Loaded Breakfast Hash: The Midnight Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed

I started craving this after a dream about late-night diners and the smell of browned potatoes mixed with sizzling bacon. It’s not your typical morning breakfast—more like a secret menu item you’d stumble onto during a sleepover. There’s something about the way the crispy potatoes soak up everything salty and cheesy that lingers long after you’ve finished eating.

This dish feels like an accidental remix of the breakfast I grew up with—super indulgent but honestly kind of rebellious. It’s perfect for those mornings when you wake up with a strange hankering for something that’s hearty enough to keep you from thinking about lunch. Also, it’s a great excuse to use up those random leftover ingredients lurking in your fridge.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• It’s brutally simple but hits all the right spots—crispy taters, melty cheese, savory eggs.
• Perfect for lazy weekends or a noise-filled family brunch.
• It’s forgiving—you can add or skip things, and it still works.
• It reminds me how comforting leftovers can be if you just pile them high with a few extras.
• Plus, the smell alone might make your neighbors start peeking in.

Honestly, I keep pretending I’m too busy for breakfast but then end up making this at midnight just because. It’s chaotic but also a reminder that some of the best meals are the ones when you’re just winging it.

Crispy Potato and Bacon Hash with Cheese and Eggs

This dish combines diced potatoes fried until crispy with sizzling bacon, topped with melted cheese and cooked eggs. The potatoes develop a golden crust, while the interior remains tender, and the eggs are cooked to your preferred doneness, creating a hearty, savory meal with contrasting textures.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups diced potatoes preferably medium-sized
• 6 slices bacon cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your preferred melting cheese
• 4 large eggs for frying or scrambling
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil for frying potatoes and bacon

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced potatoes. Spread them out in a single layer and cook, occasionally stirring, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add the bacon pieces to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring regularly, until the bacon is sizzling and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. The potatoes will absorb some of the bacon fat, adding flavor.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot potato and bacon mixture. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt, creating a gooey layer on top.
4. In a separate pan or right in the same skillet, crack the eggs directly onto the mixture or cook them separately if you prefer sunny side up. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks reach your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. If cooking the eggs separately, transfer the hash to serving plates and top with the eggs.
6. Serve hot straight from the skillet, allowing the crispy textures and melted cheese to be enjoyed with each bite. Dig in and savor the hearty, savory flavors.

There’s a weird satisfaction in knowing I don’t have to overthink this. Just throw stuff in a pan and see what happens. No fuss, no fussing, just a pile of everything I like best—simple and satisfying. Maybe tomorrow I’ll add some hot sauce or a drizzle of sour cream… or maybe I’ll just leave it as is, staring at the leftovers like they’re a little treasure.