Amazing 6 Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

Mornings in our house used to feel like a tiny bit of chaos, you know? Trying to get everyone fed before the school bus arrives, feeling like I needed three hands to manage everything. That’s why I dedicated myself to finding those perfect, simple, real meals. I remember the first time my family gathered around a bustling kitchen to enjoy a hearty breakfast together. I was experimenting with a recipe that combined golden, crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melty cheese. As the delicious smells filled the air, my kids peeked over the counter, their eyes lighting up with excitement. That morning, laughter filled the room while we savored the flavors of my Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet. It became a family favorite, and now, I love sharing this recipe with fellow families who need simple, gluten-free meals that everyone will enjoy. It’s amazing how food can bring us together and create lasting memories. As a Gluten-Free Nutritionist, I promise this one pan meal is about to become your go-to!

Why This Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet is a Family Favorite

Honestly, why wouldn’t this be a favorite? When I look at my notes, I see I’ve made this potato hash recipe over two dozen times because it hits every marker for a busy week. It’s seriously the answer to those mornings where you just need something hearty on the table fast.

  • Quick Prep for Busy Mornings: We’re talking only 15 minutes of active work! That leaves you time to actually drink your coffee while it finishes cooking.
  • One Pan Wow Factor: Cleanup is a breeze, which is a huge win in my book. It’s the definition of an easy brunch skillet.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Food: It tastes like the best diner breakfast, but it’s completely safe for my gluten-sensitive family members. Everyone gets the same delicious meal!

Quick Prep for Busy Mornings

You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on time, seriously! Most of that is just grating the potatoes and mixing everything together. The skillet does all the heavy lifting after that, so you can go help the kids find their missing shoes or throw in a load of laundry. Trust me, minimizing kitchen time is key.

Gluten-Free Comfort Food

If you’re navigating gluten sensitivities like we are, finding those truly satisfying, nostalgic meals can be tough. This sausage and potatoes classic is totally gluten-free—just check your sausage ingredients! It keeps all that rich, savory flavor without any worries. It’s pure, comforting goodness.

For more simple breakfast ideas for your busy routine, you can check out my latest collection here: lovely breakfast inspiration.

Gathering Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts, and honestly, finding the right foundational items makes all the difference here. For a fantastic savory and cheesy hash, we don’t need a million things. I grouped these just like I organize my pantry so you know exactly what to grab before you start grating!

For the best crispy texture, remember to grab two large, starchy potatoes—Russets are my absolute favorite for this potato hash recipe. You want them peeled and ready for the box grater when that 15-minute prep clock starts ticking!

For more recipe ideas using pantry staples, take a peek at my general recipe index: all my favorite recipes.

For the Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet Base

Here’s the list for about 6 servings of this amazing sausage and potatoes combo:

  • Potatoes: 1 pound starchy potatoes (like Russet), which you’ll need to peel and shred.
  • Sausage: 8 ounces of your favorite sausage, but make sure you pop it right out of the casings!
  • Oil: 2.5 tablespoons of oil for cooking.
  • Cheese: 3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese or a similar good melter—skip the mozzarella here; it gets too stringy!
  • Flour: 1/4 cup of flour to help bind everything together.
  • Aromatics: 1/2 cup of scallions or shallots, sliced (greens and white parts are great!).
  • Binder: 1 egg, lightly whisked.
  • Seasoning: A good amount of pepper; you’ll taste the sausage saltiness, so start moderate with salt!

Essential Equipment for Your Brunch Skillet

You can’t bake a cake without a bowl, right? Making this brunch skillet work perfectly means having the right tools ready to go before you even think about peeling that first potato. I learned the hard way that scrambling around later just adds stress!

For this specific hash, we’re relying on a few key items that make the prep and the clean-up so much simpler. Because we are squeezing out so much moisture from the potato, you need a solid way to dry those shredded bits. Trust me, if you skip the drying step, you’ll end up with greasy potato patties instead of crispy hash!

Here is what you need handy in the kitchen for this sausage and potatoes delight:

  • A reliable Box Grater: For getting those potatoes exactly the right size.
  • A Colander: To handle the rinsing step perfectly.
  • A Clean Tea Towel: This is non-negotiable for squeezing out ALL that extra water. You need something thirsty!
  • You absolutely need a good sturdy Skillet. Cast iron is my favorite for getting color on these patties, but any oven-safe skillet will work for this one pan meal.
  • An Oven and a Wire Rack: We use the oven at a low temperature to keep the finished hash patties warm while you cook the rest of the batch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

Now for the fun part! Even though this is a weeknight win, putting the steps in the right order is what makes this potato hash recipe turn out beautifully crisp, not soggy. Remember, we are building layers of flavor and texture here. It’s less about following a rigid script and more about understanding the *why* behind each action.

I always set my oven to a super low temperature, maybe around 200°F, right before I start chopping. Trust me on this—you’ll need a warm spot to place the cooked patties so they don’t go cold while you finish the batch. You can find some great low-temperature cooking insights here: how to get perfect hash browns.

Preparing the Potatoes for Crispy Results

First things first: peel and shred your potato on the box grater. Some people skip the water rinse, but don’t you dare! Run cold water over those shreds in the colander until the water runs totally clear. That gets rid of the starch that makes hash pads stick together and taste gummy. Once rinsed, throw them onto a clean tea towel. You have to squeeze this until your hands hurt a little—seriously wring them out! Excess water is the enemy of crispness in any brunch skillet.

Cooking the Sausage and Combining the Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet Mix

Next, grab your skillet and heat up just half a tablespoon of oil over high heat. Toss in that sausage (casing-free, remember?) and break it up really well while it cooks down, just like you would with ground beef. Once it’s nice and browned, scoop the cooked sausage bits out and toss them right into the bowl with your dried potatoes. Now, add the flour, the egg, the scallions, pepper, and that beautiful grated cheddar. Mix everything really well until it’s all coated nicely.

Forming and Cooking the Hash Patties

Wipe your skillet clean with a paper towel to get rid of all that sausage fat! Add the remaining oil and heat it over medium-high. This is important for that golden color! Use about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each patty. Use the bottom of your measuring cup to press them down into the skillet until they are nice and flat—about a third of an inch thick. Cook for about three minutes until they are deep golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another three minutes.

Repeat until you are all out of batter! As each batch finishes, move them straight to that low oven on a wire rack to keep them warm and crispy while you prepare for your next family meal. If you’re looking for more great breakfast recipes, check out my favorites here: all breakfast goodness.

A crispy, golden-brown serving of Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet topped with melted cheese and chives.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

You know, even with a straightforward sausage and potatoes recipe like this, little things can make the difference between great and absolutely legendary. Since I’ve made this so many times, I have a few non-negotiables that I always stick to for maximum crispiness and flavor in this brunch skillet.

Getting it right means paying attention to the two biggest culprits: the potato prep and the cheese choice. If you nail these two things, you are practically done!

For more ideas on how to elevate comfort food, check out my collection of baked recipes: casserole inspiration.

Potato Selection and Moisture Control

I cannot stress this enough: Starchy potatoes are your friends! Stick with Russets or King Edwards. They turn fluffy inside while crisping beautifully outside. And please, when you rinse them, rinse until the water is completely clear—and then squeeze them harder than you think you need to. Seriously, wring that tea towel until your arms ache! If you leave any moisture trapped, you’re going to steam the edges instead of frying them golden.

Cheese Choices for Optimal Melt

When it comes to the cheese in your Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet, you need flavor and structure. Stick to medium or sharp cheddar. Cheddar melts predictably and adds that perfect tangy contrast to the savory sausage. Mozzarella might sound tempting because it melts well, but it gets too elastic and stringy here. We want the cheese to melt *into* the hash, not stretch out like pizza!

Close-up of a crispy, layered Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet, topped with melted cheese and green onions.

Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

One of the best parts about this hearty dish is that it’s actually fantastic for meal prep! I know mornings are crazy, so if you make a double batch, you’re set for a couple of days. This recipe holds up really well if you follow the make-ahead instructions carefully.

If you want to prep these ahead, my secret—which I detailed in the notes—is to cook the hash patties until they are *just* pale golden, not fully browned. Then, you cool them completely on a wire rack. Once they are totally chilled, pop them into an airtight container in the fridge or even the freezer if you want them to last longer. Always line containers with parchment paper if you are stacking them; nobody wants stuck patties!

When it’s time to reheat, you have two main options, and the winning choice depends on how much time you have. For the absolute crispiest texture, you have to pan-fry them again for a minute or two per side to bring that golden color back. If you’re feeling lazy, baking works great too! Just pop them on a sheet pan at 390°F (200°C) for about 8 to 12 minutes. They come out beautifully crisp without you standing over the skillet!

For more tips on freezing and prepping meals efficiently, I’ve put together some great ideas over here: healthy meal prep inspiration.

A stack of crispy, golden Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet layers, topped with melted cheese and chives.

Serving Suggestions for This Potato Hash Recipe

Even though this Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet is the star of the show—and trust me, it deserves the spotlight—no meal is complete without a few cheerful sidekicks! Since we’ve got something incredibly savory, cheesy, and rich, I like to balance it out with some freshness. This helps the whole family feel satisfied without feeling too heavy.

When I serve this potato hash recipe, I aim for a mix of textures and temperatures. Think bright and cool to contrast that hot, crispy hash patty. It transforms the sausage and potatoes from just a pile of food into a proper, balanced meal.

If you’re looking for other ways to dress up any breakfast spread, I always have my famous deviled eggs recipe ready to go. They are always a huge hit: my classic deviled eggs recipe.

Here are a few of my go-to pairings that make this brunch skillet feel extra special:

  • Fresh Fruit Salad: Absolutely essential! A big bowl of melon, berries, and sliced oranges cuts right through the richness of the cheese and sausage beautifully. It’s an easy way to get a serving of fruit in.
  • Simple Green Side: I know, salad for breakfast sounds weird, but hear me out! A handful of fresh spinach lightly tossed with a tiny drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil is perfect. It’s quick, adds fiber, and balances out the pork fat from the sausage.
  • A Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: If you didn’t put enough cheese in the hash itself, having a cool, tangy topping on the side is wonderful. It’s even better if you mix a little dill into the yogurt first!
  • Hot Sauce Station: For the grown-ups (and older kids), putting a few different bottles of hot sauce on the table lets everyone customize the heat level. A little vinegar tang is fantastic with fried potatoes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage and Potatoes

When you’re making a fantastic one pan meal like this, naturally you’ll have a few questions lingering! I get emails all the time about substitutions, especially when feeding a crowd with diverse needs. Don’t worry; tinkering with this potato hash recipe is pretty easy once you know the core principles we discussed.

Here are the things people ask me most often when they are getting ready to make a big batch of these for their own families. If you need to reach out directly after reading, just use my contact page here: let’s chat.

Can I make this Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet vegetarian?

Oh absolutely! This is such a great question, especially for families incorporating more plant-based meals. You can easily turn this into a lovely vegetarian brunch skillet. Instead of the pork sausage, I highly recommend using crumbled plant-based breakfast sausage. If you don’t have that on hand, sautéed mushrooms work wonders! Just make sure to cook the mushrooms until they release all their liquid and start to brown nicely before mixing them into the potato base. You still get that savory depth without the meat.

What is the best way to get crispy sausage and potatoes?

If you followed the steps, you’ve already done the hard part: drying the potato shreds! But to ensure you get those perfect golden edges on your hash patties, remember two things: heat and space. You need medium-high heat—don’t be scared of it! And critically, do not overcrowd the skillet when you place the patties down. If you try to squeeze too many in at once, you drop the pan temperature, and they steam instead of crisping up. Cook them in batches, giving each patty plenty of room to brown nicely.

This sausage and potatoes recipe is so reliable; I hope it brings as much laughter to your kitchen as it does to mine!

A stack of crispy, golden Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet patties topped with crumbled sausage and green onions.

Estimated Nutritional Snapshot for Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

Look, when you’re feeding a family, knowing the basics of what’s in the food you’re making is just smart planning. This is the energy boost you need for a busy morning!

Based on the ingredients for one serving size (one hash brown portion), here is a general breakdown of what you can expect from this hearty sausage and potatoes skillet:

  • Calories: Approximately 350
  • Fat: Around 20 grams
  • Protein: About 15 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 30 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugar: Just 2 grams

Now, listen, this is a general estimate based on the standard measurements I used in the recipe. If you decide to swap out your sausage for a leaner one, or use a low-fat cheddar, those numbers are definitely going to shift! Also, since we only used a little bit of oil for frying and the fat from the sausage, this keeps it surprisingly reasonable for a satisfying breakfast. Always measure your ingredients if exact tracking is essential for you!

Close-up of crispy, golden-brown layers of Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet, topped with melted cheese and chives.

Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet

I remember the first time my family gathered around a bustling kitchen to enjoy a hearty breakfast together. I was experimenting with a recipe that combined golden, crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melty cheese. As the delicious smells filled the air, my kids peeked over the counter, their eyes lighting up with excitement. That morning, laughter filled the room while we savored the flavors of my Cheesy Potato Hash with Sausage Skillet. It became a family favorite, and now, I love sharing this recipe with fellow families who need simple, gluten-free meals that everyone will enjoy. It’s amazing how food can bring us together and create lasting memories.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 hash browns
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Hash Browns
  • 1 lb potato about two large, starchy type recommended (Russet, Dutch Creams, King Edwards)
  • 2.5 tbsp oil
  • 8 oz sausage remove from casings
  • 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese or other melting cheese, not mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup sliced scallions/shallots green and white part
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • Pepper

Equipment

  • box grater
  • Colander
  • Tea towel
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Peel and shred the potato using a standard box grater.
  2. Place the potato in a colander and run under cold water for 10 seconds, or until the water runs clear.
  3. Shake off excess water, then transfer the potato to a clean tea towel. Bundle it up and squeeze hard to remove excess water, then transfer to a bowl.
  4. Heat 1/2 tbsp of oil in a skillet over high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up as you go (like cooking ground meat).
  5. Add sausage to potatoes. Add remaining ingredients and mix to combine.
  6. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, discarding excess fat. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
  7. Place 1/4 cup of mixture in the skillet, and use the base of the cup measure to pat it down to about 8mm / 1/3″ thickness. Repeat for however many you can fit in the skillet.
  8. Cook until deep golden brown (about 3 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove onto a rack and place in a low oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining hash browns.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions/shallots if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russet. If you make these ahead, cook them until they are pale golden. Cool them, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Reheat by pan-frying for crispiness, or bake at 390F/200C for 8 to 12 minutes until deep golden brown.

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