Skillet

Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes

Name: Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated; 1 large onion, grated; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

By Clara Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Skillet

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

There's something special about a warm, comforting skillet cake, fresh from the pan, that just feels like home. For me, it's the combination of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and a hint of onion that makes these Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes truly unforgettable.

I remember making these for the first time on a chilly autumn morning, the aroma of sizzling bacon and potatoes filling the kitchen, and the whole family gathering around the table to enjoy a delicious breakfast together.

What I love about this recipe is that it's perfect for any time of day - whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

In this recipe, we'll explore the art of creating the perfect skillet cake, with a crispy exterior, a fluffy interior, and a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. So, let's get started and dive into the world of Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and a hint of onion is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it's incredibly versatile - you can serve it with a fried egg and toast for breakfast, or with a side salad for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These skillet cakes are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
The combination of smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and caramelized onion is a match made in heaven, and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
This recipe is perfect for any time of day, whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner.
The skillet cakes are highly versatile, and can be served with a variety of sides, from fried eggs and toast to salads and soups.
This recipe is also very budget-friendly, using ingredients that are probably already in your pantry, and is a great way to use up leftover potatoes and bacon.
The skillet cakes can be made ahead of time, and reheated as needed, making them a great option for busy weeknights or weekend meals.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great skillet cakes is to cook the bacon and potatoes slowly, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized flavor. By cooking the bacon in a cold pan, we allow the fat to render slowly, creating a crispy, golden-brown texture that's essential to the dish.

The potatoes, too, benefit from a slow cook, as they absorb all the flavorful juices from the bacon and onion. By cooking them until they're tender and lightly browned, we create a beautiful, velvety texture that's just perfect for skillet cakes.

Finally, the onion adds a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the bacon and potatoes. By cooking it slowly, we allow the natural sugars to caramelize, creating a rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delicious Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and a hint of onion. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for potatoes, look for ones that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho potatoes, as they will yield a lighter, fluffier texture. For the bacon, choose a thick-cut, smoked bacon that's full of flavor.

6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesThick-cut, smoked bacon is essential for this recipe, as it provides a rich, smoky flavor and a crispy texture. Look for bacon that's been smoked for at least 4 hours to get the best flavor.
2 large potatoes, peeled and gratedHigh-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho are best for this recipe, as they yield a lighter, fluffier texture. Be sure to grate the potatoes just before cooking to prevent them from turning brown.
1 large onion, gratedA sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui is best for this recipe, as it adds a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness. Be sure to grate the onion just before cooking to prevent it from losing its flavor.
2 cloves of garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it adds a pungent flavor and aroma. Be sure to mince the garlic just before cooking to prevent it from losing its flavor.
1/2 cup all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour is best for this recipe, as it provides a light, tender texture. Be sure to sift the flour before using it to remove any lumps.
1/2 teaspoon saltKosher salt is best for this recipe, as it provides a mild, savory flavor. Be sure to use a light hand when adding salt, as the bacon and potatoes will add plenty of flavor to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is best for this recipe, as it adds a sharp, peppery flavor. Be sure to use a light hand when adding pepper, as the bacon and potatoes will add plenty of flavor to the dish.
2 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for this recipe, as they provide moisture and richness to the skillet cakes. Be sure to beat the eggs just before cooking to prevent them from losing their flavor.
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheeseSharp cheddar cheese is best for this recipe, as it adds a rich, tangy flavor. Be sure to grate the cheese just before cooking to prevent it from losing its flavor.
2 tablespoons butter, meltedUnsalted butter is best for this recipe, as it provides a rich, creamy flavor. Be sure to melt the butter just before cooking to prevent it from losing its flavor.

Ingredients for Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or cast-iron panSharp chef's knifeCutting boardGraterInstant-read thermometerSpatulaWhisk

How to Make Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes

1
Start by cooking the bacon in a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
2
Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3
Add the grated onion to the same pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the grated potatoes to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
5
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
6
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
7
Add the cooked bacon, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the bowl and stir until they're well combined.
8
Add the beaten eggs and grated cheese to the bowl and stir until they're fully incorporated.
9
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of melted butter to the pan.
10
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the potato mixture into the pan and flatten it slightly with a spatula.
11
Cook the skillet cakes for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until they're golden brown and crispy, then flip them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until they're cooked through and crispy on both sides.
12
Serve the skillet cakes hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or chives, if desired.

Expert Tips

Be sure to cook the bacon slowly over medium heat to prevent it from burning.
Don't overmix the potato mixture, as it can become tough and dense.
Use a thermometer to ensure the skillet cakes are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the skillet cakes to steam instead of sear.
Let the skillet cakes rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to find your favorite flavor combination.
Add some diced ham or diced bell peppers to the potato mixture for added flavor and texture.
Serve the skillet cakes with a side of sour cream or applesauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the bacon slowly enough, resulting in burnt or undercooked bacon.
Overmixing the potato mixture, resulting in tough and dense skillet cakes.
Not using enough butter or oil in the pan, resulting in dry and crumbly skillet cakes.
Not cooking the skillet cakes to a safe internal temperature, resulting in foodborne illness.
Not letting the skillet cakes rest before serving, resulting in dry and crumbly texture.
Not experimenting with different flavor combinations, resulting in boring and uninteresting skillet cakes.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or diced bell peppers to the potato mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to find your favorite flavor combination.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the potato mixture for added flavor and color.
Use different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon golds, to change up the flavor and texture.
Add some spice to the potato mixture, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, to give it a kick.
Serve the skillet cakes with a side of sour cream or applesauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Experiment with different cooking methods, such as baking or grilling, to change up the texture and flavor.

What to Serve With Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes

These Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes are perfect for serving as a main dish, side dish, or even as a snack. They're delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides, such as fried eggs, toast, or a salad.

For a hearty breakfast, try serving the skillet cakes with a fried egg and a side of toast or hash browns. For a satisfying lunch or dinner, try serving them with a side salad or a bowl of soup.

Fried eggs and toastHash browns and sour creamSalad with vinaigrette dressingSoup and crusty breadGrilled chicken or steakRoasted vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

These Bacon And Potato Skillet Cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To store in the fridge, simply place the cooked skillet cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F or below.

To freeze, place the cooked skillet cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen skillet cakes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store at 0°F or below.

To reheat, simply place the skillet cakes in a pan over medium heat and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

High-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho are best for this recipe, as they yield a lighter, fluffier texture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to find your favorite flavor combination.

How do I prevent the skillet cakes from becoming too dense?

Don't overmix the potato mixture, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.

Can I make these skillet cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these skillet cakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What's the best way to reheat the skillet cakes?

The best way to reheat the skillet cakes is to place them in a pan over medium heat and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Can I serve these skillet cakes as a main dish?

Yes, these skillet cakes can be served as a main dish, side dish, or even as a snack. They're delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides, such as fried eggs, toast, or a salad.

How do I prevent the skillet cakes from becoming too greasy?

Don't overcook the bacon, as this can cause it to become too crispy and greasy. Also, be sure to pat the skillet cakes dry with a paper towel before serving to remove excess grease.

Can I add other ingredients to the potato mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the potato mixture, such as diced ham or diced bell peppers, to add flavor and texture.

The Full Recipe

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