If you are craving a hearty and comforting breakfast that bursts with flavor and texture, then this Loaded Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Ham, and Cheddar Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together crispy golden hash browns, savory sausage, juicy ham, sweet peppers, and melty cheddar cheese in one satisfying skillet meal. Perfect for weekend brunches or when you want something filling and festive, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this hash lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to the beautiful balance of hearty, savory, and cheesy goodness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the hash browns to golden perfection.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: The crispy, starchy base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other ingredient’s flavor.
- Ground pork sausage: Offers juicy, meaty depth with a punch of savory spice.
- Diced ham: Adds tender bites of smoky, slightly sweet meat that complement the sausage.
- White onion: Brings a mild sweetness and crunch when cooked.
- Red bell pepper: Provides vibrant color and a hint of fresh sweetness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey delight, tying everything together with creamy sharpness.
How to Make Loaded Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Ham, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Hash Browns
Start by melting the salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This butter not only adds flavor but helps create that irresistible crispness. Toss in the thawed shredded hash browns and season with salt and pepper. Let them cook without too much flipping so they get a beautiful golden crust. About 10 to 12 minutes is perfect. Once crisp and golden brown, remove them and set aside—your base is ready.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the ground pork sausage. As it starts to brown, break it into crumbles with your spatula so each bite is flavorful. After about 5 minutes, stir in the diced ham, white onion, and red bell pepper. These fresh ingredients balance the richness of the meats and add layers of texture. Season again with salt and pepper, and cook until the vegetables soften and everything starts to brown nicely, about 6 to 8 minutes. The aromas here are irresistible.
Step 3: Combine It All
Now for the best part—return your crispy hash browns to the skillet. Gently fold them into the sausage, ham, and veggie mixture, allowing all those flavors and textures to marry together. Turn off the heat, because it’s time for the finishing touch.
Step 4: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire skillet. The residual heat will melt it slowly into a rich, creamy blanket that pulls everything together perfectly. Wait about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s gooey and melted, then serve immediately while it’s still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Loaded Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Ham, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh pop to your hash with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a tangy or spicy kick, perfect for waking up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This hash is such a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttered toast, fresh fruit salad, or even a crispy breakfast bacon to add more protein and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this hash in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style feel. Or turn it into a breakfast burrito filling by wrapping it in warm tortillas with some fresh salsa and avocado slices—endless possibilities for making it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Loaded Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Ham, and Cheddar Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cool completely before storing to preserve its flavors and textures.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. While it may lose some crispness upon thawing, reheating in a skillet helps restore much of that delightful texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat. This will help the cheese melt again and bring back the hash browns’ crispy edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect skillet texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! You can grate fresh potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as fresh potatoes might take a bit longer to crisp.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage and ham with plant-based sausage alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meat-free version.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Definitely. The ingredients scale up easily, and you can cook it in batches or use a very large skillet to feed a crowd. It’s a perfect family-style brunch option.
What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for its flavor and meltiness, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses to customize the richness and gooey factor.
How can I make this recipe a bit healthier?
Try using leaner turkey sausage and low-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or tomatoes to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Loaded Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Ham, and Cheddar Recipe is like inviting comfort and celebration to your breakfast table in one delicious skillet. It’s easy to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect to share. Once you make it, I’m convinced it’ll become one of your go-to dishes whenever you want a memorable morning treat. So grab your skillet and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Loaded Breakfast Hash with Sausage, Ham, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded Breakfast Hash is a hearty, flavorful skillet dish combining crispy hash browns, savory ground pork sausage, diced ham, and sautéed onions and bell peppers, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying morning meal that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Hash Browns
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 20 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sausage and Vegetable Mixture
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 8 ounces diced ham
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Hash Browns: Melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thawed shredded hash browns, seasoning them with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook with minimal flipping to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, remove from the skillet, set aside, and wipe out the pan to prepare for the next step.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: Add the ground pork sausage to the now clean skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Stir in the diced ham, white onion, and red bell pepper. Season with the remaining salt and pepper (1/2 teaspoon each). Continue to cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Hash Browns with Sausage Mixture: Return the cooked hash browns to the skillet and gently fold them into the sausage and vegetable mixture to combine evenly. Turn off the heat to prepare for cheese addition.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hash mixture in the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt naturally over 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately while warm and melty for the best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid stirring hash browns too frequently during cooking.
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
