Bayou Sunrise: Crispy Andouille and Yukon Gold Potato Hash

🌍 Cuisine: Cajun & Creole
🏷️ Category: Breakfast
⏱️ Prep: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook: 30-35 minutes
πŸ‘₯ Serves: 4 servings

πŸ“ About This Recipe

This hearty breakfast hash brings the bold, smoky soul of Louisiana straight to your morning table. Featuring spicy, snap-casing Andouille sausage and buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, the dish is built on the 'Holy Trinity' of Cajun aromatics: onions, bell peppers, and celery. It is a rustic, one-pan masterpiece that balances heat, smoke, and savory crunch, finished with a dusting of Creole spices that will wake up your palate.

πŸ₯— Ingredients

The Base

  • 12 ounces Andouille Sausage (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Lard (divided)

The Holy Trinity & Aromatics

  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 1 small Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 stalk Celery (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)

Seasoning & Finish

  • 1.5 teaspoons Creole Seasoning (Tony Chachere's or similar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (leaves only)
  • 2 pieces Green Onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 4 pieces Large Eggs (for serving)

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and parboil for 5-7 minutes until just barely tender but still holding their shape. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels; removing moisture is key for a crispy crust.

  2. 2

    Heat a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the sliced Andouille sausage.

  3. 3

    Sear the sausage for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the edges are browned and the fat has begun to render. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Once shimmering, add the parboiled potatoes in a single layer.

  5. 5

    Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. This patience allows a golden-brown crust to form. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until crispy on most sides.

  6. 6

    Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Holy Trinity). SautΓ© for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

  7. 7

    Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, Creole seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and toast slightly.

  8. 8

    Return the browned Andouille sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.

  9. 9

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Note that most Creole seasonings contain salt, so add extra salt or black pepper only if needed.

  10. 10

    Using the back of a spoon, create four small wells in the hash. Crack an egg into each well.

  11. 11

    Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-4 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

  12. 12

    Remove from heat. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and fresh parsley. Serve immediately directly from the skillet.

πŸ’‘ Chef's Tips

Parboiling the potatoes ensures a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior without burning the outside. If you can't find Andouille, a spicy smoked Kielbasa with a pinch of cayenne pepper is a good substitute. Don't crowd the pan; if your skillet is small, fry the potatoes in two batches to ensure they crisp rather than steam. Use a cast-iron skillet if possible; it retains heat beautifully and creates the best 'socarrat' or crust on the potatoes. Check your Creole seasoning's salt content; some brands are very salty, so season in increments.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of buttery toasted French bread to soak up the egg yolks. A few dashes of Louisiana-style hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco) adds the perfect acidic punch. Pair with a bold Chicory Coffee for an authentic New Orleans breakfast experience. A side of fresh seasonal fruit or a simple arugula salad helps cut through the richness of the sausage. For a brunch cocktail, a spicy Bloody Mary garnished with a pickled okra pod is the ultimate companion.