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Crispy Loaded Breakfast Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon

crispy loaded breakfast potatoes - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for weekend brunches or family breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh chives or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Place diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain and let dry.
  3. Heat skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in pan.
  4. Add diced onion and bell pepper to bacon fat in skillet. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. Increase heat to medium-high and add olive oil if needed. Add par-cooked potatoes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to form a golden crust, then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until crispy and browned.
  6. Season potatoes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat and cook for another minute.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over potatoes, then scatter crispy bacon on top. Cover skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry potatoes thoroughly after rinsing to ensure crispiness. Use bacon fat for extra flavor and better crisping. Avoid stirring too often to develop a golden crust. Cook potatoes in batches if pan is crowded. Add cheese at the end to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast potatoes, crispy potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, brunch recipe, loaded potatoes, easy breakfast