This German-style potato and bacon skillet is a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. Crisp golden potatoes, savory bacon, and soft onions are topped with an egg mixture for a satisfying meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With minimal prep and the option to boil the potatoes a day ahead, it’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
This hearty, traditional German meal called “Bauernfrühstück” which translates to “Farmer’s Breakfast” is all about simple, down-to-earth flavors—a classic farmhouse breakfast just like Grandma used to make. With my recipe, you can easily recreate this delicious comfort food at home.
Ingredients for German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet
This potato and bacon skillet is the perfect way to use up leftover boiled potatoes. Despite “skillet” in the name, this hearty dish isn’t just for breakfast – it makes a great lunch or dinner too! To get that classic home-cooked flavor, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- New potatoes: Waxy and firm varieties like new potatoes work best. You can leave the skins on, making it easier and less work. Pre-cooking the potatoes gives them a better texture when fried.
- Smoked bacon: Adds delicious depth of flavor.
- Onion: Diced for sweetness and balance.
- Ghee: For frying to crispy perfection.
- Eggs and milk/cream: To bind everything together.
- Oregano: Adds a herby note.
- Chives: For garnish.
- Pickles: Optional but highly recommended for serving. Pickles are a traditional accompaniment in the traditional German “Bauernfrühstück” recipe, as their tangy flavour balances the richness of the dish.
How to Make German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet
This hearty skillet comes together in a few simple steps—perfect for any meal! Full recipe details are in the card below.
- Step 1: Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then let them cool and slice into rounds. If you have leftover potatoes from the day before, even better—less prep work!
- Step 2: In a skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered. Add ghee, then fry the potato slices until they’re golden and crispy. Stir in the diced onions and cook until they soften and the potatoes are perfectly crisp.
- Step 3: Whisk together the eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the skillet mixture and cover, cooking until the eggs are set to perfection.
Top with fresh chives and serve with a side of tangy pickles for that traditional German Bauernfrühstück touch! Simple, flavourful, and so satisfying!
How to Serve Potato and Bacon Skillet
To complement your German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet, try serving it with a light cucumber salad or a simple green salad with French dressing. Sauerkraut adds a tangy, traditional touch, while crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavours. For a bit of spice, a drizzle of Sriracha works beautifully to elevate the dish.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Farmer’s Breakfast “Bauernfrühstück” Recipe
- Hearty and filling: A comforting dish perfect for any time of day.
- Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Simple: Easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, great for beginners.
- Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making it a family favorite.
- Versatile: Perfect for using up leftovers or customizing with your own variations.
German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet
Ingredients
- 600 g new potatoes, or any other waxy, firm potato variety (ideally cooked the day before)
- 120 g diced smoked bacon (about 6 strips, chopped)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 3 large eggs
- 60 ml milk or cream (1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or ⅓ teaspoon dried oregano)
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely sliced, for garnish
- Pickles, for serving (optional)
Method
-
Cook the Potatoes: Place the unpeeled new potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are knife-tender. Drain and let cool completely. Once cooled, slice the potatoes into rounds. If using larger waxy potatoes, peel them after boiling. (Tip: Boiling the potatoes a day in advance helps them firm up and hold their shape better when frying.)
-
Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 2 minutes, or until the fat has rendered.
-
Fry the Potatoes and Onions: Add the ghee to the skillet and once melted, add the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, until golden and crispy on the bottom. Stir in the diced onions, then continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 6-8 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the potatoes are crispy on all sides. Increase the heat slightly if needed for extra crispiness.
-
Combine with the Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour the egg mixture over the skillet ingredients, ensuring it spreads evenly. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the eggs are just set and no longer runny.
-
Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chives and serve immediately with pickles on the side, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Potato perfection: Boil the potatoes until they’re just tender—10-12 minutes for baby potatoes, 15-20 minutes for small, and up to 30 minutes for larger ones. You want them to be fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Oven option: Using an oven-safe skillet? You can set the eggs in the oven at 450°F / 220°C (200°C fan-assisted) instead of cooking them on the stovetop for an effortless finish.
- Flavour boosters: Serve with tangy pickles for a classic touch, or drizzle with Sriracha if you’re in the mood for a little heat.
- Extra nutrition: Want a healthy boost? Toss in some chopped Tuscan kale during the last few minutes of frying the potatoes, right before adding the eggs.
For a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.
Did you try this German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet recipe?
Did you try this German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet recipe?Then tag @ellerepublic on Instagram and hashtag it #ellerepublic
How did you like it?
Please let me know how this German-Style Potato and Bacon Skillet recipe turned out for you! I would love to hear how you liked it. Simply rate it with the stars above ⭐ or leave me a comment and rate it below.
Did you make any changes to this recipe?
If you have tips for other readers, let me know! It helps me and other readers so much. Sharing is Caring :-).
This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through my link, Amazon will pay me a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional and the price remains the same. More about advertisements on Elle Republic.
