If you are craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe. It combines crispy, golden hash browns topped with soft, buttery eggs and smothered in rich, savory bacon gravy for a flavor explosion that will brighten any morning. Every bite delivers comforting textures and hearty flavors that make it impossible to resist going back for seconds. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a show-stopping way, perfect for lazy weekend brunches or impressing your loved ones with a decadent start to the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this delightful breakfast dish. Each one plays a pivotal role in making your Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe stand out with crispy, creamy, and savory notes.
- 4 cups Fresh Shredded Potatoes: Dry them thoroughly to ensure crispy hash browns every time without sogginess.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes and balances the savory meats perfectly.
- 6 slices Bacon: The foundation of the gravy’s rich and smoky depth, also adds crunchy bits throughout.
- 2 cups Milk: Use dairy or plant-based milk to create a creamy, smooth gravy that envelops every bite.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Works magic as a thickening agent, turning bacon drippings into luscious gravy.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those adventurous souls who love a subtle spicy undertone.
- 4 large Eggs: Cooked just right to a soft, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with crispy potatoes.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives add a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the plate visually and in taste.
How to Make Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure smooth cooking. Rinse the fresh shredded potatoes and make sure to dry them thoroughly on paper towels. This step is crucial because it prevents sogginess and guarantees that crisp hash brown texture we all love.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a preheated skillet over medium heat and cook until golden brown and delightfully crispy. Remove the bacon and save the drippings in the pan—it’s the secret to your gravy’s incredible flavor base.
Step 3: Make Hash Browns
Using the warm bacon drippings, add the dried shredded potatoes to the skillet. Press them gently to create an even layer and let them cook undisturbed until the bottoms are golden and crispy. Flip carefully and brown the other side. The bacon fat will infuse the potatoes with a rich, smoky taste that truly elevates the dish.
Step 4: Scramble Eggs
In a bowl, whisk the eggs lightly and pour into a separate medium-low heat pan. Stir gently to create soft and fluffy scrambled eggs, removing them from the heat just before they fully set to keep that luscious buttery texture.
Step 5: Prepare Gravy
Carefully wipe out the skillet but leave about two tablespoons of bacon drippings. Add the flour and whisk continuously over medium heat to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking until the gravy thickens to your liking. Stir in the black pepper, cayenne if using, and crumbled bacon pieces for a perfect smoky and peppery finish.
Step 6: Assemble
Now for the fun part. Plate generous layers of the crispy hash browns first, add the soft scrambled eggs on top, and generously drizzle the luscious bacon gravy all over. This layering ensures you get a little bit of everything in each heavenly forkful.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the dish to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve while it’s hot for the best experience—this dish is at its peak when everything is warm, juicy, and perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright, fresh herbs such as parsley or chives is a simple yet effective way to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or some crispy fried onions for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale, cutting through the richness. For a brunch spread, consider serving it alongside fresh toast, homemade jam, or even a light citrus-infused yogurt to balance the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a feast for the eyes by layering the hash browns in small cast iron skillets for rustic presentation. Alternatively, use ramekins to create individual portions that allow guests to customize toppings like cheese, chopped tomatoes, or avocado slices. Presentation is half the fun and makes this homemade specialty feel restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The hash browns may soften slightly but will still be delicious when reheated, especially once topped with fresh eggs and gravy made anew.
Freezing
While the hash browns can be frozen separately in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, the eggs and gravy are best made fresh. Freeze only if you plan to reheat gently and don’t mind a slight change in texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover hash browns in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispiness. Warm the gravy gently in a saucepan while stirring frequently. For scrambled eggs, it’s best to prepare fresh rather than reheat, but if needed, use low heat and a covered pan to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping bacon for smoked mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative and using vegetable broth in place of bacon drippings for the gravy. It won’t be the exact same, but it will still be incredibly satisfying.
What type of potatoes work best for hash browns?
Fresh white or yellow potatoes that are shredded and thoroughly drained work best for crispy hash browns. Avoid pre-shredded or frozen varieties as they tend to have excessive moisture that hampers crispiness.
How do I get my gravy extra creamy?
Using whole milk or adding a splash of heavy cream can give you that luxuriously creamy texture in your bacon gravy. Just be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps and cook until it thickens just right.
Can I use different herbs instead of parsley or chives?
Absolutely! Dill, cilantro, or even a small amount of fresh thyme can add unique and delicious flavor notes. Just be mindful that some herbs are stronger than others, so adjust quantities accordingly.
Is there a way to make scrambled eggs less runny?
To avoid runny scrambled eggs, cook them gently over low to medium-low heat and remove from heat just before they fully set, as residual heat will finish cooking them to a perfect softness without dryness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe will become a new favorite in your home kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that brings comfort, joy, and incredible flavor to the table every time you make it. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a cozy weekday morning, give it a try and watch it light up the breakfast scene like no other. You deserve this delicious start to your day!
Print
Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and savory breakfast featuring crispy golden hash browns topped with soft scrambled eggs and smothered in a rich, flavorful bacon gravy. This hearty dish blends the crispiness of freshly shredded potatoes with the creamy texture of eggs and a spicy touch of cayenne in the gravy, finished with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Hash Browns and Eggs
- 4 cups Fresh Shredded Potatoes (Be sure to dry them well before frying.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Helps to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.)
- 6 slices Bacon (Provides a rich, savory flavor.)
- 4 large Large Eggs (Cook to a soft, buttery texture for the best results.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Such as parsley or chives to enhance freshness.)
Bacon Gravy
- 2 cups Milk (Use plant-based varieties for a non-dairy option.)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Thickens the gravy.)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to your taste preferences.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional for a spicy hint.)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, rinse the fresh shredded potatoes thoroughly and dry them well using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to achieve crispy hash browns.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the 6 slices of bacon until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan for cooking the hash browns and gravy.
- Make Hash Browns: Add the dried shredded potatoes to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and cook over medium heat, pressing the potatoes down slightly. Cook until the bottom is golden and crispy, then carefully flip and cook the other side until similarly crispy.
- Scramble Eggs: In a bowl, whisk the 4 large eggs until combined. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the eggs to a clean non-stick skillet. Gently cook, stirring slowly and continuously to create soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Remove from heat while still slightly moist for the best buttery texture.
- Prepare Gravy: Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, sprinkle in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens to desired consistency. Season with 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), and fold in chopped crispy bacon pieces.
- Assemble: Plate the crispy hash browns, layer the soft scrambled eggs on top, then generously drizzle the hot bacon gravy over the eggs and potatoes.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish while it’s hot for the best experience.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the shredded potatoes well to ensure maximum crispiness in your hash browns.
- You can substitute plant-based milk to make the gravy dairy-free.
- Feel free to adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the gravy.
- Cook eggs to your preferred doneness but soft scrambling provides the best texture for this dish.
- Leftover bacon gravy can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
