Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of crispy golden potatoes, sizzling sausage, caramelized onions, and fluffy scrambled eggs all smothered in melty cheese. Sounds like heaven, right? That’s exactly what you get with this Denny’s-style Breakfast Skillet!
This one-pan wonder is everything you love about a hearty diner breakfast but made right at home. It’s packed with flavor, ridiculously satisfying, and super easy to customize. Whether you’re making it for a lazy weekend brunch or meal-prepping for busy mornings, this skillet will hit the spot every time.
Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line at Denny’s for it!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Denny’s Breakfast Skillet
✅ One-skillet magic – Less cleanup, more flavor. Who doesn’t love that?
✅ Better than the diner – Fresh ingredients, homemade goodness, and YOU control the portions.
✅ Ultra satisfying – Crispy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with protein.
✅ Totally customizable – Add your favorite meats, veggies, or even spice it up!
✅ Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy stress-free breakfasts all week.
Ingredients for Denny’s Breakfast Skillet
No need to worry about the measurements—check the recipe card below for exact amounts!
- Potatoes – The crispy, golden base of the skillet. Yukon Gold or Russet work best!
- Butter or Oil – Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully.
- Sausage or Bacon – Adds that rich, savory, smoky goodness. Use turkey sausage for a leaner option!
- Onion & Bell Peppers – Brings in sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color.
- Eggs – Fluffy, protein-packed, and essential for that classic breakfast skillet vibe.
- Cheese – Melty, gooey, and oh-so-delicious. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix!
- Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne if you like heat.
- Green Onions (Optional) – A fresh, slightly spicy garnish to balance the richness.
How to Make Denny’s Breakfast Skillet at Home
1. Get Those Potatoes Crispy!
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes—this is the secret to crispy edges!
- Stir occasionally and cook until golden brown and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Protein
- If using bacon, cook until crispy, then remove and crumble.
- If using sausage, break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease, but leave just a little for flavor!
3. Sauté the Veggies
- In the same skillet, toss in the onions and bell peppers.
- Cook until soft and slightly caramelized, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Scramble the Eggs
- Push the veggies to one side and crack the eggs into the pan.
- Scramble until just set—don’t overcook, you want them soft and fluffy!
5. Bring It All Together
- Add the crispy potatoes and cooked sausage/bacon back to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and let the flavors meld.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, cover the skillet for a minute, and let it melt into gooey perfection.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with green onions or fresh herbs.
- Grab a fork and dig in while it’s hot!
Pro Tips for the Best Denny’s Breakfast Skillet
Microwave or parboil potatoes first – Speeds up cooking and guarantees a crispy finish.
Use a cast-iron skillet – Retains heat better for that perfect golden crust.
Don’t rush the potatoes – Let them sit before flipping for the best crispy texture.
Add a little spice – A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce gives it an extra kick.
Make it a feast – Serve with toast, avocado, or even a side of pancakes!
How to Serve Denny’s Breakfast Skillet
This skillet is already a meal in itself, but if you want to go all out:
Serve with toast – Buttered sourdough or a fluffy biscuit? Yes, please!
Pair with avocado – Creamy goodness that balances the crispy textures.
Don’t forget the coffee – A strong cup of coffee (or a mimosa) takes it over the top.
Make Ahead and Storage Guide
Storing Leftovers
To keep your breakfast skillet fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freeze the breakfast skillet in individual portions for easy reheating. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Tips
- Best method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.
- Quick method: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs About Denny’s Breakfast Skillet
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen hash browns work great just cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the skillet.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even feta can add a delicious twist.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can even throw in some black beans for protein!
How do I get the potatoes extra crispy?
Use a cast-iron skillet, cook over medium-high heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan this lets them crisp up properly instead of steaming.
More Breakfast Tips & Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this Denny’s Breakfast Skillet, you might also enjoy these helpful breakfast and meal prep tips:
- Why Do You Refrigerate Egg Casserole Overnight? Find out why chilling your egg casserole before baking makes a difference! Read more here.
- Can You Make Queso the Night Before? Whether you’re prepping for a party or just planning ahead, learn how to store and reheat queso properly! Check it out here.
- Does Fancy Nancy Have Celery in It? Curious about the ingredients in this popular chicken salad? We’ve got the answer! Find out here.
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, keep exploring and happy cooking!
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a homemade Denny’s Breakfast Skillet crispy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of your favorite diner breakfast! The best part? You didn’t have to leave the house.
This skillet is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, meal prep, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. It’s easy to customize, quick to make, and guaranteed to satisfy. So whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Now, all that’s left to do is grab a fork and dig in. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Denny’s Breakfast Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Wake up to a crispy, cheesy, and hearty breakfast skillet, just like Denny’s but better! This one-pan meal is packed with golden potatoes, sizzling sausage, caramelized onions, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese. Perfect for weekend brunch or meal prep, it’s quick, easy, and fully customizable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never wait in line at Denny’s again!
Ingredients
Skillet Base
- 2 cups Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
Protein
- 4 oz breakfast sausage (or 4 strips of bacon)
Vegetables
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
Eggs & Cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
Seasonings
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop crispy edges. Stir occasionally and cook until golden brown and tender. Remove and set aside.
If using bacon, cook until crispy, then remove and crumble. If using sausage, break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned. Drain excess grease, leaving a little for flavor.
In the same skillet, toss in onions and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 3–4 minutes.
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set—don’t overcook; keep them soft and fluffy.
Add the crispy potatoes and cooked sausage/bacon back to the skillet. Stir everything together. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt into gooey perfection.
Garnish with green onions or fresh herbs. Serve hot and dig in!
Notes
- For extra crispy potatoes, parboil or microwave them first to reduce cooking time.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat retention and crispiness.
- Customize it – Swap proteins, add mushrooms, spinach, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Add spice – A dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper gives it a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: breakfast skillet, Denny’s skillet, diner-style breakfast, one-pan breakfast, easy breakfast recipe, homemade breakfast skillet