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Golden cheesy potato egg scramble in a skillet with melted cheese, crispy potato cubes, and fluffy eggs, topped with fresh herbs.

Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble

This isn't fancy – it's the scramble I make when I need dinner on the table fast, no complaints, and a kitchen that smells like real food. Crispy potatoes, tender eggs, and melty cheddar in one pan, done in 20 minutes. My daughter Simone eats every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Large Skillet (12-inch) with Lid

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 4 cups chopped cooked potatoes (600g)
  • 2 oz ham, chopped (60g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream and fresh chives, for serving
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and Old Bay seasoning together in a medium bowl until uniform and slightly frothy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped cooked potatoes and spread into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until crispy on all sides.
  • Toss the chopped ham into the pan with the potatoes. Reduce heat to low and pour the egg mixture over everything. Stir slowly with a spatula until the eggs are soft and slightly underdone (creamy and a little wet). Season again with a little salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the surface. Cover the pan with a lid and keep on low heat for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and the eggs have finished cooking through.
  • Spoon onto plates. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Prep ahead: Cook the potatoes and chop the ham up to 3 days ahead. When you're ready to cook, just whisk the eggs and follow the steps – dinner in under 10 minutes.
Substitutions: Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and omit heavy cream (texture won't be as rich but still good). Spicy: Add diced jalapeño with the potatoes or hot sauce at the end. More veggies: Toss in bell peppers or onions with the potatoes.
Storage: Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water and a lid for best texture. Not freezer-friendly.
Keyword 20 minute dinner, cheesy potato egg scramble, easy breakfast scramble, kid friendly dinner, one pan eggs