Can I use raw potatoes instead of pre-cooked ones?

Raw potatoes won't work well in this quick-cooking recipe as they need more time to become tender. If you don't have leftover potatoes, quickly parboil diced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until fork-tender, then proceed with the recipe.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don't have Old Bay, you can make your own by combining paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Alternatively, any all-purpose seasoning blend will work well, or simply use salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use olive oil instead of butter, and either omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Skip the sour cream garnish or use dairy-free yogurt.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! The recipe scales up beautifully. For serving a crowd, you can double or triple ingredients and cook in batches, keeping the finished portions warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble Recipe

Name: Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1.5 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning or to taste; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1.5 tablespoons frying oil or clarified butter; 4 cups (600g) chopped cooked potatoes; 2 oz (60g) ham, chopped into cubes; 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., aged cheddar and Gruyere mixed); Sour cream; Chives

This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is a breakfast game-changer that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed meal. With golden potatoes, fluffy eggs, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, this one-pan wonder comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or a satisfying brunch, this scramble delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, yet provides a filling meal that’ll keep you energized all morning.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your day.
Customizable: Works brilliantly with whatever leftovers you have on hand – different cheeses, meats, or vegetables can be swapped in based on what’s in your fridge.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies everyone from picky kids to hungry adults – it’s that perfect balance of comfort food and proper nourishment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Eggs: The star of the show, providing protein and creating that fluffy, tender base for our scramble.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds richness and helps create those perfectly creamy, fluffy eggs.
Old Bay Seasoning: Brings a distinctive savory flavor with hints of paprika and celery salt – truly elevates ordinary scrambled eggs.
Potatoes: Use leftover cooked potatoes for incredible convenience, or quickly boil some up – they’ll get crispy and golden in the pan.
Ham: Adds a savory, salty element that pairs perfectly with the eggs and potatoes.
Cheese: A combination of aged cheddar and Gruyere creates the perfect balance of sharpness and meltability, but use whatever you have on hand.
Oil or Clarified Butter: For frying those potatoes to golden perfection without burning.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory scramble.
Chives: Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color as a finishing touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Version

Swap the ham for crumbled bacon or cooked breakfast sausage, or go wild and use both! The smokiness of bacon particularly complements the potatoes.

Veggie Delight

Skip the meat and load up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or any vegetables you enjoy. Sauté them briefly before adding the eggs for best flavor.

Spice it Up

If Old Bay isn’t your thing, try Cajun seasoning for a kick, taco seasoning for a Southwestern twist, or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Cheese Combinations

Experiment with different cheese blends – pepper jack for heat, goat cheese for tanginess, or Swiss for nuttiness. Each brings its own character to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside while you prep the potatoes.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Potatoes

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped cooked potatoes, spreading them in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple minutes before stirring, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Ham

Once potatoes are nicely browned, reduce heat to low and add the ham cubes. Pour the egg mixture over everything. Gently stir a few times, allowing eggs to begin setting but stopping while they’re still quite wet. This prevents overcooking.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking

Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly across the top of the partially-cooked egg mixture. Cover the pan with a lid – this creates a mini oven effect that melts the cheese perfectly while gently finishing the eggs without drying them out.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and eggs are just set (they should still look moist), remove from heat. Divide between plates and top with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped chives.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The secret to perfect scrambled eggs is removing them from heat while they still look slightly underdone – they’ll continue cooking from residual heat.
Prep Ahead: Use leftover potatoes from last night’s dinner to make this even quicker. Cold potatoes actually crisp up better than freshly cooked ones.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Splurge on good cheese and farm-fresh eggs if possible – you’ll taste the difference.
Pan Choice: Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This scramble pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a more substantial brunch.

Breakfast Spread

For a showstopping breakfast spread, serve this alongside some crispy bacon, fresh toast with butter and jam, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Brunch Option

Transform this into a brunch star by serving with mimosas or Bloody Marys, and maybe some quick-grilled tomatoes on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover scramble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze this scramble, the texture of the eggs may become slightly watery upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a small splash of water to create steam. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use raw potatoes instead of pre-cooked ones?

Raw potatoes won’t work well in this quick-cooking recipe as they need more time to become tender. If you don’t have leftover potatoes, quickly parboil diced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes until fork-tender, then proceed with the recipe.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, you can make your own by combining paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Alternatively, any all-purpose seasoning blend will work well, or simply use salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, use olive oil instead of butter, and either omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Skip the sour cream garnish or use dairy-free yogurt.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! The recipe scales up beautifully. For serving a crowd, you can double or triple ingredients and cook in batches, keeping the finished portions warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble is what breakfast dreams are made of – simple enough for busy weekday mornings yet special enough for weekend brunches. The combination of crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, savory ham, and melted cheese creates a harmonious dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Give this scramble a try tomorrow morning – I’m confident it’ll earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation!