Sizzling Broccoli Potato and Bacon Hash: Your Ultimate One-Pan Breakfast Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about a homemade breakfast, especially when the family is gathered, and the aroma of sizzling bacon fills the kitchen. As spring break unfolds, the demand for those cherished “weekend breakfasts” every single morning becomes a delightful challenge. Inspired by the incredible culinary adventures of friends like the White on Rice Couple – who once spoiled my boys with custom-made waffles, bacon to order, and fluffy pancakes – I’ve embraced the mission to create truly hearty and memorable morning meals. Todd and Diane, you certainly set a high bar, and my boys have been deliciously spoiled ever since!

Finding a dish that balances robust flavor with relative ease of preparation is key to winning over any hungry crowd. This is where our star recipe, the Broccoli Potato and Bacon Hash, truly shines. It’s not just a breakfast; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes, elevated by a clever cooking technique and a dash of fresh thyme. This recipe delivers a satisfying, savory experience that’s perfect for lazy mornings, bustling brunches, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. What makes it so irresistibly good? The secret lies in a single, glorious ingredient: bacon fat. Yes, you read that right – we’re cooking the diced potatoes in rendered bacon fat, ensuring every bite is infused with unparalleled flavor.

The Underrated Hero: Broccoli Stems

One of the most innovative aspects of this Broccoli Potato Bacon Hash recipe is its resourceful use of broccoli stems. While many cooks instinctively chop off the vibrant green florets and discard the often-overlooked stem, this recipe celebrates its potential. The stem, when properly prepared, is a culinary gem. It cubes perfectly, matching the size and texture of the diced potatoes, and cooks down to a tender, happy green bite that adds both flavor and substance to the hash. It’s a wonderful way to minimize food waste and discover a delightful new texture.

Underneath that sometimes tough, fibrous outer layer of the broccoli stem lies a tender, crunchy core brimming with flavor and nutrients. To unlock its potential, simply use a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife to remove the outermost skin. Once peeled, you’ll find the stem is easy to dice and holds its shape beautifully during cooking, providing a pleasant contrast to the softness of the potatoes and the crispiness of the bacon. This not only makes your dish more sustainable but also introduces an interesting textural dimension that elevates the entire meal.

Mastering the One-Pan Cooking Method

The beauty of this hash lies not only in its ingredients but also in its efficient one-pan preparation. Everything comes together beautifully in a single sauté pan on your stovetop, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor development. The key to achieving perfectly cooked ingredients – where each component reaches its ideal texture and doneness – is the precise order in which they are added to the pan. This methodical approach ensures that your bacon is crisp, your potatoes are tender and golden, and your vegetables are just right.

Here’s a detailed look at the simple yet crucial sequence that guarantees success:

1. **Render the Bacon:** Begin by cooking the diced bacon pieces in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until they are wonderfully crisp. This step is essential not just for the bacon itself, but for rendering out that liquid gold: the bacon fat. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon and set it aside. This prevents it from burning or becoming soggy as the other ingredients cook, ensuring it maintains its perfect crunch when added back later.
2. **Sauté the Potatoes in Bacon Fat:** With the savory bacon drippings remaining in the pan, add your diced potatoes. Distribute them evenly and let them brown on each side for about 6-8 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The potatoes soak up all that incredible bacon goodness, developing a rich flavor and a delightful golden crust. Ensure your potato dice are relatively small (about 1/2 inch) to facilitate quicker and more even cooking. Larger pieces will simply take longer to become tender.
3. **Introduce the Aromatics – Onions First:** Once the potatoes have started to tenderize and brown, stir in the diced onions. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Onions add a foundational sweetness and aroma that complements the smoky bacon and earthy potatoes.
4. **Add Broccoli Stems and Garlic:** Next, incorporate the peeled and diced broccoli stems along with the finely minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes. The garlic is added at this stage to prevent it from burning, which can lead to a bitter taste. The broccoli stems will begin to soften, absorbing the pan’s flavors.
5. **Cover and Finish Cooking:** To ensure everything cooks through and becomes wonderfully tender, add about 1 tablespoon of water to the pan and immediately cover it. Let it cook for approximately 3 minutes. The steam created by the water will help the potatoes and broccoli finish cooking evenly. Check a potato piece for doneness – it should be tender when pierced with a fork.
6. **Combine and Season:** Finally, return the reserved crispy bacon pieces to the pan. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir in the fresh thyme leaves. The thyme adds an aromatic, herbaceous note that perfectly ties all the flavors together.

Broccoli Potato and Bacon Hash Recipe

Broccoli Potato and Bacon Hash Recipe

This hearty one-pan hash is a delicious way to start your day. Use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to peel away the tough, outer layer of skin on the broccoli stem. Try to keep your potatoes diced small – the larger the potatoes, the longer they will take to cook. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a savory breakfast or brunch!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 potatoes, cut into 1/2″ dice
• Stem of 1 head of broccoli, peeled and cut into 1/2″ dice (about 1 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove and reserve the bacon, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.

2. Add the diced potatoes to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and soften on each side, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Stir in the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Then, add in the diced broccoli stems and minced garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of water to the pan and cover immediately. Let cook for 3 minutes to steam the vegetables and ensure the potatoes are fully cooked through. Check for potato tenderness with a fork.

5. Return the cooked bacon pieces to the pan. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

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Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

While this Broccoli Potato Bacon Hash is incredibly satisfying on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for further culinary creativity. For the ultimate breakfast experience, consider topping each serving with a perfectly fried or poached egg. The runny yolk will meld beautifully with the savory hash, adding a creamy richness that is simply irresistible. A dash of your favorite hot sauce can introduce a welcome kick, while a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melted over the top, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, will enhance its comfort-food appeal.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to inspire your next batch of hash:

• **Vegetable Boost:** Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), sliced mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach wilted in at the very end. Sweet potatoes can also be substituted for regular potatoes for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
• **Protein Power-Up:** For an even heartier meal, consider adding other cooked proteins. Leftover shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled breakfast sausage can be added along with the bacon at the end of the cooking process. Pulled pork or brisket also makes an incredible addition for a truly gourmet hash.
• **Herbacious Twists:** Experiment with different fresh herbs. Rosemary, sage, or even a touch of finely chopped parsley can offer unique aromatic notes.
• **Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly:** To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and sauté the potatoes in olive oil or butter. For a vegan version, use olive oil and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic some of the smoky depth bacon provides. Tofu or tempeh can also be crumbled and browned in the pan to replace the bacon.

This Broccoli Potato and Bacon Hash is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning, its robust flavors and satisfying textures are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and create your own unforgettable breakfast tradition!