If you’re anything like me you wake up hungry (and sometimes hangry…) so it’s imperative to have morning meals that are easy to prepare. While I’m one to opt for a quick protein bar or shake M-F, the weekends beg for something just a bit more exciting. Like breakfast PIE perhaps?
When two of our closest friends, Jorge and Erin, were snowed in at our house recently, I started pulling things out of the fridge to see what I could come up with. After a round of brightly colored ceramic mugs filled to the brim with hot chocolate, chocolate coated spoons, Pirouette sticks and fluffy whipped cream topped with coffee flavored sugar, I was raring to go!
As you know, one of my greatest joys in life is cooking for others, but there was something particularly special about the energy in the kitchen that morning. Perhaps it was the sugar high from my cup-of-whoa or the infectious laughter as Miss MnM entertained us from her high chair, but it felt like one big happy family. Who needed to eat.
One skillet dishes are key in the AM, and especially ideal for a crowd. This one packs a punch of flavors and textures to start your day off right. The bottom layer or crust,‘ is made up of crispy shredded hash browns sautéed with peppers and onions. Juicy pieces of steak rest over top (because hello, steak and potatoes…), followed by a coating of gooey melted colby jack and mozzarella cheeses. Then to bring it back to the whole first-meal-of-the-day idea, a layer of fluffy, seasoned scrambled eggs studded with fresh parsley.
Slice it up and serve with a dollop of creme fraiche (mimicking the whipped cream on a dessert pie) and if you’re really daring, dots of fiery sriracha (as if it were a berry sauce) for a welcomed kick.
Now that’s a reason to wake up!
Tune in TOMORROW to this month’s TV segment, 9am on CT Style News 8! I’m making a decadent Valentine’s Day Brunch you’ll L-O-V-E!
I would love for you to join me at That’s SO Jenn! Simply FOLLOW BLOG VIA EMAIL at the top right of the homepage for all the latest recipes & party planning tips!
- 8 eggs
One cup cooked steak, chopped (or meat/veg of choice)
About 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
About 1/2 cup shredded colby jack cheese
1 (20 oz.) bag Simply Potatoes shredded hash browns
7 multicolored mini peppers, diced
1 small red onion, diced
Garlic powder to taste
Garlic salt to taste
Crazy Mixed Up Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Paprika to taste
Handful of chopped fresh parsley
PAM cooking spray or olive oil
Sriracha for garnish (optional)
Creme Fraiche or sour cream (optional)
- In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, saute peppers and onions in olive oil until tender.
Add hash browns and season generously with paprika, black pepper and Crazy Mixed Up Salt (or kosher salt and garlic powder). Cook until golden.
Press potatoes into bottom of pan, then cover with cooked steak (or veg/meat of your choice). Cover with cheese.
In a small bowl, scramble eggs and season with fresh parsley, garlic salt and black pepper.
Pour eggs evenly over cheese.
Using the bottom of another large pan to cover your skillet and allow to cook over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes.
The finished product will leave you with a golden, crispy bottom, melty cheese and soft, fluffy eggs. Cut into triangles, then garnish with creme fraiche/sour cream, more fresh parsley and sriracha.
