This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble combines crispy golden potatoes with fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort breakfast. A hearty, satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you need something substantial that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a complete meal in one skillet, combining protein, carbs, and vegetables
• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings
• Customizable with various add-ins to suit your family’s preferences
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and reheat portions throughout the week

Ingredients

• Potatoes: Use medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture—russets get crispier, while Yukons have a buttery flavor that works beautifully in this dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
• Eggs: Large eggs work best, but you can adjust the quantity based on how egg-forward you want the dish to be.
• Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest eggs, but any type of milk (including plant-based alternatives) will work.
• Ham or Bacon: Entirely optional but adds wonderful savory flavor—use leftover ham, diced bacon, or skip for a vegetarian version.
• Green Onions or Chives: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish—fresh is best, but dried chives work in a pinch.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish, or substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper will give you the best flavor.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded Scramble

Transform this dish into a nutrient powerhouse by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes. Simply sauté the vegetables with the potatoes until tender before adding the eggs for a colorful breakfast packed with vitamins.

Mexican-Inspired Fiesta

Give your scramble a southwestern twist by adding jalapeños, black beans, and corn. Replace the cheddar with pepper jack or Mexican cheese blend, and serve with salsa, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for a breakfast burrito bowl experience.

Mediterranean Version

Create a Mediterranean variation by using olive oil instead of butter, and mixing in chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese instead of cheddar. Finish with a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by boiling the diced potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. This par-boiling process ensures the potatoes cook evenly and reduces the total cooking time. Drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up nicely in the next step.

Step 2: Crisp the Potatoes

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the boiled potatoes in a single layer, allowing them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes total, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop a beautiful golden crust. If using ham or bacon, add it now and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Finish

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the crispy potatoes, reducing the heat to medium-low. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, allowing the eggs to cook slowly around the potatoes. When the eggs are almost set but still slightly wet, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, cover with a lid, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. Garnish with fresh green onions before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking
• For extra-crispy potatoes, pat them dry with paper towels after boiling and before adding to the skillet
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when crisping the potatoes—use a large skillet or cook in batches if needed
• Cook the eggs on medium-low heat for the creamiest texture, stirring gently and not too often
• Add the cheese when the eggs are almost but not completely set to prevent overcooking
• For meal prep, slightly undercook the eggs as they’ll continue cooking when reheated

How to Serve

Serve this Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble hot from the skillet for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with toast, English muffins, or warm tortillas for scooping. For a complete brunch spread, add a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. Consider setting out additional toppings like hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, or avocado slices so everyone can customize their portion. This hearty dish also works well alongside a Bloody Mary or mimosa for weekend entertaining.

Make Ahead

This scramble is perfect for meal prep and can be prepared in several ways ahead of time. The potatoes can be boiled, diced, and stored in the refrigerator up to two days in advance. The entire dish can be fully cooked, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 3 days—simply reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For best results when reheating, add a tablespoon of water and cover to create steam, which helps maintain moisture in the eggs.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work wonderfully in this recipe and can save you prep time. Skip the boiling step and follow the package instructions for cooking them until crispy before proceeding with the recipe.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, using your favorite plant-based milk, and either omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I add vegetables to this scramble?

Absolutely! This recipe is extremely versatile. Bell peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes all work wonderfully. Add them to the skillet after the potatoes have started to crisp, and cook until tender before adding the eggs.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this makes an excellent meal prep option. The scramble keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Portion it into individual containers for quick grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is the ultimate comfort food breakfast that combines simplicity with delicious flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weekend morning or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this versatile dish delivers satisfaction in every bite. The combination of crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a breakfast experience that feels indulgent yet comes together with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try—it might just become your new go-to breakfast!

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