Sweet potato hash is a flavorful, wholesome dish packed with colorful vegetables, tender sweet potatoes, and delicious seasonings. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this one-skillet recipe brings comfort and nutrition together in a single pan. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings while keeping things light and hearty.
What Is Sweet Potato Hash?
Sweet potato hash is a hearty skillet dish made by sautéing sweet potatoes with vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes proteins like eggs or sausage. It’s a flexible and colorful twist on traditional potato hash, offering a natural sweetness, vibrant flavor, and added nutritional value.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, and the dish is naturally gluten-free.
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Perfect Any Time of Day: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a quick weeknight dinner.
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One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup easy.
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Customizable: You can easily add protein, herbs, or spices to fit your preferences.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a simple yet delicious sweet potato hash:
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
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1 small red onion, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
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4 eggs (for serving on top)
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1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
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1/2 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 3 to 4 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Hash
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Dice the onion and bell peppers and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to brown and soften.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Add the remaining oil, then stir in the onions and bell peppers. Sauté for another 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Optional – Add Eggs
If adding eggs, make small wells in the hash and crack an egg into each. Cover the skillet and cook until eggs are done to your liking (about 4–5 minutes).
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Top with fresh herbs, avocado slices, or a dash of hot sauce. Serve warm and enjoy.
Sweet Potato vs. Regular Potato Hash
While both are satisfying, sweet potato hash has distinct advantages:
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Flavor: Natural sweetness adds balance to savory spices.
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Nutrition: More fiber and vitamin A than white potatoes.
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Color: Bright orange tones make it visually appealing.
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Versatility: Pairs well with both sweet and spicy ingredients.
Variations and Add-In Ideas
With Eggs
Top with poached or fried eggs for a brunch-worthy dish.
With Sausage or Bacon
Add cooked breakfast sausage or bacon for extra flavor and protein.
Vegetarian Version
Include black beans, kale, or spinach for plant-based nutrition.
Spicy Hash
Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne to heat things up.
Cheesy Hash
Stir in shredded cheddar or feta cheese before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Chop Ahead: Dice the sweet potatoes and other vegetables a day in advance.
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Parboil Option: Parboil sweet potatoes for 5 minutes before sautéing for faster cooking.
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Reheat Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
As a Breakfast Dish
Serve with scrambled or fried eggs and toast.
As a Brunch Platter
Pair with avocado slices, fresh fruit, and orange juice or coffee.
As a Dinner Side
Goes well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted veggies.
Taco Filling
Spoon into warm tortillas, top with salsa and cheese for a breakfast taco.
Tips for Success
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Use a Large Skillet: Space helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly and get crispy edges.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
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Oil Wisely: Use enough oil to prevent sticking, but not too much to make it greasy.
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Let It Brown: Resist stirring too often—let the sweet potatoes caramelize for added flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Hash
Sweet potatoes are loaded with:
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Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune health.
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Fiber: Aids in digestion and keeps you full.
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Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure.
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Antioxidants: Reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Gluten-Free and Paleo Friendly
Sweet potato hash is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for paleo or Whole30 diets by skipping cheese and processed meats. Use clean, whole ingredients to make it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Sweet Potato Hash for Meal Prep
This dish makes a fantastic meal prep option:
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Portion into containers with or without eggs.
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Reheat in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water or oil.
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Lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
You can even freeze it for longer storage—just avoid adding eggs until serving time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
How do I keep sweet potatoes from turning mushy?
Cut them evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan. Also, don’t overcook them—10–12 minutes is usually enough.
Can I use other veggies?
Absolutely! Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes are great additions.
How spicy can I make this?
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to your desired heat level. You can also serve spicy sausage on the side.
What oil is best for cooking sweet potato hash?
Olive oil is great, but avocado oil or butter also works well.
Conclusion
Sweet potato hash is the perfect balance of hearty comfort and vibrant flavor. Whether you serve it with eggs for breakfast, on its own for a meatless lunch, or as a side for dinner, it brings a satisfying and colorful addition to your table. With its simple prep, flexible ingredients, and delicious results, this is one of those go-to recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Try it once, and you’ll see why sweet potato hash is a crowd-pleaser any time of day.