Classic Diner Breakfast

Step 1

Grate potatoes on the largest hole on a box grater into a medium bowl. Cover with cold water and drain; repeat once or twice, until water runs nearly clear. Taking small handfuls at a time, squeeze all the water from the potatoes and place in a dry medium bowl. Grate onion on the largest hole on a box grater and toss with potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and let sit while you cook the bacon.

Step 2

Cook bacon or sausage in a large cast-iron skillet (at least 10 inches) over medium heat until totally crispy, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.

Step 3

Drain fat from the skillet into a small bowl (you should have 3 to 4 tablespoons; if you don’t, use vegetable oil to make up the difference).

Step 4

Again taking small handfuls at a time, squeeze all water from the potato-onion mixture. Heat 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat or vegetable oil in that same skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and swirl together.

Step 5

Add potatoes and onions and spread into a thin, even layer. Cook, without moving, until the potatoes are nearly cooked through and browned on one side, about 5 to 8 minutes. Using a spatula, flip sections of the potatoes to crisp on the other side. Add 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat or vegetable oil and remaining 1 tablespoon butter and cook, without moving, until potatoes are browned on the other side, about another 5 minutes. Flip once or twice more (you don’t have to be so careful here; just kind of stir them around) and continue to cook until most of the bits of potato are golden brown and crisped, about another 4 minutes.

Step 6

Transfer potatoes to a plate and set aside while you fry the eggs. Meanwhile, toast the bread.

Step 7

Increase heat to medium high and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Crack 4 eggs into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, rotating skillet occasionally until the whites are cooked through and the yolks are still bright yellow and runny, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 8

Place on 2 plates with hash browns, bacon and toast. Serve with hot sauce (or ketchup, if you wish).