There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of buttery potatoes sizzling in a pan, mixed with fluffy scrambled eggs and gooey melted cheese. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying breakfast that will keep you full and happy, this Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is the perfect choice! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to use up leftover ingredients like turkey bacon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best – Crispy potatoes, creamy eggs, and melted cheese? Yes, please!
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Customizable – Add your favorite ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or sausage for extra flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum deliciousness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into cooking, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped (optional but highly recommended!)
- ¼ cup green onions or chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Makes 4 servings
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
The secret to getting the perfect crispy-yet-soft potatoes? Pre-boiling them!
- Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender (but not mushy!).
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside while you prepare the next step.
Pro Tip: Cutting the potatoes evenly ensures they cook at the same time. Aim for ½-inch dice for the best texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
Now it’s time to get those potatoes beautifully golden and crispy.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the boiled potatoes and spread them out into an even layer.
- Let them cook without stirring for about 5 minutes, then stir occasionally until they turn a golden brown (another 2-3 minutes).
Why this step is crucial: Letting the potatoes sit undisturbed allows them to develop that crispy outer crust while staying soft inside.
Step 3: Add the Turkey Bacon (Optional, but Delicious!)
If you’re using turkey bacon, now is the time to add it!
- Stir in the crispy turkey bacon and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- This step allows the flavors to blend, giving the dish that savory, smoky goodness.
No turkey bacon? No problem! You can swap in chopped sausage, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
The eggs are what bring everything together, creating a creamy, savory scramble that coats the potatoes beautifully.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
4 large eggs
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to tastePro Tip: Adding milk makes the eggs lighter and fluffier, but you can also use heavy cream for an extra-rich texture! - Whisk vigorously until everything is fully combined—this ensures the eggs cook evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Eggs
Now, it’s time to pour those fluffy eggs into the skillet!
- Lower the heat to medium-low (gentle heat prevents overcooked eggs).
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potatoes in the skillet.
- Gently stir the eggs into the potatoes using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Important: Stir occasionally, not constantly! This allows the eggs to set without becoming mushy. - Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the eggs are just set but still soft.
Chef’s Tip: If you like extra fluffy eggs, cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking.
Step 6: Add the Cheese!
Now for the best part—cheese!
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the eggs and potatoes.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Cheese Variations:
- Want extra flavor? Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda.
- Love cheese? Feel free to double the amount (no judgment here!).
Step 7: Garnish & Serve!
To finish things off, sprinkle some chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, slightly zesty flavor.
Now, grab a plate and dig in!
Serving Ideas & Customizations
This dish is already delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:
- Make it a Tex-Mex Scramble: Add diced jalapeños, salsa, and avocado on top!
- Go Veggie-Friendly: Swap the meat for bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Load It Up: Add a side of crispy bacon or toast for the ultimate breakfast platter.
- Turn It Into a Breakfast Burrito: Wrap everything in a warm tortilla with salsa for an easy grab-and-go meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time:
- Boil the potatoes the night before and store them in the fridge.
- Chop any mix-ins (like turkey bacon, or veggies) and keep them ready to go.
- When ready to cook, simply sauté the potatoes, scramble the eggs, and add the cheese.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
To keep everything tasting fresh and not soggy, use these reheating methods:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.
Tip: If the eggs dry out, add a splash of milk or water before reheating.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Here’s how:
- Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Swap out milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
5. What other cheese can I use instead of cheddar?
If you want to mix things up, try:
- Mozzarella (for a milder, stretchy cheese pull)
- Pepper Jack (for a spicy kick)
- Smoked Gouda (for a deep, rich flavor)
- Feta (for a tangy twist)
6. Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Simply replace the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a low-carb version.
7. How can I make this even more filling?
If you want a heartier meal, serve this scramble with:
- A side of toast or bagels
- Avocado slices for a creamy touch
- A breakfast sausage or extra bacon
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Dish
There you have it—the ultimate Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble! Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend brunch or need a quick and satisfying breakfast, this dish checks all the boxes:
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have
- Quick cooking time (ready in about 30 minutes!)
- Completely customizable—add what you love, leave out what you don’t
- Perfectly cheesy, crispy, and satisfying every time
So, what are you waiting for? Try it out and let us know how it turned out! Share your favorite variations in the comments below.
Happy Cooking!
Print
CHEESY POTATO EGG SCRAMBLE
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is a comforting and satisfying breakfast packed with crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, gooey melted cheese, and optional crispy bacon for extra flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weekday breakfast or a hearty weekend brunch!
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the potatoes: In a pot of salted water, boil the diced potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the potatoes: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the boiled potatoes and cook until golden and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Add the meat (optional): Stir in the chopped turkey bacon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
4️⃣ Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
5️⃣ Cook the eggs: Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes in the skillet. Gently stir to combine, allowing the eggs to scramble and cook with the potatoes. Let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
7️⃣ Garnish & serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness: After boiling, pat the potatoes dry before adding them to the skillet. This helps them get crispier!
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the turkey bacon and add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed scramble.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins