Description

Imagine sitting down to a hearty meal that warms your soul, fills your belly, and brings everyone together. The Loaded Cheddar Bacon Potato and Sausage Skillet is just that dish, a delightful combination of crispy bacon, savory sausage, creamy cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes, all cooked together in one pan. This recipe hails from the heart of comfort food culture, where every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a satisfying and flavorful experience. What makes this dish truly special is not just its mouthwatering taste but also its simplicity. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a lazy weekend brunch, or even a festive gathering where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

As you prepare this dish, you'll find joy in the sizzling sounds of bacon and sausage, the comforting aroma of potatoes roasting, and the delightful moment when everything comes together in a bubbling skillet. Loaded with flavor and goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your skillet and let’s dive into this wonderful culinary adventure!

Ingredients

• For the skillet:
• - 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, diced into small cubes
• - 6 strips of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• - 1 pound of breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• - 1 medium onion, diced
• - 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• - 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• - 1 teaspoon of paprika
• - 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• - 1 teaspoon of salt
• - 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• - 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional toppings:
• - Sour cream
• - Green onions, sliced
• - Extra cheddar cheese

Preparation Method

Start by prepping your ingredients. Wash and dice the russet potatoes into small cubes—about half an inch in size works well. This size ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Set them aside for now. Next, chop the bacon into small pieces. Using thick-cut bacon not only adds more flavor but also gives your dish that crispy texture we all love.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped bacon. Sauté the bacon for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and releases its flavorful fat. The sizzling sound of bacon cooking is a universal cue for deliciousness, so enjoy it!

Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat behind. This fat is gold; it’s packed with flavor and will help cook the other ingredients. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté it in the bacon fat for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and slightly caramelized, which will add a wonderful sweetness to the dish.

Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The aroma at this point will have you feeling excited about the dish you’re creating.

Now, it’s time to add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated with the bacon fat and infused with the flavors of the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, and salt. These seasonings will elevate the dish, providing warmth and depth.

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the potatoes to be fork-tender and golden brown on the edges. If you find that the potatoes are sticking to the skillet, feel free to add a splash of water or additional olive oil; this will help create steam and prevent sticking.

Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the sausage. If you’re using sausage links, remove the casings and crumble the sausage into the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the sausage to cook and brown for about 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re using bulk sausage, just break it up as you add it to the skillet.

When the sausage is cooked through and no longer pink, it’s time for the pièce de résistance: the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for about 2 to 3 minutes. The sight of that gooey, melted cheese bubbling on top of the smoky sausage and crispy bacon is truly a sight to behold.

Once the cheese has melted beautifully, remove the skillet from the heat. For a final touch, sprinkle the crispy bacon back over the top, followed by a generous scattering of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Conclusion

For a fun twist on this dish, consider adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your skillet. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or use chicken sausage. This dish is also freezer-friendly. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Simply reheat in the skillet or microwave for a quick meal on busy days.



Preparing the Loaded Cheddar Bacon Potato and Sausage Skillet is not just about cooking; it’s an experience filled with delightful aromas, sizzling sounds, and the anticipation of a delicious meal. As you gather around the table with family or friends, the joy of sharing this rich and savory dish will create lasting memories.

Don’t stop here! Explore more comforting recipes on our site, like creamy mac and cheese, a zesty chili, or even a classic roast chicken. Share this recipe with your loved ones, and let them join in the deliciousness. Your culinary journey doesn’t have to end here; keep browsing for more delightful dishes that will spark your creativity and satisfy your cravings. Happy cooking!