Sweet Potato, Egg, & Bacon Breakfast Skillet
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4-6
Picture it: crispy bacon mingles with tender, caramelized sweet potatoes while eggs nestle perfectly into little pockets throughout the skillet. This is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to grab a spoon (and maybe a fork too) and savor every single bite.
It's hearty enough for the hungriest morning appetites yet feels wonderfully nourishing with its balance of protein, healthy carbs, and satisfying flavors.
This one-pan wonder transforms simple whole ingredients into something that feels like a special weekend treat, even on a busy Tuesday morning.
Why This Breakfast Skillet Will Become Your New Favorite
There's something magical about a breakfast that cooks itself in one pan while you sip your coffee. The sweet potatoes become perfectly tender with golden, caramelized edges. The bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch. And when you crack those eggs right into the skillet, creating little wells of creamy yolk throughout – well, that's when you know you've created something special.
Ingredients
Main Components:
6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 large eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a gentle kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh Finishing Touches:
¼ cup fresh chives or green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or your favorite)
Hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Get That Bacon Started
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until it's crispy and has rendered its fat. The kitchen will smell incredible, and you'll have that beautiful bacon fat to cook everything else in.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan. This is liquid gold for flavor!
Step 2: Build the Sweet Potato Base
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the same pan with the bacon fat. If your pan seems dry, drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the sweet potatoes for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until they're tender and starting to get those beautiful golden-brown edges.
Season with smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The spices will toast slightly and become wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the empty space. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Now stir everything together so the flavors can mingle and get acquainted.
Step 4: Create Those Perfect Egg Wells
Using a spoon or spatula, create 6 small wells or indentations in the sweet potato mixture. These little nests are where your eggs will nestle perfectly.
Carefully crack each egg into a small bowl first, then gently pour into each well. This gives you better control and prevents any broken yolks from ruining your beautiful skillet.
Step 5: The Final Cook
Sprinkle the crispy bacon back over the entire skillet, then cover and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny (or cook longer if you prefer firmer yolks).
Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with cheese if using. The residual heat will melt it perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives and parsley. The bright green herbs add a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the rich, smoky elements beautifully.
Serve directly from the skillet – because honestly, why dirty more dishes?
Serving Suggestions
This satisfying skillet is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious additions:
Toast slices of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread for dipping into those perfect runny yolks
Add sliced avocado on top for extra creaminess
Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens for a fresh contrast
Hot sauce or salsa verde for those who like a little heat
Fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges for a bright, sweet contrast
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While this skillet is best served fresh and hot, you can prep components ahead:
Dice the sweet potatoes and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Cook the bacon in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
Chop all vegetables the night before
Leftover skillet keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or enjoy cold – it makes an excellent breakfast salad base!
Nutritional Highlights
This colorful breakfast naturally provides:
Complex carbohydrates and beta-carotene from sweet potatoes
High-quality protein from eggs and bacon
Antioxidants from colorful bell peppers
Essential vitamins and minerals from fresh herbs
Satisfying healthy fats that keep you full all morning
Recipe Variations
Make It Your Own:
Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use 2 tablespoons olive oil, adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch
Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Herb garden: Try fresh rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme
Cheese lovers: Experiment with goat cheese, feta, or pepper jack
Veggie boost: Add spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes in the last few minutes
Protein swap: Use turkey bacon, sausage, or leftover roasted chicken
The Beauty of One-Pan Breakfast
We love one-pan meals for a reason. This sweet potato and bacon breakfast skillet embodies everything we love about morning cooking – it's comforting, nourishing, and brings people together around the table.
The best part? Everyone can customize their portion right from the pan. Some like extra bacon, others want more of those caramelized sweet potatoes, and someone always claims the perfectly runny egg. It's interactive dining at its finest.
This is the kind of breakfast that turns ordinary mornings into something special. Whether you're feeding a houseful of weekend guests or treating your family to a Tuesday morning surprise, this skillet delivers on both comfort and nutrition.
The sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and satisfying substance, while the smoky bacon adds that irresistible savory element. The eggs tie it all together with their creamy richness, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and wonderfully nourishing.
What's your favorite breakfast skillet combination? Share your variations in the comments – we'd love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
