Dating in the early 2000s, my husband and I would visit a local diner for breakfast often. There was nothing particularly special about the place, except that everyone knew everyone and the smell of breakfast was heart warming. The restaurant was located on the state line and my husband (then boyfriend) regularly ordered their “North Penn”. Some point after we were married and the restaurant closed it’s doors, I started making the North Penn at home. This breakfast skillet recipe is one of those hard ones to put into words. So I’ll summarize it.

Here’s what you need:

Potatoes
Some kind of breakfast meat
Eggs
Onions
Random veggies
Cheese to top

Picture a classic full platter of breakfast foods mixed together for a casserole type dish that hit every one of your taste buds. You get to decide to mix in hot peppers, bacon, cheese variety, left over veggies gettin sad at the bottom of your veggie drawer, frozen or fresh potatoes etc. This is a perfect breakfast choice for clear headed thinking and all day energy. Enjoy the creative experiment with this breakfast skillet and your cleaner fridge.

Check out my other Breakfast recipes full of protein and fibers.

Nutrient Highlight for mental clarity and energy:

Eggs: A perfect protein with choline and B vitamins that support neurotransmitter function and memory.
Potatoes: A complex carb that provides steady energy and helps shuttle tryptophan to the brain- keep those skins on for added potassium (something everyone with stress needs)
Avocado oil: A stable cooking fat rich in monounsaturated fats that protect the brain and reduce inflammation.
Mixed vegetables: Brightly colored veggies like bell peppers and greens are loaded with antioxidants and fiber that support gut-brain balance.
Breakfast meat: Adds a rich source of protein and B12, key for mood regulation and nervous system health.
Onions: Prebiotic-rich and anti-inflammatory — supporting gut health and immune regulation.
Parsley: More than just garnish — it’s rich in vitamin C, folate, and iron, which all play a role in cognitive clarity and emotional stability. This counts as “greens” too!

Some FAQ about breakfast skillets:

What is a breakfast skillet?

A breakfast skillet is a one-pan meal typically made by layering nutrient-dense ingredients like eggs, potatoes, vegetables, cheese, and a form of protein (such as sausage or bacon) in a skillet — usually cast iron. Everything is cooked together or in stages, creating a hearty, filling meal that can be customized to suit your preferences.

It’s especially loved for its convenience, versatility, and ability to keep you full and energized for hours, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

Is a breakfast skillet the same thing as a cowboy breakfast?

While both meals are similar in that they’re one-pan, protein-rich breakfasts, the key difference is in the style and flavor:

A breakfast skillet is more flexible and can lean healthy, veggie-heavy, or even dairy-free, depending on what you’re aiming for. It’s often created with wellness or balance in mind — like the version above that’s designed to support mental clarity and stable energy.
A cowboy breakfast (also called a cowboy skillet) is more rustic and indulgent, usually heavier on meat and fat. It traditionally includes eggs, potatoes, sausage or bacon, and sometimes beans, all cooked together and seasoned boldly — the kind of thing you’d fuel up on before a long day of manual labor. The true all American meal.

What do all breakfast skillets have in common?

At their core, all breakfast skillets share three key traits:

One-pan cooking: Everything is made in a single skillet (often cast iron), making cleanup a breeze.
Balanced macros: They typically combine protein, fats, and carbs for a well-rounded meal that sustains energy.
Layered flavors and textures: From crispy potatoes to melty cheese to sautéed veggies and savory meats — it’s comfort food that can also be nourishing, depending on your ingredients.

Breakfast skillets are endlessly adaptable, can be eaten any time of day, feed a crowd well and are always satisfying.

How to make the North Penn Breakfast Skillet:

Ingredients:

8 oz breakfast meat (ham, ground turkey, bacon, sausage, etc. — cooked or raw)
1 cup diced potatoes (frozen shredded or leftover baked work well)
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 cup mixed vegetables (I love hot peppers, tomatoes, and greens — see notes)
4 eggs (see notes)
½ cup shredded cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Prep the eggs: Heat your skillet over medium. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and pour into the skillet. Cook until set, then remove from the pan and set aside. (See note below for alternative.)
Cook the meat: If your breakfast meat is raw, cook it through in the skillet and then set aside.
Potato time: Add avocado oil to the pan and let it heat. Toss in your potatoes and cook until they begin to brown.
Add veggies: Add chopped onion and any raw vegetables (except greens) and cook until softened.
Bring it together: Add the cooked eggs and meat back into the pan. Stir in greens and sprinkle cheese on top.
Finishing touch: Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the greens wilt and the cheese melt.
Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Notes:

Egg method: While I typically scramble and set eggs aside early in the process, you can cook them at the very end after veggies are done — faster, but not as pretty.
Greens: If using spinach, kale, or other greens, only add them at the very end to preserve nutrients and color.
Blackstone: This is perfect choice for outdoor cooking and making everything all at once. Enjoy the peace of starting your day outdoors.

a mixed egg and potato breakfast dish in a cast iron skillet

I chose to use whole eggs simmered on top of the mixture for this photo. That is always an option for a beautiful result as well.

a egg and potato breakfast dish being scooped onto a plate

Print Pin

North Penn Breakfast Skillet

Hearty blend of potatoes, meat, eggs, vegetables, and cheese

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings 2

Equipment

1 skillet

Ingredients

8 oz Breakfast meat (raw or pre cooked) ham, ground turkey, bacon, sausage etc
1 c diced potatoes (frozen shredded, leftover baked etc)
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tbsp onion chopped fine
1 c mixed veggies I personally loved hot peppers, tomatoes and greens (see notes)
4 eggs see notes
1/2 c shredded cheese
fresh parsley garnish

Instructions

Heat your skillet on medium
In a bowl whisk eggs together and pour into prepared skillet. Cook through. See notes.
Once the eggs are cooked through, remove and ready skillet for cooking meat
If your meat is not yet cooked through, you want to do that first and set aside.
Prep your skillet for the potatoes by adding avocado oil to the pan and allow to heat before adding in your potatoes.
Add in chopped onions and any veggies that may still need cooked through
Cook until potatoes are cooked through and browned
Add cooked eggs, and meats back into pan. Add in green (if using) and shredded cheese on top.
Turn off heat and cover your pan to allow green to wilt and cheese to melt.
Add any fresh parsley if using

Notes

Note* While scrambling the eggs first and setting aside is what I typically do, the eggs could be added and cooked through at the very end (after you cook the veggies), while it is easier and faster, it is not as visually appealing. For the purpose of this post, I chose to let them simmer in a hot mixture in their whole form for the beauty of it.

Note* If using any greens, only add in at the very end and cook just until wilted. Right about when you add in your shredded cheese

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North Penn Breakfast Skillet: When you don’t know what to make

Nutrient Highlight for mental clarity and energy: