Heat a medium nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the diced potato in a single layer if possible.

Cook, undisturbed, 4–5 minutes until the undersides begin to brown. Stir or flip the potatoes and add the diced onion. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 6–8 more minutes until potatoes are tender and golden.

Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Stir to combine. If potatoes are browning too fast before tender, lower heat and cover for a minute to allow steam to finish cooking, then uncover and crisp again. Keep warm in the pan on the lowest heat while you prepare egg and protein.

Protein (pick the option you chose)

Bacon (if chosen)

Place 2 strips of bacon in a cold skillet, then set over medium heat. Cook 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisped to preference. Transfer to paper towel to drain. If making ahead, keep warm in a low oven (135°C/275°F).

Ham (if chosen)

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium for 1 minute. Add 1 slice of fully cooked ham and warm 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned and heated through. Keep warm.

Sausage (if chosen)

For 1 small fully cooked breakfast sausage link, heat in a skillet over medium for 4–5 minutes, turning frequently until evenly browned and heated through. Slice crosswise if desired for a kid-friendly portion.

Egg & Assembly

About 2–3 minutes before serving, return the skillet used for potatoes (or use a clean small skillet) to medium-low and add 1 tsp butter. When butter foams, crack the egg into a small bowl to check for shells, then gently slide the egg into the pan.

Cook the egg to the child's preference: for over-easy, let whites set 2 minutes, flip gently and cook 15–30 seconds more; for over-medium, flip and cook 45–60 seconds; for over-hard, break yolk and cook 1–2 minutes more; for sunny-side up, cover the pan and cook 2–3 minutes until whites are set but yolk still runny. Season with 1/8 tsp salt and a light grind of pepper.

While egg finishes, toast the chosen bread slice in a toaster until golden (about 1–2 minutes). Spread 1/2 tsp butter on the toast immediately so it melts.

Plate the home fries (about half the cooked batch for a kid portion), place the chosen protein alongside, add the cooked egg on top or beside the fries, and serve the buttered toast on the side. Adjust portions to fit one child serving.