Cast Iron Breakfast Bake

This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure HERE.

Jump to Recipe

easy breakfast skillet recipe

This cast iron breakfast bake is a true one-pan-wonder. Being so easy and quick to make, it is the most rewarding and delicious breakfast or brunch – and, if you love the occasional breakfast for dinner, I can’t think of a better recipe for that. Served directly from the skillet, farmhouse style – this is a fun meal to make and enjoy with your friends or family.

We cooked up this healthy breakfast skillet over the campfire on our most recent camping trip downeast. It is a perfect camping breakfast, being an easy one pan breakfast bake, and sustains you for the rest of the day for your ensuing adventures. The evening prior, we made this melted goat cheese skillet which left us with a cast iron skillet coated in oils and other residuals from that glorious meal. We took full advantage allowing that to be a base layer and add an extra amount of flavor in this breakfast. If you’re in a similar situation, don’t wash out your cast iron and utilize the extra flavor for the morning to come.

This breakfast skillet has the essentials – good veggies, cured meat, spicy-hot peppers, fresh herbs and fresh tomatoes that help to bring in a refreshing and layered experience.

If you’re in search of the best breakfast skillet egg recipes, look no further than this cast iron breakfast bake, made indoors or out!

Healthy Breakfast Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 large pepper any color
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 jalapeño or other spicy pepper
• Small handful of diced salami or another meat readily available
• Fresh cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Optional: goat cheese or any other cheese you love or have on hand
• Butter (we use Miyokos dairy-free plant butter)

Instructions:

Prep: Chop the bell pepper and red onion into 1/2 inch squares. Dice salami into small bite sized pieces, slice cherry tomatoes into 1/4’s and thinly slice your spicy pepper.

Bring your skillet to temperature, add butter and sauté pepper and onions. A couple minutes later when the peppers and onions are well on their way, add the salami and spicy pepper. When the onions are starting to turn translucent and the edges brown, add the eggs. Season with salt and pepper and add the fresh tomatoes on top and the optional cheese. Cook until the eggs are done to your liking. Finish with fresh basil leaves.

Equipment used:

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

Silicon Cooking Grips

@mole.in.the.wall

camping egg skillet breakfast

♬ My Kind of Woman – Mac DeMarco

Notes:

Versatility:

• This Cast Iron Breakfast Bake is incredibly versatile. While it’s perfect for a hearty camping breakfast over an open fire, it can also be easily recreated indoors for a cozy weekend brunch.

Campfire Cooking Tips:

• If you’re making this dish outdoors, ensure you have a sturdy, well-seasoned cast iron skillet. The open flame imparts a unique smokiness to the ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Adjusting the heat can be a bit challenging over an open fire. Use hot spots to your advantage, moving the skillet around for even cooking.

Preparation:

• Pre-cut and pre-measure ingredients at home to make the outdoor cooking process smoother. Store them in sealable bags or containers for easy access.
• For indoor cooking, a preheated oven and a well-heated cast iron skillet are key to achieving that perfect golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Feel free to personalize the recipe. Swap salami for bacon or chorizo, or add cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot pepper used. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile.

Egg Cooking Variations:

• The eggs can be cooked to your liking—whether you prefer them runny or well-done. Keep in mind that residual heat in the cast iron will continue to cook the eggs slightly even after removal from the heat source.
• Consider whisking the eggs and pouring them over the ingredients for a scrambled version of this breakfast bake.

Timing and Temperature:

• Outdoor cooking times can vary based on the intensity of the flame. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent overcooking.
• For indoor cooking, follow the recommended oven temperature and check for doneness by ensuring the eggs are set, and the edges are golden brown.

Presentation:

• Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the finished dish for a burst of color and flavor. The vibrant green contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Consider serving the Cast Iron Breakfast Bake directly from the skillet for a rustic and charming presentation, enhancing the camping experience.

Cleanup:

• Cast iron can be a bit tricky to clean, but with some tips it can be simple and well worth the effort. Use a soft brush or sponge to preserve the seasoning, and avoid harsh detergents. My favorite way to clean my skillet is to fill it with water and boil it until the boiling action has released all the cooked on remnants from the bottom, use a scraper to release anything stuck. Pour out the liquid, wipe it out and re-oil when dry.
• For camping, bring a small container of oil and rub a thin layer on the skillet after cleaning to prevent rusting during storage.

If you like this you may love: Mexican Breakfast Skillet, Chorizo and egg tacos, Mexican Hash and Eggs, Salami, Tomato and Herb Omelette.