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    Home » Breakfast

    Cast Iron Southwest Breakfast Skillet

    Published: Jun 16, 2021 · Modified: Mar 29, 2023 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Side view of the Southwest Breakfast skillet in cast iron with bacon, avocado, and green onions on top!
    Overhead view of the Southwest Breakfast Skillet with avocado and green onions on top.

    This veggie-packed Cast Iron Southwest Breakfast Skillet is healthy and full of flavor! With fresh avocado, baked eggs, crispy bacon, potatoes, and bold southwestern spices, it's the perfect protein-packed brunch recipe to make for yourself or to share with friends.

    If you leave out the bacon, this recipe is entirely vegetarian. It also tastes amazing with dairy-free alternatives. Either way, this recipe is perfect for brunch, impressing your guests, camping, or to make ahead as healthy meal prep for the whole week!

    A slice of southwest breakfast skillet served on a plate beside the full baked skillet.
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    This cast iron breakfast skillet recipe is fantastic year round! There's nothing cozier than a hot breakfast skillet in the winter, and this recipe can be made in your kitchen or over a campfire in the warmer months too.

    For a complete brunch, go savory and serve this recipe with a crusty gluten-free baguette or balance it out with something sweet like our Gluten-Free Apple Coffee Cake or Gluten-Free Rhubarb Cake with streusel.

    We also love to serve it with one of our delicious muffin recipes like our Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Muffins or Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins. If you're on a health kick, consider pairing this healthy breakfast skillet with our Peach Mango Smoothie or Strawberry Basil Smoothie!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Notes
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Related Gluten-Free Brunch Recipes to consider...
    • Cast Iron Southwest Breakfast Skillet

    Ingredients Notes

    Here are the common ingredients you need to make this impressive Southwest breakfast skillet:

    The ingredients for a southwest breakfast skillet prepared and arranged on a table.
    • Bacon (optional) - We prefer thick cut bacon, but any kind will work. You can also replace it with ham, Canadian bacon, or sliced breakfast sausage. If making this recipe vegetarian, replace the bacon with 3 tablespoons of a liquid oil, like avocado or canola oil.
    • Vegetables - This recipe is super versatile and you can switch out the vegetables to any combination you enjoy! Recently, we've tried making it with drained canned diced tomatoes and it still works great. We particularly enjoy using Fire Roasted Tomatoes.
    • Smoked Paprika - Regular paprika works fine in this recipe. But if you're making this skillet frequently and you love Southwestern flavors like us, the smoked version is definitely worth having on hand!
    • Cheese and Milk - Dairy Free alternatives work great in this recipe too. We used Daiya Cheddar shreds and almond milk in our dairy-free recipe trial and it was delicious!

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    There are only 5 easy steps to make a perfect Southwest Breakfast Skillet in cast iron.

    Step 1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 F.

    Crispy bacon pieces frying in a cast iron skillet.

    Step 2. Bacon: In a 10-inch skillet on medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp (about 5 minutes), flipping and stirring on occasion to prevent sticking. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

    A cast iron skillet filled with potatoes, vegetables, and spices.

    Step 3. Vegetables: Add all vegetables and spices to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat and toss to coat. Cook on medium heat, stirring on occasion until soft (about 15 minutes). Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

    A cast iron skillet before baking with crisp bacon, wet egg, and unmelted cheese.

    Step 4. Assemble: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the vegetables. Then pour over the egg mixture and distribute the bacon evenly on top.

    The finished cast iron southwest breakfast skillet baked and ready for serving.

    Step 5. Bake: Place the skillet on the middle oven rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges brown, the top rises, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Garnish with avocado and sliced green onions and enjoy!

    Hint: Use silicone or wooden cooking utensils to avoid damaging the seasoning on your cast iron skillet.

    Expert Tips

    Here are some tips to get the best breakfast skillet on your first try!

    • If the bacon or vegetables stick while cooking, the skillet is too hot. Remove it from heat and continue to stir until the sticking resolves. You may also need to add very tiny splashes of water to deglaze the pan while cooking the vegetables. 
    • Cast Iron Equipment: You can make this recipe in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a 10-inch shallow dutch oven (5 quart). Then, when it’s time to bake, all you need to do is cover with the lid. If you already own this Dutch oven, the lid will fit the 10-inch skillet too. Both are made by Lodge. 
    • Make Ahead: Cook the bacon and vegetables the day before. Store in the refrigerator overnight. Then, before serving, assemble the skillet and bake until the eggs are set and cheese is melted.
    • Camping: You can make this Southwest Breakfast Skillet the night before, and simply reheat it over the campfire. Make sure to keep it refrigerated before leaving and in a cooler for transport.
    A slice of an egg and potato breakfast skillet to show the vegetable, egg, cheese, and bacon layers.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is special about cast iron skillets?

    Cast iron skillets are special because they provide even heating and last forever. Even after rusting or being dropped, this cookware can be saved! They are perfect for use on a traditional stovetop, in the oven, and over a campfire. They hold heat well, and continue cooking even after being removed from the heat source.
    I primarily use cast iron over the campfire, anytime the skillet will be placed in the oven, and when sauteeing on the stovetop uncovered.

    How do you make a skillet breakfast from scratch?

    These are the basic steps to make a skillet breakfast from scratch:
    1. Cook bacon and other breakfast meats first, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
    2. Cook the vegetables and add any spices.
    3. Top the vegetables with cheese, whisked eggs, and breakfast meats.
    4. Bake until the cheese melts and the eggs set.
    That’s it! Only four steps to a super flavorful and impressive skillet breakfast.

    Can you make this recipe while camping?

    I have not tried this recipe over a campfire yet, but I think it would work great! Check out the Expert Tips section as it is especially helpful for camping.

    Other Related Gluten-Free Brunch Recipes to consider...

    • A stack of three pieces of french toast with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.
      Classic Dairy-Free French Toast
    • Two stacked gluten free blueberry muffins with a bite removed from one to show fluffy texture and tons of blueberries!
      Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins
    • Half of a gluten free chocolate chip muffin to show the amazing fluffy and moist texture!
      Fluffy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins
    • Side view of a slice of gluten-free apple coffee cake to show the three layers: cake, sliced apples, and crisp streusel.
      Showstopper Gluten-Free Apple Coffee Cake

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below & if you really like it, consider a comment in the field further down. Thank you!

    Print

    Cast Iron Southwest Breakfast Skillet

    A slice of southwest breakfast skillet served on a plate beside the full baked skillet.
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 4 reviews

    This veggie-packed Cast Iron Southwest Breakfast Skillet is healthy and full of flavor! With fresh avocado, baked eggs, crispy bacon, potatoes, and bold southwestern spices, it's the perfect protein-packed brunch recipe to make for yourself or to share with friends.

    • Author: Jamie
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 50
    • Total Time: 1 hour
    • Yield: 6 1x
    • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
    • Method: Skillet
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 slices thick cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

    Vegetables

    • 1 cup mushrooms, roughly chopped
    • 1 cup yellow onion, roughly chopped
    • ½ medium green bell pepper, diced
    • 1 cup roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
    • 2 cups diced russet potatoes

    Spices

    • ¾ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon chili powder

    Dairy and Eggs

    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 6 eggs
    • 1 tablespoon milk

    Garnish

    • Avocado and chopped green onions

    Instructions

    1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 F.

    2. Bacon: In a 10-inch skillet on medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp (about 5 minutes), flipping and stirring on occasion to prevent sticking. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

    3. Vegetables: Add all vegetables and spices to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat and toss to coat. Cook on medium heat, stirring on occasion until soft (about 15 minutes). Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

    4. Assemble: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the vegetables. Then pour over the egg mixture and distribute bacon evenly on top.

    5. Bake: Place the skillet on the middle oven rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges brown, the top rises, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Garnish with avocado and sliced green onions and enjoy!

    Notes

    Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freezing is not recommended.

    Reheating leftovers: Bake at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slices are cooked through.

    Vegetarian: Replace the bacon with 3 tablespoons of oil or butter.

    Dairy-Free: Dairy-free milk and cheese work great in this recipe! We used almond milk and Daiya Cheddar Shreds for our dairy-free recipe trial.

    Keywords: breakfast skillet cast iron, healthy breakfast skillet, mexican breakfast skillet, southwest skillet, southwest breakfast scramble

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in comment field further down. Thank you!

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    Comments

    1. Lucas

      September 12, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      Everyone seriously NEEDS to try this! I follow Jamie on instagram and used the tips in her stories. I broiled it in the oven for just a few minutes and it made the top especially nice and crispy! I also used Jamie's tip to use canned fire roasted tomatoes--this is seriously good stuff people!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Sandy

      August 02, 2021 at 9:49 am

      I love that this is naturally gluten-free! My dad thought it had gluten lol. Which means he loved it...

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Ronnie

      August 02, 2021 at 9:49 am

      made this for an end of summer brunch party and it was sooo good! Passed out the recipe to all the guests after. Make more stuff like this!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Laura

      July 18, 2021 at 12:57 pm

      Love it! I made this for Sunday brunch and my family and I love that it's both healthy and tastes better than eating breakfast out.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Jamie

        July 20, 2021 at 2:07 pm

        Wow thank you so much Laura -- better than eating out is an amazing compliment! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply

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    Hey Friend!

    A headshot of Jamie, the blogger behind Vibrantly G-Free, outside in a forest wearing a blue top.

    I'm Jamie -- a former math and science teacher, now full-time food blogger and photographer. I love to live on-the-go with tasty food to take along!

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