follow the same cooking instructions, though they may cook a bit faster.
What if I don’t have cheddar cheese on hand?
Any melting cheese works well in this recipe. Try monterey jack, pepper jack for spice, gouda for smokiness, or even Swiss or mozzarella. Use what you have available.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free alternative. The mountain skillet will still be delicious with the savory flavors from the vegetables and sausage.
Can I add different vegetables based on what I have?
Absolutely! This recipe is extremely versatile. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, kale, tomatoes, or corn all make excellent additions or substitutions based on what’s available.
How do I adjust this recipe for a larger group?
For larger groups, you can double the recipe but you’ll likely need to cook in batches or use two skillets to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam rather than brown the ingredients.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during cooking, use spicy sausage, or incorporate hot sauce directly into the eggs before adding them to the skillet.
How do I know when the eggs are properly cooked?
The eggs should be just set but still moist-looking. They’ll continue cooking slightly from residual heat, so removing them from the heat when they still look slightly underdone prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Conclusion
The Mountain Skillet breakfast embodies the spirit of hearty, outdoor cooking while being accessible enough for everyday enjoyment. Its beauty lies in both simplicity and adaptability—a foundation of crispy potatoes, colorful vegetables, savory protein, and creamy eggs that can be customized to suit any taste preference or ingredient availability. Whether you’re fueling up for a day of hiking in the mountains or simply gathering around the kitchen table on a weekend morning, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The perfect combination of textures and flavors makes this mountain skillet a recipe you’ll return to again and again, creating delicious memories one breakfast at a time.
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Mountain Breakfast Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic camp breakfast features cheesy eggs, sausage, and veggies and cooks up in just one skillet.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil, divided
½ pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ¼”-½” cubes
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ pound sausage, about 6 links
6 eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions, ground black pepper, and hot sauce, to serve
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the potatoes and cook, turning them occasionally, until they begin to brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add another tablespoon of oil and the green bell pepper. Saute for 5 minutes until beginning to soften, then add the onion and salt. Saute for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and beginning to take on color. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Thoroughly beat the eggs in a bowl. Once all the vegetables are soft and browned, lower the heat and push them to the sides of the pan. Add a bit of oil to the center of the pan, then add the eggs and the shredded cheese to the skillet. Use your spatula to scramble the eggs until they set. Then, fold the vegetables back into the mix.
- Remove from the heat and top with sliced green onions, cracked pepper, and hot sauce (optional).
Notes
Ensure the potatoes are diced evenly to ensure even cooking.
Adjust seasoning and toppings to your taste preference (e.g., omit hot sauce if desired).
Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
