Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet – A Comforting and Flavorful Meal

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If you’re looking for a rich, hearty, and satisfying dish, this Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet is the perfect recipe. Combining crispy golden potatoes, savory bacon, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a cozy dinner or a filling lunch.

What makes this dish stand out is its perfect balance of textures and flavors—crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy melted mozzarella all come together in a one-pan masterpiece. Whether you’re making a quick weekday meal or preparing something special for a weekend gathering, this recipe is bound to impress.

Why This Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet is a Must-Try

This dish is more than just a simple combination of potatoes, bacon, and cheese. It’s a versatile, customizable, and easy-to-make recipe that delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

1. A Comforting and Hearty Meal

There’s something incredibly satisfying about potatoes and cheese. When paired with crispy bacon and fresh vegetables, it creates a dish that is both rich and balanced.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

This one-pan meal is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 40 minutes.

3. Packed with Protein and Nutrients

This skillet meal is not just delicious—it’s nutritious too!

  • Bacon provides protein and adds a smoky depth of flavor.
  • Potatoes offer fiber, potassium, and long-lasting energy.
  • Cabbage and carrots add vitamins and antioxidants, balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese.
  • Mozzarella cheese brings a creamy texture and a boost of calcium.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is easily adaptable based on your preferences. Want a spicier kick? Add some chili flakes or smoked paprika. Looking for more veggies? Try adding bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.

5. A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy potato skillet is always a hit. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity
Hard mozzarella cheese200 g
Large potatoes3
Vegetable oilAs needed
SaltTo taste
Onion1, finely chopped
Carrot1, grated
Spring onionsA bunch, chopped
Cabbage½ head, shredded
Bacon150 g, chopped

Directions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds or cubes.
    • Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil and fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and grated carrot until softened.
    • Add the shredded cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
  3. Crisp the Bacon:
    • In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then mix it with the sautéed vegetables.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Add the crispy potatoes back to the pan with the vegetables and bacon. Stir well to combine.
  5. Melt the Cheese:
    • Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the mixture and cover the skillet.
    • Let it cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  6. Garnish & Serve:
    • Top with chopped spring onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

NutrientAmount
Calories420 kcal
Protein18 g
Carbohydrates35 g
Fiber4 g
Fats22 g
Calcium~25% DV

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet

To achieve the best texture and taste, follow these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

For the crispiest potatoes, use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well while developing a crispy, golden-brown crust when fried.


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2. Cook the Bacon First for Maximum Flavor

Cooking the bacon first renders out the fat, which can be used to cook the vegetables and potatoes, adding extra depth and richness.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

To ensure the potatoes get crispy instead of soggy, cook them in a single layer with enough space between each piece. If needed, cook them in batches.

4. Add the Cheese at the Right Time

For the best melt and texture, sprinkle the cheese over the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking, covering the pan to let the heat evenly distribute.

5. Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor

Garnishing with fresh parsley or chopped spring onions enhances the dish with a touch of freshness and color.

Best Ways to Serve This Dish

This cheesy potato skillet is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:

1. As a Standalone Meal

With crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese, this dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. Serve it with a side of sour cream or garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost.

2. Paired with a Fresh Salad

A light salad with greens, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing contrast.


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3. With a Fried or Poached Egg on Top

Adding a runny egg on top turns this dish into the ultimate brunch recipe. The yolk adds creaminess and enhances the overall texture.

4. As a Side Dish for Grilled Meat or Fish

Serve this skillet dish alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pan-seared salmon for a complete and satisfying dinner.

5. Wrapped in a Tortilla

For a fun twist, use the cheesy potato and bacon mixture as a filling for breakfast burritos or wraps. Add some hot sauce or avocado for extra flavor.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About This Recipe

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook the ingredients ahead of time, then reheat everything in a pan or oven before serving. The flavors develop even more when allowed to sit for a few hours.

2. How Can I Store Leftovers?

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back the crispiness, or microwave for a quicker option.

3. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and replace it with:

  • Sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture
  • Smoked tofu or plant-based bacon for a smoky flavor
  • Extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach

4. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella creates a creamy, stretchy melt, you can also use:

  • Cheddar for a sharp, tangy taste
  • Gouda for a rich, buttery flavor
  • Parmesan for extra saltiness and depth

5. Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?

Yes! If using frozen potatoes, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to prevent sogginess.

6. What’s the Best Way to Make This Dish Extra Crispy?

For the crispiest potatoes:


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  • Ensure they are fully dry before frying.
  • Use high heat to sear the edges before covering the pan.
  • Don’t stir too often—let them sit undisturbed to develop a crispy crust.

Conclusion – A Must-Try Comfort Food Recipe

The Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet is a dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it a go-to recipe for cozy family dinners, quick lunches, and weekend brunches. With its crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, and rich, melty cheese, it’s a meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility—it can be customized, served in different ways, and prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a flavorful side, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try it once, and you’ll understand why this dish is a classic that never gets old!

Print

Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet – A Comforting and Flavorful Meal

This Cheesy Potato & Bacon Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—crispy golden potatoes, smoky bacon, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese all come together in a one-pan masterpiece. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect meal for dinner or lunch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a satisfying weekend dish, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen!

  • Author: Amal
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food

Ingredients

Scale
  • 200 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • Vegetable oil (as needed)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • A bunch of spring onions, chopped
  • 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
  • 150 g bacon, chopped

Instructions

  • Prepare the Potatoes:

    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
    • Fry the sliced potatoes until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:

    • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté until softened.
    • Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5–7 minutes until tender.
  • Crisp the Bacon:

    • In a separate pan, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Add it to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Combine Everything:

    • Return the crispy potatoes to the pan and mix well with the vegetables and bacon.
  • Melt the Cheese:

    • Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Garnish & Serve:

    • Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Try different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for a richer flavor.
  • For a smoky kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
  • Vegetarian option: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based bacon.

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