A Perfect Morning: Coffee, Conversation, and the “Hungry Man” Breakfast

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One of my favorite moments while camping is the peaceful dawn, when the kids are still asleep, and the world is quiet. It’s a special time to share a cup of coffee with other parents, enjoying the serenity of nature before the day’s adventures begin. As we sip our coffee, we often prepare a hearty breakfast that sets the tone for a day full of hiking and outdoor activities. This breakfast, fondly known as the “Hungry Man” cast iron breakfast, is more of a hash brown casserole – a one-pot, hearty meal that is easy to make and requires few supplies but produces lots of smiles.

The “Hungry Man” Cast Iron Breakfast

This simple yet delicious breakfast is perfect for camping, providing a satisfying start to the day. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of frozen hash browns
• 1 pound of breakfast sausage or bacon (or both!)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 6-8 eggs
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: hot sauce or salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire: Start your campfire early to have a nice bed of coals ready for cooking.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large cast iron skillet, (https://amzn.to/3z62uqJ) cook the sausage or bacon over the campfire until browned and crispy. Remove the meat and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
4. Add the Hash Browns: Stir in the frozen hash browns, mixing them with the onions and peppers. Cook until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage or bacon to the skillet, mixing it with the hash browns and vegetables.
6. Cook the Eggs: Create small wells in the hash brown mixture and crack the eggs into these wells. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let it cook until the eggs are done to your liking.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture, allowing it to melt.
8. Serve: Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with optional hot sauce or salsa on the side.

A Great Start to the Day

This “Hungry Man” breakfast is not just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings everyone together, fueling us for a day of hiking, exploring, and making memories. It’s easy to make, even in the great outdoors, and the satisfaction it brings is unmatched. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory meat, and gooey cheese, topped with perfectly cooked eggs, is a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves.

As the sun rises and the kids start to wake up, the smell of breakfast cooking over the campfire fills the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation. It’s moments like these that make camping so special – the simple joys of good food, great company, and the beauty of nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the adventure, I hope you’ll try this recipe on your next trip and experience the same joy and camaraderie that it brings to our camping mornings.