Crispy Skillet Sweet Potato Breakfast Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish
If you’re searching for a breakfast side that’s far from ordinary, these sweet potato breakfast potatoes are about to revolutionize your morning routine. Combining an irresistible crispy exterior with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, and infused with rich, smoky, and savory flavors, this recipe takes everything you adore about classic breakfast potatoes and elevates it with a delightful sweet potato twist. Perfectly suited for pairing with eggs, crispy bacon, or as the foundation for your favorite breakfast bowl, these skillet potatoes are not only quick and easy to prepare but also endlessly adaptable to your taste.
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About These Delicious Sweet Potato Breakfast Potatoes
If you’re seeking a vibrant and flavorful alternative to the traditional hash browns, allow us to introduce you to your new morning favorite: crispy sweet potato breakfast potatoes. These delightful spuds boast a perfectly crispy exterior and a wonderfully tender, sweet interior, offering a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements of any breakfast spread. Forget bland sides – these sweet potatoes are bursting with a smoky, spiced flavor that will awaken your taste buds.
My journey to creating this recipe began with a desire for a hearty, fulfilling breakfast option that aligned with a more anti-inflammatory eating style. I wanted something that provided sustained energy without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Sweet potatoes emerged as the perfect star, checking all the boxes: they are rich in fiber, packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin A and C, and provide complex carbohydrates that keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning. Their inherent sweetness and earthy notes simply surpass the plainness of white potatoes, offering a more complex and engaging flavor profile.
Crafting these breakfast potatoes is surprisingly simple. You just need to toss uniformly cubed sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a blend of smoky paprika, and a few other key spices. Then, a quick sauté in a hot skillet transforms them into golden, crispy perfection. While they are a stellar addition to any breakfast plate, don’t limit their potential! These versatile sweet potatoes are equally fantastic as a quick and healthy lunch bowl base, a flavorful dinner side, or even an excellent component for your weekly meal prep, ensuring delicious and nutritious options are always on hand.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
When your morning meal calls for something more inspiring and flavorful than standard hash browns, these sweet potato breakfast potatoes answer the call beautifully. They’re not just a side; they’re a feature! Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire:
- Irresistible Crispy, Caramelized Edges – The magic happens in the hot skillet! High heat and a perfectly balanced simple seasoning work together to create those highly coveted golden-brown, crispy bits that are bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Naturally Nutritious & Energizing – Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re loaded with dietary fiber, a wealth of vitamins (especially Vitamin A), and complex, slow-digesting carbohydrates. This means sustained energy to power you through your morning without any energy crashes.
- Made with Simple Pantry Staples – You won’t need a trip to a specialty store for this one. Just basic, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, a fresh onion, a handful of robust spices, and a dash of salt are all it takes to create this incredibly flavorful dish.
- Infinitely Customizable Flavors – This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Want more depth? Add extra smoky spices. Craving freshness? Incorporate fragrant fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Feeling indulgent? A sprinkle of your favorite cheese can take it over the top.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Save yourself time during busy weekdays! Prepare a generous batch of these breakfast sweet potatoes ahead of time, and simply reheat them for quick, satisfying breakfasts or to build wholesome lunch bowls throughout the week. Their flavor actually deepens slightly with time!
Ingredients for Perfect Sweet Potato Breakfast Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant flavors derived from a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious breakfast sweet potatoes:
Neutral Oil – For achieving that coveted crispy exterior, we recommend using a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil is a fantastic choice for its flavor and health benefits, as is avocado oil. Grapeseed oil or coconut oil (if you enjoy a subtle tropical hint) are also excellent alternatives that perform well under medium-high heat.
Onion – A large yellow onion is our preferred choice for this recipe. Its balanced sweetness and pungent notes wonderfully complement the spices and the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes, caramelizing beautifully as it cooks. For a sharper, more piquant bite, white onion can be used, or even red onion if you enjoy its slightly bolder profile.
Sweet Potatoes – The star of the show! We highly recommend using orange-fleshed varieties, such as Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes. These types are known for their inherent natural sweetness, vibrant color, and creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for this dish. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best results.
Seasoning Blend – This carefully curated mix of spices is what gives our sweet potatoes their signature smoky and savory depth. You will need a combination of:
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides that irresistible smoky aroma and a beautiful reddish hue, elevating the flavor far beyond regular paprika.
- Garlic Powder: A foundational savory element that offers a mild, allium flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic.
- Cumin Powder: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly pungent note that pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes and other Southwestern flavors.
- Chili Powder: Contributes a gentle warmth and a complex, savory background, without necessarily making the dish overtly spicy (unless you add more!).
- Ground Pepper: For a touch of sharpness and aromatic heat.
Cheese (Optional) – While delicious on their own, a sprinkle of melted cheese can take these potatoes to a new level of indulgence. If you choose to add cheese, we suggest a Mexican cheese blend for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor, or a sharp yet mellow mild cheddar. For those who love a little extra kick, pepper jack cheese works exceptionally well, adding a pleasant warmth.
Toppings – This is where you can truly make the dish your own! The beauty of these sweet potato breakfast potatoes is their versatility with toppings. Consider adding:
- Crispy crumbled bacon or savory sausage
- Perfectly cooked eggs (fried, poached, or scrambled)
- A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream
- Freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness
- Salsa or pico de gallo for a zesty, fresh element
- Crumbled feta or Cotija cheese for a salty, tangy counterpoint
- Thin slices of crispy prosciutto for an elevated savory crunch
The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor each serving to your exact cravings!
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Having the right kitchen tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. For these sweet potato breakfast potatoes, you’ll need just a few key items:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A high-quality, sharp chef’s knife is indispensable for safely and efficiently peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes and chopping your onion. Evenly cut vegetables cook more consistently, and a sharp knife makes this task much easier.
- Utility Cutting Board: A sturdy and stable cutting board is crucial for safe prep work. Choose one with a good grip that won’t slide around on your countertop.
- Cast Iron Skillet: This is truly the “must-have” for achieving that perfect crispy crust. A good cast iron skillet (we highly recommend the Lodge cast iron skillet for its exceptional durability, even heat distribution, and excellent price point) retains heat incredibly well, allowing the sweet potatoes to develop a beautiful golden-brown sear. If you don’t have cast iron, a large, heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet can also work, but cast iron delivers superior crispiness.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To ensure your skillet remains in top condition and for easy stirring, use a wooden spoon or a heat-resistant silicone spatula. These tools allow you to scrape the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan without damaging the cooking surface.
How to Make These Amazing Sweet Potato Breakfast Potatoes
Creating these perfectly crispy and flavorful sweet potato breakfast potatoes is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:
Perfectly Sauté the Onions
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of your chosen neutral oil (like olive or avocado oil) in a large cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get properly hot – you’ll see a slight shimmer from the oil. Add your finely chopped onion to the hot oil. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to soften considerably and begin to turn translucent, with some edges just starting to caramelize and brown. This initial step builds a foundational layer of savory flavor.
Introduce the Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Once the onions are ready, add the uniformly cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Immediately sprinkle over all the delicious seasonings: salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and ground pepper. Using your wooden spoon or silicone spatula, toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the sweet potato cubes are evenly coated with the fragrant spice blend. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer as much as possible for maximum contact with the hot pan.
Continue cooking, allowing the potatoes to sear undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. Stir every couple of minutes to ensure even browning and cooking. This process will take approximately 7 to 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes develop beautiful golden-brown, crispy spots on their surfaces and are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Resist the urge to stir constantly, as allowing them to sit for a bit creates that desirable crispiness.
The Cheesy Finish (Optional)
If you’re in the mood for cheesy sweet potatoes, now’s the time! During the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle your chosen cheese (like a Mexican blend or mild cheddar) evenly over the top of the hot sweet potatoes. Immediately cover the skillet with a lid. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer. Cook just long enough for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly.
Serve and Customize with Your Favorite Toppings
Once cooked to perfection, transfer the sweet potato breakfast potatoes to individual plates or a serving platter. This is your moment to get creative! Load them up with your preferred toppings – whether that’s a perfectly fried egg, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce. Serve them immediately while they are hot and crispy for the best experience.
Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Success
Achieving perfectly crispy and tender sweet potato breakfast potatoes is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Ensure Uniform Cubes: This is arguably the most crucial tip for consistent cooking. Cut your sweet potatoes into roughly 3/4-inch cubes of similar size. If the pieces are too varied, some will remain hard while others turn mushy. Aim for consistency to ensure every bite is perfectly cooked.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: For maximum crispiness, sweet potatoes need enough space in the skillet to sear and brown rather than steam. If you overcrowd the pan, the moisture released from the potatoes will cause them to steam, resulting in a softer texture instead of a crispy one. Use a large enough skillet, or cook in batches if necessary, to ensure a single layer.
- Preheat Your Skillet Properly: A hot skillet is key to an instant sear and crispy edges. Allow your cast iron or non-stick pan to heat over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding the oil and onions. You should see the oil shimmer gently when it’s ready.
- Resist Constant Stirring: While it might be tempting to stir frequently, allow the sweet potato cubes to cook undisturbed for several minutes between stirs. This gives them time to develop a beautiful crust and caramelized exterior. Stirring too often prevents the direct contact with the hot surface needed for browning.
- Pat Sweet Potatoes Dry (Optional for Extra Crisp): If you desire an even crispier result, after cutting the sweet potatoes, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture can significantly enhance their ability to crisp up in the pan.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: Keep an eye on your heat. If the potatoes are browning too quickly without becoming tender, reduce the heat slightly. If they aren’t browning, increase it a bit. Every stove is different, so trust your instincts.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about these sweet potato breakfast potatoes is how adaptable they are. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize them to your liking:
- Make it Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, simply add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder along with the other spices. Chipotle powder will lend a smoky heat, while cayenne offers a straightforward fiery kick. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
- Fresh Herbs for More Flavor: Elevate the aroma and taste by tossing in fresh herbs towards the end of cooking. Finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme pair beautifully with sweet potatoes, adding an earthy, aromatic dimension. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving also adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Southwest Style Sweet Potato Bowl: Transform these potatoes into a hearty meal. Top them with a vibrant medley of black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced avocado, and a generous dollop of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo. Add a fried egg for extra protein, or a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.
- Hearty Breakfast Hash: Turn this side dish into a complete breakfast hash by incorporating cooked meats. Sauté crumbled chorizo, breakfast sausage, or even diced ham directly into the skillet. Alternatively, cook the meat first, remove it, and then use the flavorful drippings (along with a bit more oil if needed) to cook the onions and sweet potatoes, infusing them with even more savory goodness.
- Garlic & Herb Fusion: Instead of the smoky spices, opt for a classic combination. Use dried oregano, basil, and a generous amount of garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic added with the onions) for a more Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Sweet & Savory Glaze: For a touch more sweetness, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey over the potatoes during the last minute of cooking, tossing quickly to coat. The sugar will caramelize slightly, adding another layer of flavor.
- Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian. Just ensure you use plant-based oil and omit the optional cheese or opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative. They’re delicious as is!
More savory breakfast recipes: Breakfast Charcuterie Board | Pork Belly Breakfast Sandwich | Turkish Eggs Platter | Southwestern Ham Hash
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! These sweet potato breakfast potatoes are excellent for meal prepping. Cook them fully according to the recipe, then allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat them in a hot skillet over medium heat until warmed through and re-crisped, or in a preheated oven.
Yes, certainly! While sweet potatoes offer a unique flavor and nutritional profile, you can definitely use regular potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices as they crisp up beautifully and absorb flavors well. Follow the same seasoning blend and cooking method; the cooking time might vary slightly, so cook until fork-tender and golden brown.
For super crispy sweet potatoes, a few key techniques make all the difference. First, pat the chopped sweet potatoes very dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan. Excess moisture prevents browning. Second, ensure your skillet is adequately hot and not overcrowded; cook in batches if necessary to give the potatoes enough space to sear. Finally, resist the urge to stir constantly – allow the potatoes to sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a solid crust before flipping them.
Yes, absolutely! For an oven-baked version, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with the oil and spices as directed. Then, spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through for even browning and crispiness. For oven cooking, we recommend skipping the fresh onion and adding about 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder to your spice mix instead, as fresh onions may not caramelize as well in the oven alongside the potatoes.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients listed (sweet potatoes, neutral oil, onion, and common spices) are inherently gluten-free. Just ensure any optional toppings you choose, such as cheese or certain sausages, are also gluten-free if you are strictly avoiding gluten.
Need more inspiration for breakfast? Check out my breakfast recipes page!
What to Serve with These Savory Sweet Potato Breakfast Potatoes
These flavorful sweet potato breakfast potatoes are incredibly versatile and can effortlessly transition from a humble side dish to the star of your meal. They pair wonderfully with a wide array of breakfast, brunch, or even dinner options. Here are some delicious ideas to inspire you:
- Perfect Egg Pairings: They are simply divine with any style of egg! Top them with a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg, fluffy scrambled eggs, or delicate instant pot poached eggs. The runny yolk of a fried or poached egg creates a rich, natural sauce that coats the potatoes beautifully.
- Breakfast Burritos or Tacos: Use these sweet potatoes as a flavorful filling for your morning burritos or tacos. Combine them with scrambled eggs, black beans, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa for a hearty and satisfying handheld meal.
- Savory Meats: Serve them alongside your favorite breakfast proteins. They complement grilled breakfast sausages, crispy bacon, or even a perfectly seared steak for a more substantial meal.
- Crispy Prosciutto Topping: For an elegant and savory crunch, crumble some homemade crispy prosciutto over the hot potatoes just before serving. The salty, savory bits add a delightful texture and depth of flavor.
- Avocado Toast Companion: Pair these vibrant potatoes with your favorite avocado toast. The contrasting textures and flavors make for a balanced and incredibly satisfying breakfast plate.
- As a Base for Grain Bowls: Create a nutritious and delicious grain bowl by layering these sweet potatoes over quinoa or brown rice, adding roasted vegetables, a protein of choice, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
- With a Side of Greens: For a lighter, fresher meal, serve the sweet potatoes alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette.
💬 Behind the Inspiration for This Recipe
Breakfast, for many of us, can often feel like a culinary loop – eggs, toast, maybe some plain hash browns, and repeat. I found myself craving something more exciting, a dish that felt both hearty and incredibly flavorful without demanding a complicated preparation. This desire for an elevated yet effortless morning meal is precisely how these sweet potato breakfast potatoes came to life! They offered a unique opportunity to infuse natural sweetness into a savory breakfast, creating a beautiful balance that pairs exquisitely with smoky spices and all the beloved classic breakfast toppings.
My kitchen became a testing ground, specifically focusing on my trusty cast iron skillet. I knew the secret to truly exceptional breakfast potatoes lay in achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp, a texture that simply can’t be replicated by boiling or standard oven roasting alone. Through various trials, I honed the technique of dicing the sweet potatoes just right, perfecting the spice blend, and mastering the art of the occasional stir to ensure every piece developed that glorious, crunchy exterior while remaining wonderfully tender inside.
These sweet potato breakfast potatoes have since become my absolute go-to. Whether I’m preparing a quick, satisfying side for a weekend brunch with friends or meal-prepping for those notoriously busy weekdays, they consistently deliver. They offer a refreshing change from the usual and have proved to be a versatile foundation for countless delicious meals. I genuinely hope they bring as much joy and flavor to your table as they have to mine!
How to Store and Reheat
Proper storage and reheating ensure your sweet potato breakfast potatoes remain delicious for future meals. Here’s how to do it:
Store. To store any leftovers, first allow the cooked sweet potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming and making them soggy. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days.
Reheat. For the best results and to regain that desirable crispiness, reheating in a skillet or oven is recommended.
- Skillet Method: Heat a small amount of oil in a hot skillet over medium heat. Add the refrigerated sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and have re-crisped on the edges, about 5-8 minutes.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190°C). Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and slightly crispy.
Freeze. Yes, you can freeze cooked sweet potato breakfast potatoes for longer storage! Once the potatoes have cooled completely, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid (this usually takes about 3-4 hours). Once frozen, transfer the solid potatoes to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy, stirring once or twice.
More Irresistible Potato Recipes
If you’re a fan of potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other beloved potato recipes from our collection that you’re sure to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a simple side or a hearty meal:
Oven-fried potatoes and onions offer a fantastic hands-off approach to achieving crispy, flavorful spuds with minimal fuss – perfect for a crowd or a busy weeknight.
Discover the elegance of simple French Parmentier potatoes, a classic recipe featuring perfectly cubed and sautéed potatoes that pair beautifully with virtually any main course, from roasted chicken to a delicate fish.
For a vibrant and zesty side, our flavorful fried Mexican potatoes can be whipped up for breakfast, lunch, or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Tex-Mex or grilled protein dishes!
Finally, if you’ve had the pleasure of making this breakfast sweet potatoes skillet recipe, we would be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback means the world to us, and we genuinely love to hear when you’ve enjoyed our recipes. We also make sure to take the time to respond to every single comment and question.
Feel free to drop any questions you have in the comments section – we’re always happy to help!
Oh, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you whip up this delicious recipe! Seeing our recipes come to life in your kitchens is our favorite thing and truly brings a smile to our faces. It really means the world to us!
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Breakfast Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Equipment
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Utility Cutting Board
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp neutral oil (like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, divided)
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
- 1 tsp coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend (shredded, optional)
- Optional Toppings: chopped crispy bacon, crispy prosciutto, freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, diced ham, pico de gallo, salsa, Cotija/queso fresco, sour cream, hot sauce, fried eggs, etc.
Instructions
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In a large cast iron skillet (or a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet), heat 1 tablespoon of your chosen neutral oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Add the chopped onion to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and just begins to brown and caramelize, about 4 to 5 minutes.
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Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes along with the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and ground black pepper. Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated in the spices. Continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes (allowing them to sit undisturbed in between to crisp), until the sweet potatoes are golden brown in spots and are fork-tender. This process typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
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If you desire cheesy potatoes, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the top of the potatoes during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
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Transfer the hot sweet potato breakfast potatoes to plates and customize with your favorite toppings before serving immediately. Enjoy!
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