This sweet potato hash is a colorful, satisfying breakfast that comes together in just 30 minutes. Caramelized sweet potato cubes with crispy golden edges, tender bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and smoky spices make this a hearty yet wholesome morning meal. Naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable, it's perfect on its own or topped with a runny fried egg.
Cast iron skillet 12-inch, or heavy-bottomed frying pan
Chef's knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula Heat-resistant
Measuring spoons
Small bowl For mixing spices
Ingredients
2medium sweet potatoesabout 1.5 lbs / 680g, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
2tbspolive oil or avocado oil30ml
1medium yellow oniondiced
1red bell pepperdiced
1green bell pepperdiced
3cloves garlicminced
Spice Mix
1tspsmoked paprika
½tspcumin
½tspchili powder
¼tspcayenne pepperoptional, for heat
salt and black pepperto taste
For Serving
fresh parsley or cilantrochopped, for garnish
4eggsoptional, for topping
Instructions
Peel and dice sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes, dice the onion and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. Combine all spices in a small bowl and have everything within arm's reach of the stove.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, add oil and heat until shimmering, then add sweet potatoes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Push sweet potatoes to the edges, add onion to the center and cook 2–3 minutes until softened, then add bell peppers and cook another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Mix everything together.
Add garlic and stir for 1 minute, then sprinkle the spice mixture over everything and toss to coat evenly. Cook 2–3 more minutes until fragrant, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Create four wells in the hash, crack one egg into each, cover with a lid and cook 3–5 minutes for runny yolks or longer for fully set eggs. Alternatively, fry eggs separately and place on top.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately with optional toppings like hot sauce, avocado slices, or sour cream.
Notes
Cut uniformly: Keep all sweet potato cubes the same ½-inch size so they cook evenly — uneven pieces lead to mushy and undercooked pieces in the same pan.
Don't crowd the pan: Give the sweet potatoes space so they crisp up instead of steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
Be patient with browning: Let sweet potatoes sit undisturbed for 4–5 minutes before flipping to develop a proper golden crust.
Shortcut tip: Microwave sweet potato cubes for 3–4 minutes before pan-frying to cut stovetop cooking time significantly.
Use fresh spices: Old spices lose potency — fresh smoked paprika and cumin make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Storage: Store cooled hash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep eggs stored separately.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps for up to 3 months.
Best reheating method: Reheat in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, for crispy results.
Make it vegan: Simply skip the eggs — the hash is fully plant-based as written. Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.