Description:
This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is the ultimate breakfast or brunch recipe, perfect for those mornings when you crave something hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious. It combines tender, slightly crispy potatoes with fluffy, cheesy scrambled eggs, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal that will energize your day. The optional addition of ham or bacon elevates the scramble to another level, providing a smoky, savory element that complements the potatoes and eggs perfectly. Garnish with fresh green onions or chives for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. This recipe is quick, easy, and customizable, making it a go-to option for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend mornings. Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and incredible taste of this Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cooked ham or bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
This recipe has a few basic steps, and minimal prep time.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Uniformly sized potatoes will ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Place the diced potatoes in a medium-sized pot and cover them with cold, salted water. The salt helps to season the potatoes from the inside out, enhancing their flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. A fork should easily pierce through the potatoes without any resistance. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and set them aside. Removing excess water is essential to achieve a crispy texture later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the other ingredients. Chop the ham or bacon (if using) into small pieces and set it aside. Shred the cheddar cheese and chop the green onions or chives. In a large skillet or non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the potatoes, but you can also use olive oil for a healthier option. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the drained potatoes. Cook the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and slightly crispy. This step is crucial for developing a satisfying texture.
Step 3: Add Ham or Bacon (Optional): If you are using ham or bacon, add it to the skillet with the potatoes during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This allows the ham or bacon to heat through and release its savory flavor into the potatoes. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the ham or bacon is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. The milk adds moisture and helps to create a light and fluffy scramble. Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper to your taste preferences. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, for extra flavor.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs: Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and ham/bacon in the skillet. Gently stir the mixture to combine the eggs with the potatoes and other ingredients. Allow the eggs to cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the eggs cook, they will begin to scramble and thicken. Continue to stir until the eggs are fully cooked but still moist. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as this can result in a dry and rubbery scramble.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the scramble. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. The lid helps to trap the heat and melt the cheese quickly and evenly. If you don’t have a lid, you can also use a large plate to cover the skillet.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble with chopped green onions or chives. The green onions or chives add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the eggs and cheese. Serve the scramble immediately while it is still warm and gooey.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or meats. Try adding bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, sausage, or chorizo for a variety of flavor combinations.
- Quick and Easy: This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy mornings or weeknight dinners. The entire recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Comforting and Satisfying: This scramble is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that will leave you feeling full and content.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. The simple flavors and familiar ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for meal prep. Store the cooked scramble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble as a standalone breakfast or brunch dish.
- Pair it with a side of toast, muffins, or fresh fruit.
- Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Make it a complete meal by serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- For best results, use waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes, or they will become mushy. Cook them until they are fork-tender but still firm.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- If you don’t have green onions or chives, you can use other herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or dill.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ham or bacon.
- If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can cook the potatoes and ham/bacon in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. When you’re ready to make the scramble, simply add the cooked potatoes and ham/bacon to the skillet and continue with the recipe.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. Its ease of preparation, customizable nature, and comforting flavors make it a winning recipe for busy individuals and families alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a simple dinner, this scramble will surely satisfy your cravings. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can easily substitute it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gruyere, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Consider the flavor profile you are aiming for when choosing your cheese.
- What if I don’t have milk? Can I use something else?
- Yes, you can use other liquids in place of milk. Half-and-half or cream will result in a richer, creamier scramble. You can also use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or even a bit of chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- Can I add vegetables to this scramble?
- Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the scramble. Some good options include diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables along with the potatoes until they are tender before adding the egg mixture.
- How do I prevent the eggs from becoming dry and rubbery?
- The key to preventing dry, rubbery eggs is to cook them over medium-low heat and avoid overcooking. Stir the eggs gently and frequently, but don’t over-stir. Remove the skillet from the heat when the eggs are still slightly moist, as they will continue to cook from the residual heat.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil or coconut oil and the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Also, use a plant-based milk alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
