Sometimes simple is best. Actually, most times.
In life and in recipes, keeping it simple definitely has its perks.
There’s nothing fancy about this, but I find it’s the 3-ingredient, 15-minute recipes that my family requests over and over, and that people tend to make.
Consider this your get-out-of-dinner-jail free card when you’ve had one of those no planning at all days and it’s 9:30pm on a school night and you still haven’t fed the crew. Whoops, it happens.
Or it makes an easy, effortless brunch dish without any fuss or hassle.
It’s a satisfying vegetarian meal if you’re trying to eat less meat or great if you’re vegetarian by accident that day. You know, you have absolutely nothing in your fridge or pantry but manage to scrounge up a potato, a few eggs, and some cheese. Awesome, you can make it.
Microwave one sweet potato on high for about 8 minutes, or until soft and done. Cut it into thin rounds and place them in a skillet. I didn’t peel mine (fiber is a good thing), but peel if you wish.
Top with 4 eggs and a handful of mozzarella. If you have fontina, goat cheese, or another favorite smooth-melting cheese, that would be lovely. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a couple pinches of smoked paprika or your favorite seasoning.
Broil on high for about 3 minutes. Keep an incredibly close eye on your skillet and don’t leave the kitchen or start multitasking with another project. In literally 3 minutes time, it’s ready.
Cooking eggs under the broiler is my favorite way. It’s incredibly fast and they cook evenly. Ssometimes when pan-frying eggs, the whites are done before the yolks really set or there’s a random runny white section that doesn’t want to cook through. The broiler solves all that.
It’s easy, inexpensive, comfort food that’s fairly healthy, all things considered. You can add some diced veggies on top to work in extra color, texture, and nutrients. In the past I’ve used diced bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, corn, asparagus, leeks, peas, and edamame. They all work.
The sweet potatoes are soft and tender, and make the perfect base for the warm eggs and gooey melted cheese.
Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish, uses one skillet, and always clean plates when I make it.
Can’t beat it.
Pin This Recipe
Sweet Potato and Mozzarella Egg Skillet
This easy, inexpensive, 3-ingredient, 15-minute recipe is great for busy nights when you didn’t have time to plan dinner or try it for an easy weekend brunch. The sweet potatoes are soft and tender, and make the perfect base for the warm eggs and gooey melted cheese. It’s comfort food that’s fairly healthy and you it’s made in just one skillet to save time on cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 medium/large sweet potato
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese (substitute with fontina, goat, or your favorite easy-melting cheese)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional (substitute with the seasoning of your choice)
- pinch salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Piece sweet potato with a fork a few times and cook in the microwave on high power for about 8 minutes, or until sweet potato is soft and done.
- While potato is cooking, preheat broiler to high setting and place oven rack on the highest or second highest level.
- Slice potato horizontally into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. I keep the skin on, remove it if preferred.
- Spray a non-stick skillet or enameled cast iron skillet with cooking spray and place potato rounds in the skillet in an even flat layer; some gaps are okay.
- Evenly crack the eggs over the potatoes.
- Evenly sprinkle with cheese.
- Evenly sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place skillet under broiler and broil for about 3 minutes, or until eggs are set and cheese is as browned as desired. I keep the door close the first 2 minutes and in the final minute, I keep the door open and am constantly readjusting the position of the skillet so that I can control what parts are getting the most intense heat from the broiler. Make sure to use a very trusty hot mitt.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately. Eggs are best warm and fresh. I serve with ketchup.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 187Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 263mgSodium: 250mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 13g
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My family loves it!
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad your family loves it!
Wow! Super easy and totally delicious. To use a favorite spice was a great suggestion. Thanx🤗
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad this was easy and delicious!
Here is a crazy question. I love eggs but eggs with the yolks runny or intact like this gross me out. Would the flavor be compromised if I beat the eggs before pouring them on top of the potatoes?
I would experiment and see how it goes. Enjoy!
Never put a non-stick skillet under the broiler.
I’m eager to try this recipe! The first step in your directions says that you have to put the sweet potato slices into a microwave on high for about 8 minutes. What if you’re one of those people who no longer use microwaves? Can you kindly suggest a non-microwave alternative to achieving this first step? Thank you! :)
We made this to day and it’s so good. Im not huge fan of cooking food in the microwave so we coined the sweet potato first and grilled it on the BBQ, then followed the rest of the steps. Â Really easy, really good. ThanksÂ
Fyi your site is not very mobile friendly, for instance typing this was maybe one of the most painful web experiences I’ve ever had, they keyboard does not stay up, it keeps collapsing – that is your site, not my device.Â
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/?url=averiecooks.com
Google thinks my site is awesomely mobile friendly, which is the gold standard test. So it could be you, not me.
Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
I made this a while back and loved it but some how forgot about it. Then I found it again today when looking through my pinterest board of things I have made and liked. Gosh it is so easy and so good. I turn the stove on to heat the skillet up for a second, because last time the top got done before the egg was fully cooked under and between the potatoes. Anyway it was fantastic and my husband said to me “whoever thought of this combination was truly inspired!” So thank you for sharing. We live on eggs and sweet potatoes it seems, so I won’t forget it again.Â
Thanks for trying the recipe and I’m glad it came out great for you – both back then and now! Glad you remembered it and thanks for sharing that little soundbite that your husband said about the recipe :)
Wasn’t sure how this would turn out because the combination sounded odd to me, but I tried it tonight and it was great! I had a little problem with the cheese cooking too fast for the eggs, but I think next time I will move the rack down one space and that should be perfect. The browned mozzarella on the sweet potato was a wonderful flavour and adding in egg yolk – nice! I’ll be making this a lot in the future. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Glad the recipe came in handy and that you’ll make it again!
This was so easy and awesome. I used shredded Gouda cheese and I added some avocado after it came out of the broiler. So delicious and satisfying!
Yum to the addition of avocado! So glad you enjoyed this recipe and thanks for trying it!
This looks sooo amazing! I know what I’m having for dinner tomorrow!
We made this for dinner and loved it! A very easy, quick, and inexpensive dinner. Definitely a keeper. Thank you.
So glad it was a hit at your house! Thanks for LMK you tried it and enjoyed!
I was so excited to try this recipe for dinner tonight! However, I had major issues with the eggs cooking–or rather, not cooking. When I checked them after the 3 min broil (2 min door closed, 1 min open), they looked beautiful. But, when I went to serve them, there was a lot of liquid on the bottom of the pan-more than the potatoes should’ve given out, so I concluded it was undercooked egg whites. Bummer! So I stuck the whole pan back in the oven on bake (not broil because the cheese was already very brown). When the egg whites were finally cooked well enough, the yolks were solid. In the end, I think the flavored worked but obviously would’ve been better with runny yolks. Any ideas? I’m thinking that next time I’ll just fry the eggs and put them on top of the cooked sweet potatoes.
Cooking eggs can be a very delicate balance given your oven, your pan, i.e. cast iron or not, how big the pan is, how heavy it is, the conductivity, etc. All ovens, eggs, and pans are difference and you just have to play around with what works and it can be trial and error. Glad you enjoyed the flavor and thanks for trying the recipe!
Sounds yum! But I don’t have a microwave (and no interest in owning one).
So I was wondering what the best way is to heat up the sweet potatoes? Unless someone’s got a better idea, I think I will try to steam them on the stove for a few minutes (already sliced). I suppose if I’m not strapped for time, they could go in the oven, too (time?).
Steaming, boiling, or baking are all fine choices.
Major YUMness going on here!
Wow! I added mushrooms and kale, plus balsamic vinegar, spritzed on top with braggs sea kelp season. My measly sweet potatoe was put into a small cast iron skillet!
Thanks Avery!
gaileee
Glad you liked it!
I love all the GF recipes on your site! I’ve been GF for almost two months, and it’s such a change! Anyways, have you tried just using egg whites? Or do you always use eggs? Thank you!!
I see no reason to avoid the yolks so I don’t but if you wanted to just use egg whites you probably could.
Wow, what an intriguing combination! I’m definitely going to keep this in mind the next time I’m in a time crunch and forget to plan ahead for what to make for dinner :)
THis sounds amazing, I’m so excited to try it! We are doing a little experiment at my home for two weeks, gluten free. I love simple, too!!
That’s great that you’re GF for a couple weeks! Hope things go okay! I lived for 5+ yrs strictly GF and it’s a big transition but truly I do feel better without it :)
Looks delicious! Love sweet potatoes! Could this work in any other pot besides a skillet? I have several baking pans and pyrex and was hoping one of them could be used instead.
As long as it’s oven-safe and can withstand the high heat of the broiler, sure, go for it!
nice sweet/potato dishes :) i’m planning to replace my rice dishes with sweet/potato because they’re healthier. :)
I am really liking cheese with sweet potatoes these days! This made a great lunch yesterday–it comes together fast and is very tasty. I made a kale salad to go with it, so we felt like we had such a healthy meal. I thought I might try fontina but just ended up using the leftover mozzarella from the focaccia. I agree that the simple recipes are often the favorites–this is now one of ours!
Glad you enjoyed this one, Paula! And you were able to pair it with a nice salad, too. Between this and the focaccia, glad you were able to put your mozz to use, too :)
Boy Howdy simple is wonderful. Maybe I have been in a closet—or maybe I should a pantry since I am commenting on a food blog—but I don’t think I have
seen anything quite like this. I love breakfast food. This would be great for dinner too.
It’s great for brinner, yes :) (breakfast-for-dinner)
Something a tad different! I like it!
For a twist, I topped the sweet potatoes with a layer of cumin-spiced black beans before adding the eggs and used a mix of cheddar, jack, and cotijo. Kind of like huevos rancheros. Threw on a dollop of sour cream and called it bruch. Very nice.
The cumin-spiced black beans sounds like a great addition. Your whole dish sounds great!
I love simple and I love love love this!! I’m going to need an extra napkin. Swoon.
so excited to try this. i LOVE sweet potatoes and have been on quite the kick of them lately! thanks for this simple, quick yet DELICIOUS looking recipe
Enjoy & LMK how it goes!
That looks like amazing comfort food Averie! You have a real knack of making even the simplest recipes look gourmet and gorgeous. And even though my guy hates them, sweet potatoes are one of my favorites! :) When I was in grade school and my mom ran out of energy to cook, we ate lots of pancakes, French toast, toaster-oven grilled cheese or quesadillas, and even cereal for dinner. Broiled eggs with veggies is definitely a step up!
Averie, this would be so good with brie, right? I have a gorgeous tiny wheel of brie that I need a good excuse to use. This seems like the perfect dish where the brie won’t get lost in.
Would be TO DIE FOR with brie. I was/am too cheap but for this kind of recipe but if you have some begging to be used, yes, use it :)
Sweet potatoes and eggs are the perfect combo! Totally agree on the fiber thing too. I used to peel everything, but then I realized that’s where most of the nutrients are.
Agreed for sure!
I am in love. This looks delicious. I haven’t cooked eggs under the boiler ever. I have to try this method soon.
That looks great! I’m always looking for new breakfast ideas :-)
Oh yum! I love sweet potatoes in just about everything but with eggs and cheese … Oh my goodness this is appearing on my table this weekend for sure. Thank you for the great recipe., and the beautiful photos! Lovely blog xx
Awesome – LMK how it goes!
this is a great healthy breakfast!
What an incredible dish! This has got my name all over it, I love it :)
I am so with you on the simple thing! What is even better, simple doesn’t always mean plain and in this case I can only imagine how delicious and comforting those three things would be!
I have been on such a sweet potato with eggs/sweet potato for breakfast kick ever since completing the Whole 30. Love the idea of this breakfast! Sounds seriously amazing :)
Seriously, could this get any easier?! And the best part is that I actually have all the ingredients on hand. I’ll have to make this in the morning before my coffee run! :)
Well if you really do try it, LMK. I would love to go for coffee and a run with you! Move back!
Loving the combination of flavors in this recipe. I agree, sometimes simple is best with recipes!
Gotta love eggs! My post today was eggs as well, but I could so go for these sweet potatoes. They look amazing!
I saw your post – so pretty :)
Wow. This looks incredible! I know you say it’s so simple, but I would have seriously never thought of this in a million years. I’m totally making it!
If you really do try it, LMK! I think of things based on….ease, what’s in my fridge, and what I know will get clean plate club members :)
Totally a 9:30pm dinner! Love it- let’s be honest anything with gooey cheese is amazing but a runny egg too!! Get in ma belllllllly !
anything with gooey cheese is amazing but a runny egg too = YES. And it’s always better about 3-4am after you’ve been out :)
Mmmm, I love this meatless dish!! :) And I just love how you can make anything look gorgeous!
Well thank you! I have to say white eggs, cheese, lots of shine, and bright orange potatoes were not really the easiest thing to shoot but glad you think I made it look pretty :)
Hi Averie, love your site and this combination looks so good. Sweet potatoes and eggs are the best.
I love this recipe. Sweet potatoes, eggs and cheese are basically my husbands 3 favorite foods. He loves them. I am definitely going to make this for his dinner tomorrow night! I will just scale it down to be about half the recipe. Unfortunately, my boys are not big sweet potato fans. I love how easy this is though and I never would have thought to throw it all together into a skillet. Excellent!
I bet he could eat the whole recipe if those are his fave things :)
Jon is always up for a different twist on eggs and I could eat this for any meal! I already have everything for this but fontina sounds really good so I may pick some up. I’ll be trying this soon for sure!
I thought you may try this one soon! Fontina is a little pricier than Mozz but would be so good! :)
Oh my gosh yum! I am obsessed with anything sweet potato!
Averie, this looks delicious! I’m currently *obsessed* with sweet potatoes and can’t wait to try this out…especially since it takes no time to make! Perfect for a busy week night.
rdinthemidwest.com
This looks so good, I’m tempted to make it as a late dinner! Breakfasty food after 7pm always makes happy. :)
Brinner (Breakfast for dinner) is the best!
We don’t have kids but we have school night. Ken teaches at UCLA on Wednesday nights and doesn’t get home til 9:30. Do you see how this could work for us too? GREG
He’s a professor! Oh wow, that is impressive! I love it that you guys have school night :)
I love sweet potatoes and eggs!
Looks incredible Averie, and great for on the go lunch!
Wow Averie, another simple healthy vegetarian meal – I am absolutely all over this. Pinned. I agree simple is best, I love home cooked meals but never feel like I have time to cook something fancy after doing all the baking for the day! P.s. I wrote about you in my post today!
Thanks for the pin!
This looks amazing Averie! I love these types of meals that are so effortless but are also totally packed with flavor. And you can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes! Can’t wait to give this a try!
Thanks Lisa, and as always, thanks for all the recipe mentions/features in the roundups :)
Loving this get out of dinner jail free card, sounds delicious, but then again anything with egg is. :) Yeah for quick recipes!
This is such an interesting, simple concept! it’s great seeing you spice things up with savory posts sometimes :) will definitely try this!
Vegetarian by accident that day—love it. This looks fantastic.
This look delicious! Also, I really appreciate how your “related recipes” section contains recipes that are actually related! Ones on other websites are often super random but I love that you put up recipes that use the same ingredients or fall into the same category. Thanks Averie!
Thank you for noticing! I do it by hand and try to include things that are yes, related. Those auto-generated tools always seem to get it wrong!
I’m obsessed with sweet potatoes, what a tasty and healthy skillet!
Such a winning recipe all the way around! We always have sweet potatoes, eggs, and cheese on hand, so I love that we could make this anytime. We do eggs for dinner at least once a week, so we may just need to try this one soon. Awesome recipe, Averie!
Thanks, Colleen!
We can always trust our families to give us blatantly honest opinions, which is why these “family favorite” recipes are the best. Love this!
So true!
This is such a great idea! And it’s gorgeous too!
And thanks for the pins today (and always)! :)
This looks fantastic! I love that it’s an easy “anytime” meal.
Super simple but unbelievably gorgeous!! All the colors in the skillet just compliment each other so well! Love these eggs, Averie—pinned to my breakfast board! :)
thanks for pinning!
Love how easy this is Averie – great breakfast on short notice!
Why am I not having this for breakfast?!?! I agree – simple is always best!
I just recently discovered your website and I am in love!
Your food photography is so beautiful and such an inspiration!
Can’t wait to make this recipe :)
The Macadame. xx
http://www.creamstop.com
Thanks for the kind words & for being a new follower! :)
I need to get back on the sweet potato train. I kind of derailed (hehe….get it?) when I discovered kabocha and delicata (often called the sweet potato squash, FYI) but those are getting harder to find in the stores recently.
That’s the only sign of spring that I find annoying.
I know what you mean about hard to find :) so went with something more universal. Speaking of which, I havent roasted a kab in awhile. Maybe this week!
I love recipes like this that work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I totally agree that simple is best. :)
I am have been OBSESSED with sweet potatoes the past week and cannot get enough of em. This is the perfect recipe to assist in that department. :)
Completely LOVE how simple this fantastic brunch/breakfast recipe is, Averie. Heck, I would even make it for dinner. Breakfast for dinner is my favorite. Love your suggestions of keeping the skin on, using goat cheese, and ketchup (of course!!). I’ve been working on a quiche recipe from my future sister-in-law – made with spinach and/or mushrooms, but now you’ve got me swaying towards some cheesy sweet potato egg skillet instead!
Funny that I had this recipe on my calendar for today after our emails. The food styling of this, and that other recipe, turned out pretty similar now that I see it :) And so glad you like this! And ketchup. Girl. I like a little food with my ketchup :) Your quiche idea of spinach & shrooms sounds great to me!
This looks so good, Averie! In fact, I’m going to make this for breakfast today! Gorgeous pics!
Thank you for the photo compliments! That’s a high honor coming from you!! :) And that you’re making it, today. Wow, awesome! LMK what you think if you do!
All I can say it get in my belly! Love the combination here and that cheesy top is making my mouth water.
thanks, Belinda!
I love my sweet potatoes with cheese – I now need to throw in the egg!
LOVE this recipe, Averie! The Big Lug and I incorporate sweet potatoes into our breakfasts each weekend and often throughout the week. Thanks for sharing, girl. Pinning!
The Big Lug <-- love that :) And thanks for pinning!