This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is the perfect breakfast dish to kickstart your day! It’s filled with fluffy eggs, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, making it oh-so-delicious!
Who can resist a tasty scramble like this? I love tossing in some veggies for extra color and flavor. Serve it up with toast, and you’ve got a hearty meal that keeps you smiling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Diced Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent for this dish due to their creamy texture. If you can’t find them, try red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor twist!
Eggs: Large eggs are the standard. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use egg whites or a chia seed mix as a substitute for the eggs, though that will change the texture a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Ham: The ham adds a nice savory touch, but it’s completely optional! You can replace it with cooked bacon, sausage, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Green Onions/Chives: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. If they’re not available, any fresh herbs like parsley or even spinach can work well.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes to a crispy, golden perfection can be tricky! To ensure they cook evenly, make sure to dice potatoes into uniform pieces. Here’s how to get it right.
- Start by heating the oil or butter in the skillet to medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches.
- Stir occasionally for about 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and tender. Covering the pan for part of the time can help them cook through!
How to Make Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scramble:
- 2 cups diced potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy potato egg scramble will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the potatoes, and then just a few more minutes to finish the scramble and make everything delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are tender when you poke them with a fork.
2. Adding Ham (Optional):
If you’re using ham, go ahead and add the diced cooked ham to the skillet with the potatoes. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the ham is warmed through. This step adds extra flavor, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a vegetarian option.
3. Whisking the Eggs:
While the potatoes and ham are cooking, crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them until they’re well combined. This will make your scramble fluffy and delicious!
4. Combining the Eggs and Potato Mixture:
Now, pour the whisked eggs over the warm potato and ham mixture in the skillet. Gently stir everything together to combine the ingredients. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the eggs start setting up nicely.
5. Melting the Cheese:
When the eggs are almost done cooking but still slightly runny, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This way, the cheese melts beautifully and gets all bubbly on top!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh touch. Serve your cheesy potato egg scramble warm, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables for Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even fresh spinach for a healthier twist. If using zucchini, just be sure to sauté it for a shorter time to prevent it from getting too soft. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the diced cooked ham and perhaps add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also include different cheeses or even some crumbled feta for added flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the potato and egg mixture ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, then add the cheese to melt at the end.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or microwave. If the eggs look a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or a bit of butter to bring back some creaminess!
