One Pan Breakfast Skillet Mac and Cheese is a fun and hearty dish that combines the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of a breakfast skillet. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner, all made in one pan for easy cleanup!
Here’s how to make One Pan Breakfast Skillet Mac and Cheese:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or veggie sausage)
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional, for extra flavor and color)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat.
- Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there's excess grease, drain it off.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the milk to the skillet. Stir in the garlic powder and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once the milk is simmering, slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine the Mac and Cheese:
- Add the drained macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is well-coated with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the Eggs:
- Crack two eggs directly over the mac and cheese. If you like, you can gently stir them in for a scrambled egg effect or leave them on top for a fried egg style.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking (the yolks should be runny for a more traditional breakfast feel, but cook them longer if you prefer a firmer texture).
7. Serve:
- Once the eggs are cooked, garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately, either as individual portions or family-style straight from the pan.
Tips:
- Customize the Meat: You can use bacon, ham, or even leftover cooked chicken in place of the breakfast sausage for a different flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Veggie Options: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to make it even more flavorful and nutritious.
- Cheese Variety: Try mixing in different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
This One Pan Breakfast Skillet Mac and Cheese is a deliciously comforting and satisfying dish, combining all the best breakfast flavors with the indulgent creaminess of mac and cheese!