Sweet Potato Hash is a hearty, colorful, and incredibly versatile dish that works just as beautifully for breakfast as it does for lunch or dinner. Made with crispy sweet potatoes, savory onions, peppers, and optional protein like eggs, sausage, or bacon, this one-pan meal delivers big flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable, sweet potato hash has earned its place as a staple in modern home kitchens. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe offers comfort, nutrition, and bold taste in every bite.

What Is Sweet Potato Hash?

Sweet potato hash is a skillet-style dish inspired by classic breakfast hash recipes, traditionally made with white potatoes. In this version, sweet potatoes replace regular potatoes, adding natural sweetness, vibrant color, and extra nutritional value.

At its core, a hash includes:

Diced potatoes (sweet potatoes, in this case)
Onions and vegetables

Seasonings and herbs
Optional protein and eggs

Everything is cooked together until crispy, caramelized, and deeply flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

One-pan, easy cleanup
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner

Meal-prep friendly
Customizable with endless add-ins

This dish is rustic, satisfying, and adaptable to almost any dietary preference.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

Sweet potato hash balances sweet and savory elements beautifully:

Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, earthy, and hearty
Onions: Add depth and caramelized flavor

Bell Peppers: Mild sweetness and crunch
Garlic: Aromatic foundation
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder add warmth

Eggs (optional): Richness and protein

The result is a perfectly balanced skillet with crispy edges and tender centers.

Ingredients Overview

Base Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

Eggs
Breakfast sausage or bacon
Spinach or kale

Avocado
Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Choosing the Best Sweet Potatoes

For the best hash:

Use firm, unblemished sweet potatoes
Dice evenly for uniform cooking
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes provide the best balance of sweetness and texture

Avoid overly large chunks, which take longer to cook and won’t crisp properly.

How to Make Sweet Potato Hash (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Par-Cook the Sweet Potatoes

For faster cooking and better texture, microwave diced sweet potatoes for 3–4 minutes or boil briefly until just tender. Drain well.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Add sweet potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes to develop crisp edges before stirring.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add onions and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.

Step 5: Season

Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper evenly over the hash. Toss to coat.

Step 6: Add Eggs (Optional)

Create small wells in the hash and crack eggs directly into the skillet. Cover and cook until whites are set.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh herbs, avocado slices, or hot sauce.

How to Get Crispy Sweet Potatoes

Use a large skillet (avoid overcrowding)

Dry sweet potatoes thoroughly
Let them sit undisturbed before stirring
Use enough oil to coat the pan

Crispiness comes from patience, not constant stirring.

Why Sweet Potato Hash Is So Popular

Sweet potato hash has become a favorite because it:

Fits breakfast, brunch, and dinner menus

Works with many diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo)
Uses affordable, accessible ingredients
Delivers bold flavor with minimal effort

It’s comfort food with modern appeal.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Hash

Breakfast Pairings

Fried or poached eggs
Toast or sourdough

Fresh fruit

Lunch & Dinner Options

Grilled chicken or salmon
Side salad

Yogurt-based sauces

Toppings

Avocado
Salsa

Hot sauce
Greek yogurt or sour cream

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

Cook hash completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storage

Keep in an airtight container.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potato hash is:

High in fiber
Rich in vitamin A and vitamin C
Naturally gluten-free

Balanced with complex carbohydrates

Add eggs or lean protein for a complete meal.

Popular Sweet Potato Hash Variations

Southwest Sweet Potato Hash

Add black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder.

Breakfast Sausage Sweet Potato Hash

Brown sausage first, then cook vegetables in rendered fat.

Mediterranean Sweet Potato Hash

Add spinach, olives, and feta cheese.

Vegan Sweet Potato Hash

Skip eggs and add chickpeas or tofu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan
Skipping pre-cooking
Stirring too often

Under-seasoning

Each step contributes to the final texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make sweet potato hash in the oven?
Yes—roast at 425°F, then finish in a skillet.

Q2: Can I freeze sweet potato hash?
Yes, but texture is best fresh or refrigerated.

Q3: Is sweet potato hash healthy?
Yes—especially when made with whole ingredients and healthy fats.

Q4: Can I use regular potatoes instead?
Yes, but sweet potatoes offer more sweetness and nutrients.

Why This Sweet Potato Hash Recipe Works

Balanced seasoning
Crispy-tender texture
One-pan simplicity

Customizable for any diet
Reliable results every time

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Hash is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Crispy, colorful, and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for slow weekend mornings or quick weeknight dinners. With wholesome ingredients and bold flavor, this dish proves that simple cooking can still be deeply satisfying.

Sweet Potato Hash: The Ultimate Crispy, Savory Breakfast (or Anytime) Skillet

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and diced ½”
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• ½ small red onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (enhances natural sweetness—optional but recommended)
• Sea salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins:
– 2 eggs, fried or poached on top
– ½ cup black beans, rinsed
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
– Pinch of cayenne for heat

Instructions

Par-cook sweet potatoes (key for crispness!): Microwave diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with 1 tbsp water, covered, 3–4 min until just tender. Drain and pat very dry.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sweet potatoes in a single layer; cook 6–8 min undisturbed until golden and crisp on one side.
Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook 5–6 min until softened.
Add garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; cook 1–2 min until fragrant.

Press hash down; let sit 2–3 min to re-crisp.
Serve hot, topped with eggs, herbs, or beans if desired.