Cast-iron skillet of sweet potato hash with two sunny-side-up eggs, diced peppers and onions, avocado slices, and fresh herbs.

Sweet Potato Hash (One-Pan, 30 Minutes) — Crispy Breakfast Favorite

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Introduction

Start your day with a crispy bite that feels as good at dinner as it does at breakfast. This sweet potato hash comes together in just 30 minutes, all in one pan. The edges turn golden and crunchy, while the inside stays soft and tender. You get bold flavor, simple steps, and no mountain of dishes to clean.

The best part? You can make it your own. Add fried eggs for a runny yolk. Toss in sausage for a hearty meal. Keep it vegetarian with peppers, onions, or leafy greens. This recipe welcomes fresh herbs, avocado, or a hit of hot sauce right before serving.

It also fits many diets. The hash is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. With small swaps, it works for paleo and Whole30 lifestyles. That means everyone at the table gets to enjoy it.

Fast, flexible, and flavorful—this skillet recipe is the perfect mix of comfort and health. Serve it hot, keep it simple, and let the crisp edges steal the show.

Here are other sweet potato recipes:

What Is Sweet Potato Hash? (and Why One-Pan)

Definition & Texture

Sweet potato hash is made with diced sweet potatoes cooked with onions, peppers, and garlic. The cubes turn golden on the outside and stay soft inside. You get crispy edges with tender centers in every bite.

Flavor Profile

This dish is savory with a light natural sweetness from the potatoes. Spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic bring warmth and depth. Every forkful feels bold yet balanced.

Meal Occasions

Enjoy this hash at breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner. It works with eggs on top, a side of sausage, or just a simple green salad. One skillet makes it easy to serve any time of day.

One-Pan Advantage

Cooking in one pan means faster cleanup and better browning. A cast-iron skillet gives the best crisp, but any heavy pan works well. Less mess, more flavor, and everything stays hot on the table.

Who It’s For

This recipe fits almost every lifestyle. It is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. With the right swaps, it works for paleo and Whole30 too. That makes it a great choice for family meals or shared brunches.

Ingredients & Smart Swaps

Fresh ingredients for sweet potato hash including diced sweet potatoes, eggs, bell pepper, onion, garlic, black beans, avocado, kale, lime, and spices arranged beside a cast iron skillet.
All the fresh ingredients you need to make crispy one-pan sweet potato hash, from sweet potatoes and eggs to peppers, beans, and avocado.

Base

Start with sweet potatoes, the star of this hash. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic for rich flavor. Use olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee to get that golden crisp.

Seasoning Core

Spices make the dish shine. Mix smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. These seasonings bring warmth and balance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Protein Options

Boost the hash with protein. Top with fried or poached eggs for a classic breakfast. Add bacon or sausage for a hearty meal. Keep it vegetarian with black beans for extra fiber and flavor.

Greens & Veg

Make it colorful with extra veggies. Toss in kale or spinach for freshness. Try scallions, jalapeño, corn, or mushrooms for more variety. Each one changes the taste while keeping it healthy.

Finishes

Finish strong with bold toppings. Add creamy avocado, fresh cilantro or parsley, and a squeeze of lime. A dash of hot sauce gives the perfect kick and brings the whole sweet potato hash together.

How to Make It Crispy in 30 Minutes (Step-by-Step)

Cut & Prep

Dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Pat them dry to cut steam and boost Maillard browning. Season lightly with salt to start the flavor early. This simple prep sets up crispy sweet potato hash.

Pan Heat

Put a cast-iron or heavy skillet on medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then add the potatoes in one even layer. Crowding softens them, so cook in batches if needed.

Don’t Stir (Yet)

Let the potatoes sear for 3–4 minutes per side. Flip in big sections to keep the crust intact. This pause builds those golden, crispy edges we want in a one-pan breakfast.

Add Aromatics

When the potatoes feel about 70% tender, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir and cook until the onions turn glossy and the peppers soften. Taste and adjust the heat if needed.

Finish

Shake on smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch more salt. For extra crunch, slide the skillet into a hot oven at 220°C/425°F for 5–8 minutes. Top with fried eggs or avocado, and serve the sweet potato hash hot.

Variations & Flavor Paths

Cast iron skillet filled with crispy sweet potato hash with sausage and colorful peppers.
Crispy one-pan sweet potato hash with sausage and peppers, a quick 30-minute breakfast or dinner.

Southwest

Add chili powder and cumin. Stir in sliced jalapeño for heat. Top the sweet potato hash with eggs, avocado, and salsa. It tastes smoky, spicy, and fresh.

Sausage & Pepper

Brown crumbled Italian or turkey sausage first. Add extra bell peppers and a pinch of oregano. Toss everything with the crispy potatoes. You get a hearty one-pan breakfast or dinner.

Veggie Protein

Fold in black beans or chickpeas. Add corn for sweetness and texture. Finish with lime juice and chopped cilantro. This version stays vegetarian and still feels filling.

Greens & Feta (Dairy-Optional)

Wilt kale or spinach at the end. Sprinkle feta for a salty bite, or skip it to keep it dairy-free. The greens add color and freshness. Serve hot for maximum crisp.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Serving Tips

Meal Prep

Par-cook the diced sweet potatoes for 6–8 minutes. Then cool them on a tray so they don’t steam. Later, finish in a hot skillet to get crispy sweet potato hash fast. This saves time for busy mornings.

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet, not the microwave. The pan brings back crunchy edges and fresh flavor.

Serving Ideas

Top with fried or poached eggs for a classic one-pan breakfast. Or serve with toast, warm tortillas, or a simple green salad. Add avocado or hot sauce for extra punch.

Diet Tweaks

Use avocado oil or ghee for a paleo-friendly skillet. For Whole30, skip beans and cheese, and keep the focus on eggs, veggies, and clean protein. It stays hearty and compliant.

Troubleshooting

If the hash turns soggy, the pan was crowded or not hot enough. So cook in batches and heat the oil until it shimmers. This small tweak keeps the potatoes crisp and golden.

Sweet Potato Hash

Close-up of sweet potato hash with sausage, red peppers, and two sunny-side-up eggs in a cast iron skillet.

Sweet Potato Hash

A crispy sweet potato hash made in one pan in about 30 minutes. Diced sweet potatoes sear until golden, then cook with onion, bell pepper, garlic, and warm spices. Finish with eggs or your favorite protein and herbs for a hearty, gluten-free breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, brunch, dinner
Cuisine: american comfort food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 5–6 cups)
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil/ghee
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 eggs optional, fried or poached on top
  • Fresh herbs parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Optional add-ins: sausage or black beans

Method
 

  1. Prep the potatoes: Dice sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a towel for extra crispiness.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it heat until shimmering.
  3. Cook the potatoes: Spread the diced sweet potatoes in one even layer. Let them sear 3–4 minutes before stirring, to form a golden crust. Continue cooking for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nearly tender.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes, until veggies soften and potatoes are fully cooked.
  5. Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning. For extra crisp, place skillet in the oven at 220°C/425°F for 5–8 minutes. Top with fried eggs, sausage, or avocado. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

FAQs

1) What is sweet potato hash?

Sweet potato hash is diced sweet potatoes cooked in one pan with aromatics and spices. The edges turn crispy while the centers stay tender.

2) How do I make sweet potato hash crispy?

Use a hot cast-iron or heavy skillet. Spread potatoes in one even layer and don’t stir for a few minutes. Finish in the oven at 220°C/425°F for extra crunch.

3) Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

No. You can keep the skin for more texture and nutrients. Wash well and cut into ½-inch cubes.

4) Which oil works best?

Use avocado oil, olive oil, or ghee. They handle medium-high heat and help form crispy edges.

5) Can I add eggs?

Yes. Fry or poach eggs and place them on top. Runny yolks taste great with sweet potato hash.

Conclusion

This sweet potato hash is a one-pan win. You get crispy edges, bold flavor, and endless mix-ins in just 30 minutes. Keep the method the same, and then swap the add-ins you love. So it works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner any day. Serve it hot, top with eggs, and add avocado or fresh herbs. Enjoy a crispy sweet potato hash that tastes big and keeps cleanup small.

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