A wholesome and satisfying breakfast skillet featuring roasted sweet potatoes, turkey bacon, and eggs, all cooked together in one pan. This Whole30, Paleo, and Gluten-Free dish is a deliciously healthy way to start your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet is the perfect morning meal for those seeking a nutritious yet satisfying start to their day. The combination of complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and protein from eggs creates a balanced dish that will keep you energized all morning. It’s incredibly versatile – add your favorite herbs or spices to customize it to your taste preferences. The one-pan approach means less cleanup, making this an ideal choice for busy weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Plus, it’s naturally compliant with Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free eating plans, making it suitable for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, providing a naturally sweet flavor base and a hearty texture that stands up well to roasting. They’re packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy throughout your morning.
Olive oil helps the sweet potatoes roast to perfection, creating those deliciously crispy edges while keeping the centers tender. It also provides healthy fats and helps carry the flavors throughout the dish.
Eggs create the perfect protein component for this breakfast, with their runny yolks creating a natural sauce that coats the sweet potatoes when broken open. They bring the dish together and add essential nutrients.
Turkey bacon offers that smoky, savory element that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. It adds texture and depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
White onion contributes aromatic flavor and a slight sweetness when cooked. It creates a flavorful base that infuses the entire skillet with depth.
Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color as a garnish, adding both visual appeal and a flavor contrast to the rich, hearty base.
Salt and pepper are the simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors of the ingredients. They allow the quality ingredients to shine without competing flavors.
Directions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can cook them in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. - Cook the Turkey Bacon and Onions:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. - Assemble the Skillet:
Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the cooked onions. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to bring the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Cook the Eggs:
Create three wells in the sweet potato mixture and crack one egg into each well. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes for quicker cooking. - Serve:
Top the skillet with the crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot for a hearty breakfast.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 3 servings, making it perfect for a small family breakfast or meal prep for an individual. Each serving contains approximately 174 calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for an equally satisfying vegetarian option.
Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean Style: Include diced tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
Herb-Enhanced: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the sweet potatoes before roasting for an aromatic twist.
Mexican Inspired: Season with cumin and chili powder, then top with avocado slices and a dollop of salsa for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.
Storage/Reheating
This Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored properly for later enjoyment.
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The eggs will continue to cook slightly when reheated, so consider removing them from leftover portions if you prefer runny yolks.
Freezing: While you can freeze the sweet potato and bacon portion, the eggs don’t freeze well. If planning to freeze, prepare the base without eggs and add fresh eggs when reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water and cover to create steam, which helps prevent the dish from drying out. You can also microwave leftovers in 30-second intervals until heated to your preference, though the texture won’t be as crispy.
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the sweet potato and bacon mixture ahead of time, then add fresh eggs when you’re ready to eat for a quick weekday breakfast option.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato and bacon mixture up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet, make wells, and add fresh eggs to cook just before serving.
How do I know when the eggs are perfectly cooked?
For eggs with set whites and runny yolks, cook covered for about 4 minutes on low heat. The whites should appear opaque and set, while the yolks should still look glossy. For fully cooked yolks, simply extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Is this recipe really Whole30 compliant?
Yes, as long as you ensure your turkey bacon contains no added sugars or non-compliant additives. Always check labels to confirm compliance with specific dietary guidelines.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
Butternut squash or regular potatoes make excellent substitutes. Butternut squash offers a similar sweetness, while regular potatoes provide a more neutral base for the flavors.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
While cheese isn’t part of Whole30 or Paleo diets, you can certainly add it if you don’t follow these guidelines. Goat cheese, feta, or cheddar work wonderfully in this dish.
How can I make this recipe serve more people?
Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or baking dish. You might need to extend cooking times slightly for the eggs if using a larger dish with more ingredients.
What can I serve with this breakfast skillet?
Fresh fruit, avocado slices, or a simple green salad make perfect accompaniments. For those not following Whole30 or Paleo, whole grain toast is also delicious for dipping into the egg yolks.
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, egg whites can be substituted for whole eggs. Use about 2 egg whites per whole egg called for in the recipe. The cooking time may be slightly shorter.
How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Watch the eggs carefully and remove the skillet from heat when the whites are just set but the yolks are still runny (if that’s your preference). Remember that residual heat will continue cooking the eggs even after removing from the heat source.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet represents the perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and convenience. By combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory turkey bacon and protein-rich eggs, you’ve created a complete meal that satisfies on multiple levels. What makes this recipe particularly special is its adaptability – it can be customized to suit various taste preferences while still maintaining its core healthy attributes.
Whether you’re following a specific dietary plan like Whole30 or Paleo, or simply looking for a nutritious breakfast option, this skillet delivers. The one-pan approach minimizes cleanup, making it practical for busy mornings, while the vibrant colors and textures make it appealing enough for weekend brunch with friends or family.
By mastering this versatile dish, you’ve added a recipe to your repertoire that can evolve with your tastes and dietary needs throughout different seasons and life stages. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a breakfast that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
Print
Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A wholesome and satisfying breakfast skillet featuring roasted sweet potatoes, turkey bacon, and eggs, all cooked together in one pan. This Whole 30, Paleo, and Gluten-Free dish is a deliciously healthy way to start your day.
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, cubed (peel if preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for cooking)
3 large eggs
3 pieces turkey bacon (uncured)
1/4 cup white onion, diced
2 tbsp green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can cook them in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the cooked onions. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to bring the flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create three wells in the sweet potato mixture and crack one egg into each well. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes for quicker cooking.
- Top the skillet with the crumbled turkey bacon and chopped green onions. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot for a hearty breakfast.
Notes
Sweet potatoes can be peeled or left unpeeled based on your preference.
An air fryer can be a quicker alternative to roasting sweet potatoes.
Ensure the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 174 kcal
