This Cheesy Potato Skillet is a warm, comforting dish packed with crispy potatoes and melted cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast or a hearty dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These tiny potatoes are perfect for even cooking. If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes; just chop them into small, uniform pieces. Yukon Golds or red potatoes work well too!
Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta can substitute nicely. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or smoked tempeh for that hint of smokiness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Feel free to swap it for other types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well!
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can work, though the flavor will change slightly.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Perfectly Cooked?
The key to delicious, tender potatoes is cooking them correctly in the skillet. Start by ensuring you cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Here’s how:
- Boil the potato pieces briefly for about 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This helps speed up cooking.
- Keep the heat at medium and cover the skillet. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until they’re fork-tender and have a nice golden color, about 15-20 minutes. This will ensure you avoid undercooked or burnt potatoes!
How to Make a Cheesy Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy potato skillet will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you should set aside around 35-40 minutes to enjoy this hearty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly. Then cut them in halves or quarters to ensure they cook evenly. This step is important for getting perfectly tender potatoes!
2. Cook the Bacon:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook it until crispy, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside. Make sure to leave the delicious bacon fat in the skillet!
3. Sauté the Onions:
Add the butter into the skillet with the bacon fat. Then, toss in the diced onions and sauté them until they are softened and translucent, which will take about 4-5 minutes. This will add flavor to your dish.
4. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until you can smell the wonderful aroma of the garlic. This boosts the flavor of the whole dish!
5. Cook the Potatoes:
Next, it’s time to add the prepared potatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything around in the skillet so that the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
6. Let It Cook:
Cover the skillet and let the potatoes cook over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. They should be easy to poke with a fork by the end!
7. Add Milk or Cream:
Once the potatoes are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the milk or heavy cream and stir everything together to create a creamy mixture with the potatoes.
8. Melt the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese can melt beautifully over everything.
9. Finish with Bacon:
After the cheese has melted, sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces back on top of the cheesy potatoes. This adds a nice crunchy texture!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your skillet with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot right from the skillet, and enjoy this delicious cheesy dish as a side or a hearty breakfast!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute them with Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily skip the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar savory flavor. Just omit the bacon fat when cooking the onions and use olive oil or additional butter.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve With This Skillet?
This cheesy potato skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It also makes a great base for a fried or poached egg on top for a satisfying breakfast!
