Census-Style Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty breakfast hash with smoky paprika and caramelized sweet potatoes, celebrating U.S. regional diversity. This american-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 37 minutes combines diced 1/2-inch sweet potatoes, finely diced red onion, diced bell pepper into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, diced 1/2-inch sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup, diced bell pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 2 cups diced sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast in a preheated 425°F oven for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and crispy at the edges.
- Step 3: While potatoes roast, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 cup diced red onion and 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Add roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet with onions and peppers, stirring gently to combine, and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Transfer to a plate and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, serving immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Census-Style Sweet Potato Hash take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Census-Style Sweet Potato Hash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Style Sweet Potato Hash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Census-Style Sweet Potato Hash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Census-Style Sweet Potato Hash vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this census-style are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.