If you crave a breakfast that combines crispy textures, rich flavors, and a comforting touch, you will absolutely adore this Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe. This dish brings together golden hash browns, creamy and savory bacon gravy, and a perfectly fried egg, creating a harmony of taste and indulgence that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make yet unbelievably satisfying, guaranteed to become your go-to weekend brunch favorite or anytime comfort food craving answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, whether it’s adding crispiness, creaminess, or that irresistible umami kick. You’ll find this combination super straightforward, but together they deliver layers of flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated: Freshly grated potatoes are the heart of the hash browns, offering crisp edges and a fluffy inside.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect golden crust on both the hash browns and eggs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped: Brings smoky, salty goodness that’s key to the savory bacon gravy.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed into the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that transforms bacon drippings and milk into smooth gravy.
- 2 cups milk: Creates that creamy base for the rich bacon gravy.
- 4 large eggs: The crowning touch, fried just right for that oozy yolk that ties the dish together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant note that brightens the plate and palette.
How to Make Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Potatoes
Grate your peeled potatoes and then press out as much moisture as you can using a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial because drier potatoes crisp up beautifully during cooking, giving your hash browns that irresistible golden crust. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper to ensure even the potatoes alone carry flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Hash Browns
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the grated potatoes and gently press them into a large patty shape. This creates a cohesive hash brown that cooks evenly and crisps nicely on the outside while remaining tender inside. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until perfectly golden brown. Once done, set them aside to rest briefly—it’s worth the wait.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped bacon pieces and fry until they turn crispy and fragrant. This not only provides that signature smoky crunch but also leaves behind richly flavored drippings perfect for the next step. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain excess grease, keeping those crispy bits intact.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft. This subtle sweetness will enhance the gravy’s flavor and create a lovely aroma that hints at the delicious meal in the works.
Step 5: Make the Bacon Gravy
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir to cook it for about a minute. This step cooks out any raw flour taste before slowly whisking in the milk. Keep stirring as the gravy thickens into a luscious, creamy sauce. Season this mix with salt and pepper, then fold in the crispy bacon pieces to marry all those savory flavors together. Keep the gravy warm on gentle heat while you move on.
Step 6: Fry the Eggs
In a clean skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and fry your eggs sunny-side up or to your preferred doneness. The runny yolk is perfect for melding with the gravy and crispy hash browns, creating a mouthwatering sauce that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Plate a generous portion of the crispy hash browns, ladle over the warm bacon gravy, and gently top with the fried egg. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle on some chopped parsley if using. This final step transforms the dish from humble ingredients into a hearty, soul-satisfying breakfast that’s too good to keep to yourself.
How to Serve Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the deep flavors of this dish, but you can get creative too—try a pinch of smoked paprika for extra warmth or a few thin slices of green onion for a mild bite. A little garnish not only adds to the presentation but complements the layers of flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands tall on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a light fruit salad or some sautéed greens. The freshness contrasts wonderfully with the rich, salty bacon gravy and the crispiness of the hash browns. A tangy tomato chutney or a dollop of creamy avocado would also be fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual hash brown patties or even using mini cast iron skillets for single servings. Layering the gravy and egg over a stack of round hash brown “cakes” adds a stunning visual appeal. You could also turn this into a breakfast bowl by adding roasted veggies or cheese for an extra decadent meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover hash browns and gravy store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the eggs separate whenever possible, as fried eggs don’t reheat as well without losing their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked hash browns without the gravy and eggs. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay good for up to 2 months and reheat nicely in the oven or air fryer. The bacon gravy is best made fresh but can be frozen separately in small portions if needed.
Reheating
Reheat the hash browns in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until crisp again. Warm the bacon gravy gently on the stove, stirring often. For the eggs, fresh is definitely best, but if you must reheat, cover and microwave briefly or gently warm in a nonstick pan to avoid rubberiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen hash browns for this recipe?
While fresh grated potatoes yield the best texture, you can use frozen hash browns in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking to prevent sogginess.
Is there a vegetarian option for the bacon gravy?
You can substitute the bacon with smoked mushrooms or smoked paprika-seasoned tofu, then make a gravy using veggie broth and butter for a similar smoky depth without meat.
What type of potatoes work best for hash browns?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which helps achieve crispiness while keeping the interior tender and fluffy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter substitute and your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The texture and flavor might be a bit different, but it still works deliciously.
How do I get perfect sunny-side-up eggs every time?
Use a nonstick skillet with medium-low heat, add a little butter or oil, and cook the eggs slowly without flipping until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Covering the pan briefly can help set the whites if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration on a plate, combining familiar ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or impressing loved ones with a hearty brunch, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try—you’re going to love how the crispy hash browns, luscious gravy, and perfectly cooked egg come together in such a delicious way.
Print
Egg Topped Hash Browns with Bacon Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting breakfast dish featuring crispy homemade hash browns topped with a rich bacon gravy and a perfectly fried egg. This recipe combines the crispy texture of golden hash browns with the savory flavor of bacon gravy, finished off with a runny yolk egg for a satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Hash Browns
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bacon Gravy
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Grate the potatoes and use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Season the grated potatoes generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook the hash browns: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the grated potatoes, pressing them down firmly to form a large patty. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the hash browns turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and fry until it becomes crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make the bacon gravy: Stir in the flour to the sautéed onions and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then stir the cooked bacon back into the skillet to combine. Keep the gravy warm on low heat.
- Fry the eggs: In a separate skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Carefully crack in the eggs and fry to your preferred doneness, with sunny-side up recommended for the best runny yolk texture.
- Assemble the dish: Place a serving of crispy hash browns on each plate. Spoon generous amounts of the warm bacon gravy over the hash browns. Top each portion with a fried egg, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes are thoroughly dried before cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent hash browns and eggs from sticking.
- If preferred, you can cook individual hash browns instead of a large patty.
- To adjust the gravy thickness, add more milk if too thick or cook longer if too thin.
- Fresh herbs like chives or thyme can be substituted for parsley.
