Classic Breakfast Recipe

Par-cook potatoes

Place diced potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook 6 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain thoroughly and let steam-dry in colander for 2–3 minutes.

Sauté

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbs neutral oil and 1 tbs butter. When butter foams, add the drained potatoes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes to develop a crust, then stir/flip pieces to brown other sides, about another 6–8 minutes.

Add aromatics & season

Push potatoes to the side and add the chopped onion and diced green pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir together with potatoes, then add smoked paprika, garlic powder, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep on low heat and cover briefly if needed to finish cooking, 2–3 minutes.

Cook selected protein while home fries are finishing so everything is ready together.

Bacon (pan)

Place bacon strips in a cold skillet in a single layer. Turn heat to medium and cook 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crisp to your liking. Transfer to paper towels to drain. If needed, keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a sheet pan.

Sausage links (pork or chicken)

For links: heat a skillet over medium, add 1 tbs oil if lean. Add sausages and cook 10–12 minutes, turning frequently, until evenly browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for pork or 165°F (74°C) for chicken. Transfer to a warm plate and tent with foil.

Cook eggs to order (suggestions below). Use a small nonstick skillet and a bit of butter or oil. For timing, start eggs when protein is nearly done and home fries are resting so everything finishes simultaneously.

Sunny-side up

Heat 1 tsp butter over low-medium heat until foaming. Crack eggs into the pan, cover, and cook 2–3 minutes until whites are set but yolks runny. Remove and season with salt and pepper.

Over-easy / Over-medium / Over-hard

Cook eggs as sunny-side until whites set, flip gently and cook 20–30 seconds for over-easy, 45–60 seconds for over-medium, or 1.5–2 minutes for over-hard until yolk is fully set. Season to taste.

Scrambled

Beat eggs with a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp milk or water. Melt 1 tsp butter in a skillet over medium-low. Pour eggs and stir slowly until curds form and eggs are just set, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat to avoid overcooking.

Toast sourdough slices (or gluten-free substitute) in a toaster or under a broiler until golden, about 2–3 minutes depending on appliance. Spread butter on hot toast and cut on the diagonal if desired.

Plate two eggs, chosen protein, a generous portion of home fries, and two slices of buttered sourdough. Sprinkle chopped parsley over home fries and eggs if using. Serve hot with hot sauce or ketchup on the side.