German Farmer's Breakfast
A hearty and traditional German one-pan meal, Bauernfrühstück features crispy fried potatoes, savory bacon, and fluffy eggs. This rustic and satisfying dish is perfect for a robust breakfast, brunch, or a simple weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes
- b.This dish is best made with pre-cooked, cooled potatoes. If you don't have leftovers, boil the whole, unpeeled potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until just tender. Drain and let them cool completely.
- c.Once cool, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices or 1/2-inch cubes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Bacon and Onions
- b.In a large 12-inch cast-iron or non-stick skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is brown and crispy.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- d.Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Potatoes
- b.Add the sliced or cubed potatoes to the skillet with the onions. If the pan seems dry, add the tablespoon of butter.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high. Fry the potatoes, turning them only occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- d.Season the potatoes and onions with half of the salt and pepper.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Add Eggs
- b.Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the potatoes and onions.
- c.In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk (if using), the remaining salt and pepper, and half of the fresh parsley and chives.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the egg mixture evenly over the contents of the skillet.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Eggs and Serve
- b.Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about 1 minute until the edges begin to set.
- c.Gently stir and fold the mixture with a spatula, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness (about 2-4 minutes for soft curds).
- d.Remove from heat, garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and chives, and serve immediately, traditionally with a side of gherkins (pickles).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best crispy potatoes, use leftover boiled potatoes from the day before. The cooling and drying process helps them fry up perfectly.
- 2Use a large cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and a superior crispy texture on the potatoes.
- 3Don't stir the potatoes too often while they are frying. Letting them sit undisturbed allows them to develop a golden-brown crust.
- 4For a frittata-style Bauernfrühstück, don't stir the eggs. Let them set, then place the skillet under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to cook the top.
- 5Serve traditionally with German gherkins (Gewürzgurken) and a side of dark rye bread.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon. Fry the onions and potatoes in 3 tablespoons of butter or oil. You can add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Add CheeseAdd Cheese
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère, Emmental, or sharp cheddar cheese over the dish during the last minute of cooking and let it melt.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Substitute the bacon with diced ham, cooked sausage, or Leberkäse (a German-style meatloaf).
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With a generous amount of eggs and bacon, this dish is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the potatoes provide a steady release of energy, making this an excellent meal to fuel a busy morning or recover after physical activity.
Source of Choline
Eggs are one of the best dietary sources of choline, a vital nutrient that plays a key role in brain health, memory, and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
German Farmer's Breakfast is a very hearty and calorie-dense meal. While it provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, its high content of saturated fat and sodium from bacon means it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.