Ingredients:

• Potatoes – 2 medium-sized
• Vegetable oil or fat – for frying (about 2 tablespoons)
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Eggs – 4 pcs
• Cherry tomatoes – a handful (about 6-8 pieces), halved
• Chives – finely chopped (a small bunch)
• Sour cream – 200 grams (about 7 oz)
• Mozzarella cheese – 50-70 grams (about 2-2.5 oz), shredded
• Fresh parsley or other herbs – finely chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Fry the Potatoes

• Begin by washing, peeling, and slicing the potatoes into thin rounds or small cubes, depending on your preference.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or fat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced potatoes in an even layer.
• Season the potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside, but remain soft on the inside.
• Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You can keep them warm by covering them with foil.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

• In a medium-sized bowl, crack the 4 eggs. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk the eggs until they are well combined and slightly frothy.
• In the same skillet where the potatoes were cooked, reduce the heat to low, and pour in the whisked eggs. Stir the eggs gently and continuously, creating soft, scrambled eggs.
• Once the eggs are mostly cooked but still slightly runny, remove the skillet from heat and set the eggs aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, then chop the chives and parsley (or any fresh herbs you are using).
• Stir the halved cherry tomatoes into the eggs, allowing their fresh, juicy flavor to mix with the scrambled eggs.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

• Return the fried potatoes to the skillet, placing them over the eggs and tomatoes. Spread them out evenly to form a base layer.
• Spoon the 200 grams of sour cream evenly over the potatoes, creating a creamy layer on top. Season with a bit more salt and pepper if desired.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sour cream. This will melt into a delicious, gooey topping as the dish finishes cooking.

Step 5: Final Cook and Garnish

• Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to combine.
• Once the cheese is melted and bubbling slightly, remove the skillet from heat.
• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the skillet directly from the pan, or portion it out into individual servings. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or toast, but it’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a complete breakfast or brunch dish.

Cooking Tips:

• Potatoes: Thinly slicing or cubing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and become crispy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can parboil the potatoes before frying them.
• Egg Cooking: For soft and creamy scrambled eggs, cook them on low heat and stir continuously. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will continue cooking slightly when you combine them with the hot potatoes and cheese.
• Cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor, but you can substitute it with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda if you prefer a more intense flavor.
• Extra Add-ins: This dish is highly customizable. You can add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to give the dish even more flavor and texture.
• Herbs: Chives and parsley are classic choices, but you can also experiment with basil, cilantro, or dill for a different herbaceous twist.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a low-temperature oven to preserve the texture of the eggs and potatoes.
• Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the eggs, which may become rubbery when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making it.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 15-18 g
• Fat: 25-28 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Sodium: 600-700 mg
• Calcium: 150-200 mg

This dish is a great source of protein and healthy fats, thanks to the eggs, mozzarella cheese, and sour cream. Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, while the fresh vegetables and herbs add vitamins and minerals. It’s a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use any type of potato you prefer, such as Yukon gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato.

2. Can I make this dish in advance? While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some elements ahead of time. For instance, you can fry the potatoes and refrigerate them, then reheat and assemble the dish with the eggs and other ingredients when you’re ready to serve.

3. How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly? This dish is already vegetarian-friendly. However, if you’re looking to make it vegan, you can substitute the eggs with tofu scramble, use plant-based cheese, and swap the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative.

4. Can I add meat to this dish? Absolutely! If you’d like to add some protein, cooked bacon, sausage, or ham can be added during the final assembly. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before combining it with the other ingredients.

5. What can I serve with this dish? This skillet potato and egg breakfast bake is great on its own but pairs wonderfully with toast, a light salad, or avocado slices. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fruit salad.

Conclusion:

This savory skillet potato and egg breakfast bake is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With crispy golden potatoes, creamy scrambled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese, each bite is packed with flavor. The addition of sour cream and fresh herbs takes this dish to the next level, offering a balance of richness, freshness, and lightness. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any time of day. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a special meal, this skillet breakfast bake is sure to be a hit!