Do you ever wake up feeling like you are in a race against the clock. I know how that feels. Personally, I think mornings can be pretty chaotic, especially when you are trying to get everyone fed and out the door on time. You want something that tastes good, keeps you full, and does not take forever to make. Well, guess what. Potatoes are actually your best friend for a quick and healthy start to the day.
Many people find that potatoes are just for dinner, but they are totally perfect for breakfast too. They are cheap, filling, and so easy to work with. Whether you are a parent trying to feed picky kids or just someone who needs a solid meal before work, I have got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore some of my favorite ways to cook spuds when you are in a rush.
Why Choose Potatoes for Breakfast
Believe it or not, potatoes are a bit of a superfood for busy mornings. They give our bodies the energy we need to think and play. Plus, they are naturally gluten free, which is great if your tummy is sensitive to bread.
Here’s why I suggest keeping a bag of potatoes in your kitchen:
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They stay with you. Because they have fiber and good carbs, you won’t feel hungry again ten minutes after eating.
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They are versatile. You can mash them, fry them, bake them, or even microwave them.
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Kids love them. Most children think potatoes are yummy, which makes your morning much easier.
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Budget friendly. Honestly, potatoes are one of the cheapest things you can buy at the grocery store.
1. The Five Minute Microwave Breakfast Bowl
I get it, sometimes you literally have five minutes. This is where your microwave becomes your hero. This recipe is a life saver when I am running late but really need a hot meal.
What You Will Need
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One medium potato (russet or gold works best)
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A little bit of shredded cheese
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A spoonful of salsa or a tiny bit of butter
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One egg (optional)
How To Make It
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Wash your potato really well. You don’t want any dirt on it.
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Poke it a few times with a fork so it doesn’t pop.
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Microwave it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it feels soft when you squeeze it.
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Carefully cut it open. It will be hot, so please be careful.
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Mash the inside with a fork, sprinkle on your cheese, and add your salsa.
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If you want more protein, you can crack an egg over the hot potato and microwave it for another minute.
There you have it. A warm, cheesy breakfast in less time than it takes to find your keys.
2. Crispy Sheet Pan Potato Hash
If you have a big family like we do, cooking for everyone one by one is just not going to happen. That is why I love sheet pan meals. You pretty much just toss everything on a tray and let the oven do the hard work while you get dressed.
What You Will Need
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Three large potatoes, diced into small cubes
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One bell pepper, chopped
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A bit of olive oil
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A pinch of salt and pepper
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Some breakfast sausage or bacon bits
How To Make It
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Turn your oven on to 400 degrees.
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In a big bowl, toss your potato cubes, peppers, and meat with the olive oil and salt.
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Spread everything out on a large baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t all piled up so they get crispy.
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Bake for about 20 minutes.
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About halfway through, give them a little shake.
The thing is, the smaller you cut the potatoes, the faster they cook. To be honest, I usually cut mine quite small so they get extra crunchy. Your kids will love the “nugget” shape of these potatoes.
3. The “Leftover” Potato Pancake
Have you ever had mashed potatoes left over from dinner the night before. Don’t throw them away. Trust me, they make the best pancakes. This is a secret that many busy parents use to save time and money.
What You Will Need
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Two cups of cold mashed potatoes
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One egg
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A little bit of flour (about two tablespoons)
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A handful of green onions or chives
How To Make It
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In a bowl, mix your cold mashed potatoes with the egg and flour.
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Use your hands or a spoon to make small round patties.
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Heat a tiny bit of oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
These are sort of like hash browns but much softer on the inside. I personally love dipping mine in a little bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. It is a great way to use what you already have in your fridge.
4. Easy Muffin Tin Potato Bites
These are perfect for “grab and go” mornings. You can make a big batch on Sunday and just heat them up during the week. Our family calls these “egg clouds” because they are so light and fluffy.
What You Will Need
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Frozen shredded hash browns (this is a great shortcut)
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Six eggs
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A splash of milk
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A bit of spinach or ham
How To Make It
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Grease a muffin tin so nothing sticks.
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Press the shredded potatoes into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to make a little “nest.”
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Bake the potato nests at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
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While those bake, whisk your eggs and milk together in a bowl.
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Take the tin out, pour the egg mixture into each nest, and add your toppings.
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Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the eggs are set.
Now you have a handheld breakfast that you can eat in the car or on the bus. It’s simple as that.
My Best Tips for Quick Potato Cooking
If you are wondering why your potatoes sometimes take forever to cook, here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years.
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Use the microwave first. If you want crispy fried potatoes but don’t have 20 minutes, microwave the whole potato for 2 minutes first. Then dice it and fry it. It will cook way faster.
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Keep the skins on. Honestly, peeling takes too much time. Plus, the skin has all the good vitamins. Just wash them well and you are good to go.
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Buy frozen. There is no shame in using frozen hash browns or potato cubes. They are already washed and cut for you, which saves so much stress.
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Small is better. Remember, the smaller the piece, the faster the heat gets to the middle.
Nutritional Benefits for Kids
I think it’s important to know what we are putting into our bodies. Potatoes get a bad reputation sometimes, but they are actually very healthy when you don’t deep fry them.
| Nutrient | Why It’s Good for You |
| Potassium | Helps your muscles and heart stay strong |
| Vitamin C | Keeps you from getting sick and helps heal cuts |
| Vitamin B6 | Good for your brain and gives you energy |
| Fiber | Helps your tummy digest food easily |
So, when you serve these recipes, you can feel good knowing you are giving your family a great start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these potatoes the night before
Yes, you definitely can. You can dice your potatoes and put them in a bowl of water in the fridge. This stops them from turning brown. In the morning, just drain the water, pat them dry, and cook.
What is the best type of potato for breakfast
I’d recommend Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds are creamy and don’t need much butter. Russets get really crispy, which is perfect for hash browns.
Are potatoes better than cereal for kids
Personally, I believe they are. Many cereals have a lot of sugar that makes kids feel tired later. Potatoes give steady energy that lasts until lunch time.
My potatoes turned grey. Can I still eat them
Actually, yes. Potatoes turn a bit dark when they touch the air. It looks a bit weird, but they still taste the same and are safe to eat. To prevent this, keep them covered or in water until you are ready to heat them up.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, breakfast should be a time to fuel up, not a time to stress out. Potatoes are a simple, delicious, and healthy way to make sure everyone in your house is happy. Whether you choose the microwave bowl or the muffin tin bites, I think you will really enjoy how easy these are.
You don’t have to be a professional chef to make a great meal. You just need a few potatoes and a little bit of imagination. Trust me, once you start adding potatoes to your morning routine, you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
No worries if you mess up a recipe the first time. It is totally normal to learn as you go. Just keep trying and find what your family likes best. There you have it. You are now a breakfast pro.
What do you think. Are you ready to try one of these this week. I’d recommend starting with the microwave bowl since it is so fast.