There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of sausage hitting a hot skillet to start your morning right. This sausage breakfast skillet has been my go-to weekend brunch dish for years – it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table before the coffee’s even finished brewing. What I love most is how simple yet satisfying it is – just one pan, a few fresh ingredients, and 30 minutes later you’ve got a protein-packed breakfast that’ll keep you full till lunch. My kids call it “Dad’s famous messy skillet” because no matter how carefully I try to plate it, we always end up eating straight from the pan with forks clinking together. The combination of crispy potatoes, juicy sausage, and melty cheese with those perfectly runny eggs? Absolute breakfast perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Breakfast Skillet
This isn’t just another breakfast recipe—it’s your new secret weapon for mornings when you want something hearty without the hassle. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:
- One-pan wonder: From browning the sausage to cooking the eggs, everything happens in a single skillet (less cleanup means more coffee time!)
- Protein power: With sausage and eggs, this skillet packs 22g of protein per serving to keep you full for hours
- Weekend easy, weekday fast: Takes just 30 minutes start to finish – I’ve even made it half-asleep before early meetings
- Totally customizable: Swap in whatever veggies you have, change up the cheese, or add hot sauce for kick
Trust me, once you try that first cheesy, savory bite, you’ll understand why this skillet disappears every time I make it.
Ingredients for the Perfect Sausage Breakfast Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this skillet magic happen. I like to prep my ingredients first so I can focus on the cooking—it makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage: I prefer the loose kind, but if you’ve got links, just remove the casings
- 4 large eggs: Fresh is best—they make the dish shine
- 1 cup diced potatoes: Parboil them for 5 minutes to speed up cooking in the skillet
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers: Any color works—I love the sweetness of red
- 1/2 cup diced onions: Yellow or white onions add that perfect savory base
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For that golden, crispy potato texture
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy—season as you go for the best flavor
That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together for a breakfast skillet you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Make a Sausage Breakfast Skillet
Now for the fun part—let’s transform those simple ingredients into the most satisfying breakfast skillet you’ve ever had. Follow these steps carefully, and I promise you’ll be scraping the pan clean with your toast by the end!
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—I like using my trusty cast iron for even cooking. Add the sausage, breaking it up with your spatula as it browns. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned with some crispy bits. Pro tip: If there’s excess grease (especially with pork sausage), drain off all but 1 tablespoon—this prevents the veggies from getting soggy later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Here’s where the magic starts! Add your potatoes, bell peppers, and onions to that flavorful sausage grease. Spread everything in an even layer—don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam instead of sauté. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender with golden edges. The onions should be translucent and sweet, the peppers slightly softened but still vibrant.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Cheese
Make four little wells in the mixture with your spatula and crack an egg into each one. Season with salt and pepper, then cover the skillet with a lid (or foil if you don’t have one). This creates the perfect steam to cook the eggs. For runny yolks, cook about 3-4 minutes—add a minute or two if you prefer them set. Remove from heat, sprinkle that glorious cheddar all over, and let it melt slightly before serving.
Tips for the Best Sausage Breakfast Skillet
Want to take your skillet game to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tips for making it absolutely foolproof:
- Pre-cook your potatoes: Parboil them for 5 minutes before adding to the skillet—it cuts cooking time and ensures they’re perfectly tender.
- Cheese swap: Not a cheddar fan? Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage while it cooks for extra flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Let the eggs set undisturbed—lifting the lid to check too often can ruin that perfect steam.
These little tweaks make all the difference!
Variations to Try with Your Sausage Breakfast Skillet
This skillet is a blank canvas—feel free to get creative! Swap the pork sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter option, or try sweet potatoes instead of regular for a touch of natural sweetness. I love tossing in a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of feta or crumbled bacon—it’s all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Your Sausage Breakfast Skillet
This skillet is a meal all on its own, but I love rounding it out with a few simple sides. Toast is my go-to for soaking up those runny yolks—sourdough or rye work beautifully. Sliced avocado adds creaminess, while a dash of hot sauce gives it a spicy kick. For brunch gatherings, I’ll sometimes serve it with fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Honestly though? A big fork and hungry friends are the only accessories you really need!
How to Store and Reheat Your Sausage Breakfast Skillet
Leftovers? Ha! Just kidding—this skillet disappears fast in my house, but if you’re lucky enough to have some extra, here’s how to keep it tasty. Store it airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days (the eggs hold up better than you’d think). When reheating, I always use the stovetop—just add a splash of water, cover, and warm over low heat until steamy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but tends to overcook the eggs—though honestly? Cold skillet straight from the fridge isn’t half bad either!
Sausage Breakfast Skillet Nutrition Facts
Let’s talk about what’s fueling your morning! This sausage breakfast skillet isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with protein and energy to power your day. Based on my standard ingredients, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (remember, these values will vary slightly depending on your specific brands and any tweaks you make):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g (that’s nearly half your daily protein in one meal!)
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 32g (12g saturated)
The eggs and sausage deliver all nine essential amino acids, while the veggies add important vitamins. It’s the kind of breakfast that keeps you satisfied—no mid-morning snack attacks here!
Common Questions About Sausage Breakfast Skillets
I get asked about this recipe all the time—here are the questions that pop up most often with my honest answers:
- “Can I freeze leftover sausage breakfast skillet?” Honestly, the eggs get weird when frozen—they turn rubbery. I’d recommend only making what you’ll eat fresh. If you must, freeze just the sausage-veggie mix and add fresh eggs when reheating.
- “What’s the best sausage type for breakfast skillets?” I’m partial to classic pork breakfast sausage (mild or hot—your call!), but turkey sausage works great too. Just watch for leaner versions—they might need an extra drizzle of oil.
- “Can I make this vegetarian?” Absolutely! Swap in plant-based sausage crumbles and add extra veggies like mushrooms. The eggs and cheese keep it protein-packed.
- “Why are my potatoes still hard?” Been there! Either parboil them first or cover the skillet when cooking—the steam helps soften them faster.
- “What size skillet works best?” My 12-inch cast iron is perfect—big enough to fit everything without overcrowding. A 10-inch can work if you go easy on ingredients.
Still got questions? Just ask—I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to!
Print
30-Minute Sausage Breakfast Skillet That Will Wow Your Family
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty sausage breakfast skillet packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a filling morning meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Remove sausage and set aside.
- Add potatoes, bell peppers, and onions to the skillet.
- Cook until potatoes are tender.
- Return sausage to the skillet.
- Crack eggs over the mixture.
- Cover and cook until eggs are set.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked potatoes for faster prep.
- Swap sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add hot sauce for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
Keywords: sausage breakfast skillet, hearty breakfast, protein-packed meal, easy breakfast recipe














