Sweet Potato Hash

I discovered sweet potato hash during a trip to Portland, Oregon, where I stumbled into a tiny breakfast café that had a line out the door. I ordered their signature hash on a whim, and that first bite changed my breakfast game forever. The way they'd achieved that perfect caramelization on the sweet potatoes while keeping them tender inside was remarkable. When I got home, I became obsessed with recreating that dish. I spent weeks experimenting with different cooking techniques – trying various pan temperatures, different oils, and cooking methods. What I learned is that patience is key. You need to resist the urge to constantly stir the potatoes so they can develop those beautiful crispy edges. The addition of bacon wasn't in the original dish, but I found it adds such a wonderful smoky depth that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly. The bell peppers bring color and a slight sweetness, while the onions add that essential savory foundation. Topping it with eggs was inspired by my love of hash dishes from diners across America, and those runny yolks create the most incredible sauce that brings every element together into one cohesive, delicious bite.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I love about home cooking – it's simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. I love how versatile it is; you can make it your own by adjusting the spices or adding different vegetables based on what you have on hand. What really gets me excited is the textural contrast – the crispy edges of the sweet potatoes against the soft interior, the tender vegetables, the crispy bacon, and that glorious runny egg yolk that cascades over everything. It's also a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The colors are so vibrant and appealing that it looks like something from a restaurant menu, yet it's achievable in any home kitchen. I love serving this to guests because it never fails to impress, and there's something so communal about everyone digging into a big skillet together. Plus, it's packed with nutrients from the sweet potatoes while still being indulgent enough to feel like a treat. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated – sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones made with fresh, quality ingredients and a little bit of love.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and optimal caramelization
• Bacon: Chop into small pieces before cooking to render the fat and create crispy bits throughout the hash
• Bell Peppers: Dice both red and green peppers into similar-sized pieces as the sweet potatoes for consistent texture
• Yellow Onion: Dice finely to distribute savory flavor throughout the hash and allow for proper caramelization
• Eggs: Use fresh eggs at room temperature for the most perfectly shaped sunny side up eggs with golden yolks
• Garlic: Mince finely and add near the end of cooking to prevent burning while maximizing aromatic flavor

Let's Make These Together

Render the Bacon Fat

Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a cold pan, then gradually increase the heat to medium. This allows the fat to render slowly and the bacon to crisp up perfectly. Once it's golden and crispy, remove it and save that liquid gold (bacon fat) in the pan – it's going to add incredible flavor to your sweet potatoes. Just drain the excess, keeping about 2 tablespoons.

Achieve Perfect Caramelization

Here's the secret to restaurant-quality hash: patience. When you add those sweet potato cubes to the hot oil and bacon fat, resist the urge to stir them constantly. Let them sit undisturbed for 5-6 minutes so the bottoms develop that beautiful golden-brown crust. Season them well with the spices right at the beginning so the flavors penetrate as they cook. The smoked paprika is key here – it adds a subtle smokiness that complements the bacon perfectly.

Layer Your Vegetables

Add your onions and peppers after the sweet potatoes are mostly cooked through. This timing ensures everything finishes at the same time without the peppers turning mushy. Watch for the onions to become translucent and the peppers to soften slightly while still maintaining some texture. The garlic goes in last – just one minute is enough to release its aroma without burning. Then fold in your crispy bacon to distribute it evenly throughout the hash.

Master the Eggs

Creating wells in the hash is crucial for the eggs to sit properly without spreading all over the pan. Use your spatula to push the hash aside, creating four distinct spaces. Crack each egg gently into these wells, then immediately cover the pan. The trapped steam cooks the whites from above while the heat from below sets the bottom, giving you those perfect sunny side up eggs with just-set whites and gloriously runny yolks. Timing is everything here – check at the 4-minute mark for runny yolks.

Finishing Touches

The garnish isn't just for looks – those fresh green onions add a bright, sharp contrast to the rich, sweet, and savory flavors in the hash. Sprinkle them on right before serving along with fresh parsley and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while the eggs are still hot and the yolks are at their runniest. There's nothing quite like breaking into that golden yolk and watching it cascade over the crispy sweet potatoes.

pin it

Switch Things Up

I still remember the first time I made this hash on a chilly Saturday morning. I had some leftover sweet potatoes and was craving something more exciting than my usual scrambled eggs. I started dicing up the sweet potatoes, and as they hit the hot skillet with a satisfying sizzle, I knew I was onto something special. The kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma as the bacon rendered and the onions caramelized. When I cracked those eggs on top and watched the whites set while the yolks stayed perfectly runny, I felt like a brunch chef at a fancy restaurant. My family came running when they smelled it cooking, and we all gathered around the stove, fighting over who got the first serving. Now it's become our weekend tradition – everyone knows that Saturday mornings mean sweet potato hash, and there's always a scramble to claim the portion with the runniest yolk.

Perfect Pairings

This Sweet Potato Hash pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a complete brunch spread, serve it alongside buttery toast or flaky biscuits perfect for soaking up those delicious egg yolks. A fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the hearty hash. For drinks, freshly squeezed orange juice or a robust cup of coffee complement the smoky and sweet flavors beautifully. If you're feeling indulgent, a mimosa or Bloody Mary makes this breakfast feel extra special. For a heartier meal, add some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream on top, and consider serving with hot sauce on the side for those who love a spicy kick.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this hash ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato and vegetable hash portion up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then reheat it in a skillet over medium heat when ready to serve. Cook the eggs fresh right before serving for the best texture and presentation.

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Keep in mind that regular potatoes may take slightly longer to cook and won't provide the natural sweetness that sweet potatoes offer. You might want to adjust the seasonings accordingly, perhaps adding a pinch of sugar or using more smoked paprika.

→ How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?

The key is to cut them into uniform cubes and not overcook them. Start with medium-high heat to get good caramelization, and avoid stirring too frequently – let them develop that crispy crust. Also, make sure your pan isn't overcrowded; if needed, cook the sweet potatoes in two batches to ensure proper browning.

→ What can I substitute for bacon to make this vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based bacon alternatives, smoked tempeh, or simply omit the bacon altogether and use butter or additional olive oil for cooking. To maintain that smoky flavor, increase the smoked paprika to 1.5 teaspoons and consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the oil.

→ My eggs always stick to the pan. How can I prevent this?

Make sure you're using a well-seasoned cast iron pan or a good non-stick skillet. Create proper wells in the hash and add a tiny bit of extra oil or butter to each well before cracking the eggs. Also, ensure your pan is at the right temperature – medium to medium-low heat works best for eggs. Don't try to move them until the whites are set.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this hash?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes all work wonderfully. Just be mindful of cooking times – add harder vegetables like mushrooms with the onions, and leafy greens like spinach right at the end, just before adding the eggs.

→ How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but not falling apart. They should have golden-brown, crispy edges on multiple sides. Taste-test a piece – it should be creamy and soft inside with a slightly sweet flavor and no raw, starchy taste.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Hash is more than just a breakfast dish – it's a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. The natural sweetness of the caramelized sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and savory vegetables, while the runny egg yolks create a luxurious sauce that ties everything together. Whether you're serving this for a weekend brunch, a lazy Sunday morning, or even breakfast for dinner, it's guaranteed to satisfy. The best part is how versatile it is – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own signature dish.