The Breakfast Skillet: an easy weeknight meal

The last week in Oregon has been over 100 degrees and somewhat miserable. The boys and I have been living at the farm pool, cuddling close to the window AC units and attempting to avoid turning on the stove as much as possible. This means quick, easy dinners with fresh garden ingredients are a MUST. One of my favorite dinner options that fits this description is a Breakfast Skillet.

Breakfast for dinner!? YES. It’s an easy way to use up garden produce, feed your family a quick and healthy meal, and keep the stove from heating up your house.

What is a Breakfast Skillet?

Traditionally a Breakfast Skillet includes onion, peppers, eggs, potatoes, bacon and cheese, all cooked in a cast iron skillet. But really, the main elements are:

• Meat: Bacon, ham or sausage.
• Veggies: Onion, peppers, zucchini, asparagus, corn or tomatoes.
• Potatoes: I prefer waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red.
• Eggs: Eggs can be scrambled with the other ingredients or served fried on top. I like to serve fried eggs on top of the skillet as it makes it feel more like a complete dish.
• Cheese. We are raw cheddar people, but lots of different types of cheeses would work for this dish!

Is a Breakfast Skillet healthy?

A Breakfast can be super healthy as long as you use the right ingredients. A few ways that I make sure my skillets are light and fresh are by using:

• Pasture-raised meat. I know grass fed and/or pasture-rasied meat can be on the pricier side, but guys, it’s worth it. In addition to raising our own beef on our property, we buy all our pork from Fed From the Farm. They have a monthly shipment which I can customize based on my needs, and have a wonderful selection of Ham, Sausage, Bacon and so much more!
• Garden veggies (or local/organic produce). Summer is prime time for veggies from the garden, so chop up whatever strikes your fancy, and toss it in your skillet! Garden veggies have been proven to be healthier, more nutrient dense and much more flavorful. If you don’t have a garden or veggies coming online yet, hit up your local farmer’s market or CSA. We did CSA’s for a long time before we could grow our own food.
• Raw cheese. I buy raw Cheddar in 5# blocks from Azure foods once a month and we use it in EVERYTHING. Both my oldest son and I have some issues with conventional dairy, so this raw cheddar is a MUST and so good. All other cheese pales in comparison.
• Farm fresh eggs. We only have 3 chickens at the moment, but this time of year those ladies are getting it done! A small but mighty flock. Farm fresh eggs are another easy thing to find at the farmer’s market if you don’t have your own birds, and can often be found just driving through the countryside.

Tools you need for a perfect Breakfast Skillet

To make a perfect Breakfast Skillet is not rocket science, but there are a few simple tools that will make the process super simple.

1. Cast Iron Skillet. For our family of 4, a 15-inch cast-iron skillet is the perfect size. It makes more than enough to feed our hungry bunch, even with a bit leftover.
2. Metal spatula. The key to a delicious Breakfast Skillet is the browned crispy bits, and especially with cast-iron, it can be tricky to get things up off the pan without a metal spatula. This little guy would do the trick!
3. Metal cooling racks. It wouldn’t be a Breakfast Skillet without eating from the actual skillet, right!? Not to mention, less dishes! These metal cooling racks make it possible to set your skillets right on the table.

Do you like Breakfast for Dinner?

I’ve notice that people tend to be PRO breakfast for dinner or ANTI breakfast for dinner. There’s not a whole lot of neutral folks on this topic apparently. What about you!? Leave a comment below and let me know which side you’re on.

And, don’t forget to pin this image so other people can find this simple Summer recipe and make their weeknight meals a breeze!

Kali

I’m Kali. Oregon mama, farmer’s wife and creator of the Potager book and blog. Join me and as we cook and garden through the seasons!