Southwest Sausage & Egg Breakfast Skillet

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Par-cook the potatoes Place the diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 Tbsp water. Cover loosely and microwave for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want them partially tender but not completely cooked—a fork should go in with some resistance. Drain thoroughly. Spread them out for a few minutes to let the steam escape, then pat them very dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Brown the sausage Heat a large skillet, preferably 12 inches, over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into bite-sized pieces, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3

Get the potatoes crispy You want approximately 1½ Tbsp fat/oil in the skillet. Add avocado or olive oil if necessary. Let the skillet get hot, then add the potatoes in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Now leave them alone for 3–4 minutes. Once the bottoms are deeply golden, turn the potatoes and leave them undisturbed for another 2–3 minutes. Continue turning every few minutes until they're tender inside with plenty of crispy, browned surfaces.

Step 4

Add the vegetables Add the onion, red bell pepper and jalapeño. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown. Add: ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp smoked paprika ¼ tsp cumin ¼ tsp black pepper Return the sausage to the skillet and toss everything together. Taste and adjust the salt.

Step 5

Scramble the eggs into the skillet Whisk 4 eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. For slightly softer eggs, whisk in 1 Tbsp milk. Reduce the skillet to medium-low. Push the potato, sausage and vegetable mixture toward the outside of the skillet, creating an open area in the center. If the center looks dry, add a small amount of oil or butter. Pour the whisked eggs into the center. Let them sit undisturbed for about 20–30 seconds. Gently stir the eggs in the center, forming soft curds while trying not to disturb the potatoes too much. When the eggs are about 75% cooked, gently fold the crispy potato/sausage mixture into the eggs.

Step 6

Add the cheese Sprinkle ½ cup Monterey Jack over everything and gently fold it through the skillet. Continue cooking only until the eggs are just set and the cheese has melted, about another minute. Take the skillet off the heat while the eggs still look slightly soft. The hot potatoes and skillet will continue cooking them, and this keeps the eggs from becoming dry or rubbery.

Step 7

Top with: Diced avocado Sliced green onions Salsa Sour cream Serve immediately.