This classic, savory breakfast dish is packed with flavor and caramelized to perfection. Whether roasting or cooking on the stovetop, you only need one skillet and a few veggies, oil and seasoning. It's the perfect veggie side dish that even my kids love!
If you love crispy hash browns for breakfast (or brunch), you’re going to love this sweet potato hash! Sweet potatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh garlic come together with warming spices and just a hint of smokiness. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—this one’s a keeper!
It's a mostly hands-off recipe that's ready in 30 minutes. And while it is absolutely delicious on its own, I almost always take 5 minutes while it cooks to whip up this creamy cilantro lime sauce (pictured below). It provides a cool, tangy, herby contrast that enhances the smoky spices and takes the hash to another level. My 7-year-old will literally enjoy the hash in a pool of this sauce!
You can roast the hash in the oven for perfectly tender, caramelized and crispy edges (my preferred way), or cook it on the stovetop if that's more convenient - though it might take a little longer and won't get quite as crispy. Either way, the seasoning blend gives it so much flavor and both methods involve just one skillet which makes cleanup a breeze.
And, it happens to be an incredible dish for meal prep because it stores well and is super easy to reheat. Serve it alongside a chickpea scramble or avocado toast for the ultimate breakfast!
A Veggie-Forward Dish
This hash is packed with nutrient-dense veggies and so many flavors I love! Sweet potatoes are always a win in my house—filling, naturally sweet, and loaded with fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. They’re one of my kids’ go-to veggies and make busy weeknight meals so easy. Bell peppers add another layer of natural sweetness while delivering vitamin C, A, and B6, making them another veggie my kids happily eat.
And then there’s red onions and garlic — which not only add incredible depth of flavor but also bring some serious nutrition to the table. Both are rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese to help support immune health and overall wellness. Garlic, in particular, has been linked to immune support. When caramelized, red onions turn into something almost candy-like (at least to me and my kids!).
The combo of these three? Incredible. It’s a crowd-pleasing, super satisfying dish that’s easy to prep, mostly hands-off, and full of flavor!
How to Make Sweet Potato Hash
I highly recommend using a cast iron skillet for this recipe. The skillet retains heat so much better, which is especially important for the veggies to develop that deep caramelization. Using a baking sheet will get the job done too, but it loses heat more easily and can cause the veggies to steam (i.e., get soggy) rather than crisp up.
I like to chop the sweet potato into bite-sized cubes (roughly ¾ inch), but you can certainly go smaller if you wish. The smaller the cubes, the faster they cook! And while you don't have to peel the sweet potato, I prefer the texture a bit better when peeled.
I also recommend roasting the hash for best results, which I find is actually easier than using the stovetop anyway. Simply coat the veggies in oil and seasonings, lay them onto the skillet in one even layer and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes (gently tossing halfway). You'll know it's done when the onions are caramelized and the sweet potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
If making on the stovetop, follow the same approach but be prepared for it to take a little longer to cook. You won't get the same crispy, tender, golden brown results but the flavors will still be there. For what it's worth, I made this recipe both ways and served side-by-side, and the entire family (kids included!) agreed that the roasted version was the clear winner.
Recipe Tips
Toss gently at the halfway point. The sweet potato can break apart easily if too rough. I like to use a silicone spatula to help keep everything intact (I don't recommend using metal tongs here).
Don't overcrowd the skillet. You'll want the veggies arranged in a single layer when roasting for best results. I recommend using a 12-inch cast iron (not enameled cast iron) skillet. If using a smaller skillet (or meal-prepping a double batch) grab another pan or make in separate batches.
Enjoy Any Time of Day - Seriously!
This sweet potato hash isn’t just for breakfast/brunch - it makes a perfect veggie-packed side dish or even a full meal if you bulk it up with a can of black beans or chickpeas! I love serving it over rice for dinner, or even stuffing it into taco shells for a fun twist. Garnish it with avocado, cilantro and chives for a fresh and flavorful finish!
I hope you enjoy this sweet potato hash, and please comment below with your feedback and tag me @eatingbyelaine if you try it so I can see your creations!
Print
One-Skillet Sweet Potato Hash
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This classic, savory breakfast dish is packed with flavor and caramelized to perfection. Whether roasting or cooking on the stovetop, you only need one skillet and a few veggies, oil and seasoning. It's the perfect veggie side dish that even my kids love!
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato (~13 ounces), peeled and chopped into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ large red onion (or one small red onion)
- 6 large cloves garlic, peeled and diced (not minced)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Optional garnishes: cilantro, limes, avocado, chives or green onions, creamy cilantro lime sauce
Seasonings:
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place all ingredients in a 12-inch cast iron skillet (not enameled cast iron) and toss well to evenly coat the vegetables with the oil and seasonings. Spread into one even layer. Roast for 30 minutes gently tossing halfway using a silicone spatula. When they are done the sweet potatoes should look golden brown and crispy on the edges. The onions should look slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and enjoy. Feel free to garnish with avocado, chives or green onions, cilantro and a drizzle of my 5-minute creamy cilantro lime sauce.
Equipment
Buy Now → - Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Roasted
Cindy Hopper says
Ummm...YUM!! Made this tonight with the creamy cilantro lime sauce. So delish!! Will definitely be in the dinner rotation! Thanks for sharing!
Elaine Gordon says
Cindy, this makes me so happy to hear! 😍 I’m thrilled you loved the sweet potato hash—especially with the creamy cilantro lime sauce (such a good combo!). Thank you for trying it and for taking the time to leave such a kind review. I truly appreciate it! 💛 Enjoy having it in your dinner rotation!