The smell hit before I even turned the corner into the kitchen — smoky bacon, crisped just right, and that comforting sizzle of potatoes in a hot skillet. It was one of those lazy weekend mornings where nobody was in a rush, and the only plan was to eat something hearty and satisfying.
I’d just picked up some thick-cut bacon and a pack of sausage links at the market, and knew exactly what to do. With the skillet heating up, I started layering flavors: golden potatoes, sizzling sausage slices, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon crumbles. Before long, it turned into a skillet full of everything good — bubbling cheese, smoky meat, and golden edges on every potato.
This one-skillet wonder is now a regular in our rotation. Whether it’s for brunch, dinner, or a quick reheat-the-next-day kind of meal, it hits the spot every time.
Short Description
This Loaded Cheddar Bacon Potato and Sausage Skillet is a hearty, cheesy one-pan meal packed with crispy potatoes, smoky sausage, melty cheddar, and crumbled bacon — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Key Ingredients
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes or russets, diced small
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce
Tools Needed
- Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 1–2 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
In the same pan, add sliced sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté potatoes
Add a bit of oil or butter if needed. Toss in diced potatoes and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes, until tender and golden.
Step 4: Add onions
Stir in diced onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Return sausage to the pan and crumble in the bacon. Stir everything together. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover for 1–2 minutes to melt.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Top with green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or hot sauce if you like. Serve hot right from the skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– One-pan simplicity
– Packed with protein and flavor
– Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying
– Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
– Easy to customize with what you have on hand
– Crowd-pleaser for all ages
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Potatoes sticking or burning
→ Solution: Dice them evenly and don’t rush. Stir occasionally and keep the heat at medium.
2. Greasy skillet
→ Solution: Drain excess bacon fat, leaving just enough to flavor the potatoes.
3. Cheese burning
→ Solution: Add the cheese at the very end, cover, and let it melt gently.
4. Overcrowded pan
→ Solution: Use a large enough skillet to allow everything to brown instead of steam.
5. Sausage too dry
→ Solution: Don’t overcook it. Just brown until lightly crisped and remove.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve with fried or scrambled eggs for brunch
– Pair with a light green salad for dinner
– Add a slice of crusty toast or warm tortillas
– Great with iced tea, cold beer, or even a mimosa for brunch
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months
Reheat in skillet: Heat over medium-low with a splash of water or oil
Reheat in microwave: Microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet to avoid sogginess.
2. What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy andouille all taste great.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the sausage for plant-based versions and use vegetarian bacon.
4. Is it spicy?
Not at all — but you can add hot sauce, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese for heat.
5. Can I prep it ahead?
Yes! Cook the components ahead and just reheat together before serving.
Tips & Tricks
– Cut the potatoes small and evenly for quick, even cooking
– Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies
– Top with a fried egg to turn it into a breakfast-for-dinner meal
– Double the batch and meal prep for the week
– Cast iron gives the best crisp on potatoes — use if you’ve got one
Recipe Variations
1. Southwest Style
Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
2. Cajun Kick
Use andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and add diced bell peppers.
3. Veggie Loaded
Toss in zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a garden-fresh spin.
4. Breakfast Bowl Style
Scoop into a bowl and top with scrambled eggs and avocado slices.
5. BBQ Twist
Use chopped BBQ sausage and drizzle barbecue sauce over the top before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cheddar Bacon Potato and Sausage Skillet is everything a good skillet meal should be — crispy, cheesy, smoky, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish you throw together when you want something hearty without the fuss, and it never disappoints. Whether it’s brunch for a crowd or just a weeknight comfort fix, it brings flavor and coziness to the table in every bite.