Save This hearty Everything Bagel Breakfast Hash has transformed my weekend breakfast routine from ordinary to extraordinary. The familiar flavors of an everything bagel blend perfectly with crispy potatoes and runny eggs for a satisfying one-pan meal that brings everyone to the table with enthusiasm.
I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu brunch for friends who stayed overnight. The combination of crispy potatoes, perfectly cooked eggs, and that iconic everything bagel seasoning had everyone asking for the recipe before they left.
Ingredients
- Yukon gold potatoes: Create the perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy interior. Choose potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base. Look for firm onions without soft spots.
- Red and green bell peppers: Add color and nutrition. Select peppers that feel heavy for their size with glossy skin.
- Garlic cloves: Bring essential flavor. Fresh is always better than pre-minced for this recipe.
- Large eggs: Create pockets of creamy richness. Farm-fresh eggs with bright orange yolks make a noticeable difference.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Delivers that distinctive bagel shop flavor. The mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and salt makes this dish special.
- Cream cheese: Adds unexpected creaminess. Choose full-fat for the best melting quality.
- Fresh chives and green onions: Provide bright, oniony finish. Look for vibrant green stalks without wilting.
Instructions
- Crisp the Potatoes:
- Heat olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer if possible, season with salt and pepper, and resist the urge to stir too frequently. Allow them to develop a golden crust by letting them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes before flipping. Continue cooking and occasionally turning for another 5 to 7 minutes until most sides are crispy and golden. The key here is patience. Rushing this step will result in potatoes that stick to the pan and never develop that ideal crispiness.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with diced onion and bell peppers. Stir to combine with the potatoes and spread into an even layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize at the edges. The moisture from the vegetables will help deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the pan from the potatoes.
- Incorporate Garlic:
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over the potato and vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so keep a close eye during this brief cooking period.
- Create Egg Wells:
- Use the back of a spoon to create four wells or indentations in the hash mixture, spaced evenly apart. Crack an egg into each well, being careful to keep the yolks intact. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over each egg. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat, which will cook the eggs from the top while the bottom cooks from contact with the pan. For runny yolks, cook about 3 minutes. For medium yolks, aim for 4 minutes. For fully set yolks, cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Cheese:
- Remove the lid and sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly across the entire hash. If using cheese, scatter it around the eggs and let it melt for about 1 minute. The residual heat will be sufficient to melt the cheese without overcooking the eggs.
- Finish with Toppings:
- Dot small cubes of cream cheese around the hash, placing them between the eggs. The cream cheese will slightly soften but maintain its shape, creating pockets of creaminess throughout the dish. Scatter the sliced green onions and chopped chives over everything for a fresh, bright finish.
- Serve Immediately:
- For the best texture and temperature contrast, serve the hash directly from the skillet. The crispy potatoes, runny eggs, and melty cheese create the perfect bite when served hot.
Save The everything bagel seasoning is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered it years ago at a specialty food store and have been sprinkling it on practically everything since. My family knows when I pull out that little jar at breakfast time, something special is about to happen in the kitchen.
Storage Tips
This hash keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The potatoes will lose some crispness but will still taste delicious when reheated in a skillet with a touch of olive oil. If storing with the eggs already cooked, be aware the yolks will continue to set in the refrigerator.
For meal prep, prepare the hash through step 3, stopping before adding the eggs. Cool completely and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat the potato mixture in a skillet until hot, then continue with creating wells and adding eggs for a fresh finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a nutritional boost and lovely color contrast. They cook slightly faster, so reduce the initial cooking time by about 2 minutes. For dairy free diners, omit the cheese and cream cheese or replace with your favorite plant based alternatives. Cashew cream cheese works particularly well as a substitute. If everything bagel seasoning is unavailable, create your own by combining equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt.
Serving Suggestions
This hash works beautifully alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete brunch. For a more substantial meal, serve with toasted bagels or crusty bread for sopping up the egg yolks. Create a breakfast bar by serving the hash with optional toppings like sliced avocado, hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream so everyone can customize their portion.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring Version Add asparagus pieces and substitute goat cheese for cream cheese. Summer Variation Incorporate zucchini and yellow squash with fresh basil instead of chives. Fall Favorite Include diced butternut squash and sage with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Success Stories
My neighbor requested this recipe after I brought it to a community breakfast and now makes it every Sunday for her family. She adds diced ham and serves it with buttermilk biscuits. A friend who claimed to dislike bell peppers tried this at a brunch and went back for seconds, saying the everything bagel seasoning transformed the vegetables into something she actually enjoyed. My teenage son has learned to make this as his first "signature dish" and proudly serves it when friends sleep over, earning him quite a reputation as the breakfast king among his peers.
Save Serve the hash directly from the skillet for the best texture and temperature contrast. The crispy potatoes, runny eggs, and melty cheese create the perfect bite when served hot.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of potatoes work best for this dish?
Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal as they become crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
- → Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the eggs or replace them with a plant-based alternative if preferred.
- → Is the cheese necessary?
Cheese is optional; you can skip it or swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack, depending on your taste.
- → How do I add more protein?
Add cooked bacon, smoked salmon, or a plant-based protein for a heartier, more filling meal.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free everything seasoning and cheese to make this suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- → What toppings work well?
Try fresh avocado, extra green onions, or a splash of hot sauce for added flavor and texture.