A single serve Paleo breakfast skillet made with just three ingredients plus an egg! This crispy and savory breakfast skillet with plantain, bacon, and kale is the perfect answer to your savory breakfast craving. Full of crispy savory flavor and packed with nutrients. Grain free, Paleo, dairy free and Whole30 approved.
Let’s talk breakfast for a minute – you know by now I love the subject. There was a time, pre-Paleo, when I was all about sweet breakfasts all the way. I used to eat huge bowls of cereal with berries, bananas, honey, and almond milk. Then I’d eat another. Occasionally, I had eggs with toast – and the toast was always cinnamon raisin with butter and honey.
The only time I ever ate bacon with breakfast was if I was out to eat and assumed it would make me sick. I did always get sick, but I have a feeling the pancakes with syrup or stack of rye toast might have had something to do with that.
Anyway, I remember when I began eating Paleo I thought there was absolutely no way I could eat bacon, sausage, and potatoes in the morning without being sick later on. I actually recall waiting for it to hit and being REALLY surprised when it never did. In fact, after 2 weeks of eating breakfasts like this, it was apparent that I felt better than I ever had in my life – my digestion was improving along with everything else.
So, my crazy love for savory breakfasts was born, and has since just grown and grown. Sure, I love my breakfast bread in the afternoon, but, you’ll probably never catch me Instagramming it for my actual breakfast!
Sometimes, I have a savory/crispy craving in the morning – especially after a long run – so much so that even plantains and sweet potatoes seem too sweet. After my first long run for Boston training, I wanted something easy (of course), super filling, crispy, and savory.
So, I made this recipe! It uses a green plantain – which I typically reserve for chips and fries – but wanted to see what would happen if I let them hang with sizzling bacon in a pan for a little bit. Well, wonderful things happened! The bacon and plantains got nice and crisp, and I added kale for more crispiness and nutrients, too. A crispy fried egg completed this single serve paleo breakfast skillet in the best way possible! This recipe can easily be adapted to serve more than one by simply doubling the ingredients and using a bigger skillet. See? Everyone is happy!
Single Serve Paleo Breakfast Skillet – Bacon, Plantain & Kale
Single Serve Paleo Breakfast Skillet - Crispy & Savory Bacon, Plantain & Kale
Ingredients
- 1/2 large green plantain peel removed (you can refrigerate the other half for later use)
- 3 slices nitrate free bacon - sugar free for Whole30** - cut into pieces
- 1 handful fresh kale roughly chopped
- Sprinkle of fine grain sea salt
- 1 egg
Instructions
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*To peel a green plantain, you'll have to score the sides and separate the peel from the plantain with your thumb or a knife. You'll use half a large one for this recipe.
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Chop the peeled plantain into small thin pieces. They'll crisp up better when on the thinner side, although it's not incredibly important.
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In a small - medium heavy skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and stir to evenly cook. When the bacon begins to render fat, add the chopped plantain and stir for even cooking.
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Cover the pan (the lid doesn't have to fit exactly) and allow the bacon and plantain to cook together, removing the lid to stir after about 30-60 seconds to prevent burning.
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Once the plantain and bacon begin to brown, add the chopped kale to the skillet, stir, and cover again with the lid, adjusting or lowering the heat to prevent burning if necessary.
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After the kale has softened, remove the lid and stir again. When the bacon, plantain and kale are all cooked and crispy, sprinkle with sea salt to taste. Turn the heat off but cover the lid to keep hot while you cook an egg in a separate pan (or however you want!)
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Once your egg is cooked, put the hash on a plate and top with your cooked egg. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
**U.S. Wellness Meats sugar free pork bacon is seriously incredible and has been my go-to favorite bacon for years!
Nutrition
Favorite quick breakfast?
What’s your breakfast “history?” lol 🙂
Do you prefer veggies or fruit in the morning (or both?)
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
February 9, 2016 at 5:44 amI wish that trader joes sold plantains! I love these kinds of breakfasts, especially after a long run. It’s rare that I crave a sweet breakfast but I do enjoy eating something savory with a side of bread or fruit.
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:50 pmFunny that I don’t want fruit in the morning but always at night!
The Cookie ChRUNicles says
February 9, 2016 at 6:06 amI don’t like too sweet for breakfast but can’t do savory either. Ever. The one time I did randomly 2 years ago want eggs for breast I just felt so odd lol I saw the green plantains by the regular plantains at shoprite – you will have to tell me if I do indeed need to buy both kinds. Like lisa said, wish tj sold the plantains! love them
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:51 pmThe green ones are completely different and they make amazing chips! Super crispy.
Mel_OutRunCF says
February 9, 2016 at 6:28 amIt looks so good! I am all about egg casseroles after early morning runs. They are nutritious and satisfying and keep my brain alert and my body satisfied for many hours. I remember the time when I was fueling my runs with cereals and after a bowl I would crave another one, and another one… At the time I thought it was normal to be hungry all day after running! Not true : it’s important to feed our body optimal fuel! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:51 pmYup that’s how I used to be – hungry, tired and a lot of stomach problems on top of it!
Sarah says
February 9, 2016 at 7:15 amNumanum. I’m loving plantains + eggs + chicken sausage + kale lately (should give bacon a go, I don’t know why I don’t ever buy it!). It’s been my go too. I’m with you on starting a paleo approach – I was so used to either oatmeal or yogurt than swapping to savory AND more food volume was a transition but I’m so glad I did it. Plus, I’m now in love with the savory breakfast!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:53 pmSausage and chicken sausage are great too and definitely in my rotation! Bacon is easy to get into as well and since it renders fat you don’t have to add any.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
February 9, 2016 at 7:15 amI love savory breakfasts like this! There isn’t a morning I don’t have my eggs. How do you peel your green plantains? I find there’s always a bear to get out if they’re not ripe.
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:54 pmI cut the ends off, score the sides and sort of get under the peel with my finger and it comes off really easily as long as the plantain isn’t bruised!
Gretchen | Gretchruns says
February 9, 2016 at 7:57 amThis looks amazing! I actually prefer fruit in the morning but I know it’s better to have veggies so I’m working on that!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:55 pmBoth are good! Whole30 definitely got me to love my morning veggies 🙂
SuzLyfe says
February 9, 2016 at 8:31 amI honestly can’t imagine you eating anything else at this point! I tend to do better with a fiber full grain and fat in the morning, and then a protein and carb mid morning. And you know how I feel about my omelets, but they usually come at lunch time (or dinner)
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:56 pmOmelettes any time of day in my opinion! They actually feel more special when it’s not breakfast.
cottercrunch says
February 9, 2016 at 8:39 amhaha yes, that was me. I sometimes still eat oatmeal but it’s when i need comfort and warm goodness! LOL! But savory is the way to go. I crave meat (and eggs)
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:57 pmI occasionally want to make a good gf oatmeal and then never wind up doing it – need to change that once in a while!
Margaret @ youngandrungry says
February 9, 2016 at 8:42 amI am savory breakfast and hash obsessed although I really don’t eat very much bacon. Mainly because the good stuff is expensive and the other stuff I could take or leave it. I used to eat oatmeal like it was my day job and in high school it was cereal, but now I do a hash very similar to this every single morning no matter what!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 3:58 pmAgree that bacon can get expensive – since I don’t do whole30 now I get nitrate free but not the pricier sugar free that I used to – good enough for me 🙂
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
February 9, 2016 at 9:49 amI ate Life cereal every single day until I was diagnosed with celiac 8 years ago. Then it was a lot of GF oatmeal and rice chex. Now I’m taking a page out of your book! Feeling like a grown-up with the ultra-savory breakfasts-ha!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:24 pmLife cereal is good stuff, I loved it for so long 🙂 So funny that it makes you feel like a grown up!
renaissancerunnergirl says
February 9, 2016 at 10:18 amAfter a long run, I love a savory course like this followed by a sweet treat like an apple and sunflower seed butter and Enjoy Life chocolate chips. I need both in my breakfast life!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:25 pmYum love those chocolate chips! And breakfast-dessert is a nice idea 🙂
katalysthealth says
February 9, 2016 at 11:07 amI don’t like bacon at all – but otherwise this dish sounds delicious! I go through phases for breakfast between wanting my oats and wanting my egg & veggies!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:26 pmCan’t imagine not loving bacon! But kale and plantains are pretty good on their own with some coconut oil to crisp everything up 🙂
suzysuzyheather says
February 9, 2016 at 11:55 amI love your breakfasts! I just never have time or energy to make them in the morning. I usually grab a chocolate chip cookie and a coffee, and then I’ll make something savoury later on at like 10 or 11am! Your eggs are the most prettiest eggs EVER.
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:27 pmThat’s like Adam – except he doesn’t make himself later on and actually I have no idea what he eats during the day! I hear you though that it can feel like a lot to cook things in the morning during the rush.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
February 9, 2016 at 12:26 pmI can’t do savoury breakfasts, but I sometimes like to grab a savoury snack around 9 or 10 am. Like right now I’m munching on carrots with salsa and hummus 😆 But I’ve always been a sweet breakfast kind of girl… it just changes between oatmeal, smoothies, fruit, cereal, etc.
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:28 pmI never think to snack on carrots with dip but that sounds yummy – especially with salsa!
Joyce says
February 9, 2016 at 12:47 pmSuch gorgeous photographs! Yeah, I usually do cereal or toast for breakfast, or sometimes a smoothie, but I’ve also been trying to get more veggies in of late. I have a ton of potatoes in the fridge, so I might try this with potato in place of the plantain. Looks delicious!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:31 pmThank you 🙂 This would be great with any type of potato – you’ll likely have to keep the pan covered for longer though to make sure they get nice and soft before crisping up. I make a variation on this with Japanese sweet potatoes that’s so good – experiment!
Kinzie says
February 9, 2016 at 12:53 pmI eat kale with two fried eggs, all cooked in bacon fat almost every morning…my kids have even started asking for “eggs sunny side up” which makes me laugh as we have come so far from “scrambled and covered in cheese” since starting Paleo!!!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:32 pmThat’s so cool that they ask for sunny side up – we’re getting there! They like them scrambled or fried at this point 🙂 Kale is so good in bacon fat 🙂
Chocolaterunsjudy says
February 9, 2016 at 1:48 pmThe reality is that I DO love a sweet breakfast. If it wouldn’t effect the bottom line, I’d eat it every day. Maybe every meal! Thankfully I don’t have digestive issues. I’m not afraid of bacon, either, although the sugar free ones seemed to have disappeared here lately. 🙁
But I do try to force myself to eat more savory breakfasts, and this looks delish!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 4:33 pmI don’t buy the sugar free regularly but always go with uncured – good enough for me most of the time! I used to be the same way and felt like something was missing if I couldn’t have a nice sweet breakfast 🙂
Chocolaterunsjudy says
February 9, 2016 at 4:43 pmSavory is sooooo much better for you than sweet.
I know this.
I just have a hard time with it! I always do enjoy it when I have a savory one.
Polyglot Jot says
February 9, 2016 at 2:25 pmI love an omelette with spinach and onions. I usualy prefer veggies to fruit in the morning but sometimes have both
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 5:09 pmBoth is great too!
Strength and Sunshine says
February 9, 2016 at 2:51 pmI used to be a “serial” cereal eater. Every single (weekday) morning. CEREAL!!!! I still love it, but only have it about one or 2 times a week :/ What I WISH they made GF and what not is Cap’n Crunch! I don’t care how bad that is…I would devour every single box!
Michele says
February 9, 2016 at 5:10 pmHa! That was everyone’s favorite at one point – I remember loving the pb for a snack 🙂
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
February 9, 2016 at 6:13 pmI can’t have too sweet for breakfast most days, but I love oats made with water, a dash of sea salt, and just a bit of blackstrap molasses. But on weekends I always want eggs, bacon, and toast! And after long runs I need salty.
Michele says
February 10, 2016 at 2:08 pmFunny how we get those same cravings after long runs – it’s the only way to go for me!
Marisa @ Mindful Slices says
February 9, 2016 at 7:54 pmI like how you describe everything being crispy! That’s definitely the best kind of breakfast. My quick breakfasts include Applegate sausage and some fruit. They serve a purpose on busy days!
Michele says
February 10, 2016 at 2:06 pmLove crispy eggs! Applegate or Aidells sausage are favorites too 🙂
sprint2thetable says
February 9, 2016 at 9:36 pmI saw this on FB earlier and almost madeit for breakfast! Alas, no plantains. Next week it’s going on the list!
Michele says
February 10, 2016 at 2:05 pmYou’ll love it – nothing not to love!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
February 9, 2016 at 11:00 pmThis looks exactly like what Dave has been eating minus the green plantains. i think he will love that addition, can’t wait to have him try this!!
Michele says
February 10, 2016 at 2:00 pmAhh yes, they fry up really well with bacon!
Ann says
February 10, 2016 at 5:12 amThis looks perfect like most (read:all ) your breakfast dishes 🙂 you really make me want to try plantain but it’s sooo rare here! I’m looking for it today again but I don’t have high hopes.
Michele says
February 10, 2016 at 2:02 pmThank you! I am definitely lucky to have a supply in most local stores here, although quality matters and only a couple of stores have really good ones regularly.
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
February 10, 2016 at 5:43 pmThis looks soooo good! How can you ever go wrong with plantains and bacon?!
Michele says
February 11, 2016 at 3:30 pmAgree – never!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
February 11, 2016 at 7:00 amMmm bacon….that’s one of the few meats where I’ll make an exception and indulge. 🙂
I love savory breakfasts although I generally only really eat them on weekends when I have more time at the house or when we go out for breakfast. Then it’s almost always eggs, veggies, potatoes and cheese for me. 🙂
Michele says
February 11, 2016 at 3:36 pmA great combo! I actually forgot that pre-paleo, my only real savory breakfast phase was pregnancy 🙂
thejanuaryglow says
February 14, 2016 at 8:47 amThis looks delicious! I love cooking in my cast iron skillet!
In college I used to eat a lot of bagels, muffins, anything easy to eat on the go which worked for me back then but now I can’t go a day with a green smoothie for breakfast! My body just craves it just like it used to crave blueberry muffins back in college!
Michele says
February 14, 2016 at 4:45 pmI have yet to have a green smoothie but I’m always tempted when I see them! And once I bought cast iron it’s really all I cook in – love it 🙂
Lauren says
August 12, 2017 at 3:02 amHi Michele! I can’t seem to find plantains here (I live in Melbourne). I was wondering if you had anything else that you would recommend in place of the plantains? Thanks in advance!
Christiana says
January 13, 2018 at 12:38 pmI bought everything to make this recipe (minus the kale, ugh how did I forget the kale?!?) and made it this morning. I researched fried plantain recipes first, and decided to try a suggestion I read in the comments. Cut off the ends of the plantain and then microwave the entire fruit for two minutes on height, flip to the other side and the nuke for two more minutes. The plantain peeled super easily and fried up really well. Since I had some leftover butternut squash in the fridge, I steamed them until ‘al dente’ and then finished them with the plantain. Used sugar free turkey bacon. This version of the hash turned out fantastic! Thank you!
Michele says
January 14, 2018 at 3:46 pmThat sounds great! Glad it all worked out 🙂
Dr. Cowan's Garden says
August 26, 2018 at 7:16 amThis is the perfect healthy dish for the breakfast. And egg made this dish more delicious. I like this because I love all the ingredients. I will try this next weekend.