Bauernfrühstück (German Farmers Breakfast) is the ultimate one-pan meal featuring ultra-crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, and satisfying bacon. This rustic farmer's omelet is a great way to use up leftovers, comforting, and can be on your table in less than 30 minutes!
If you like Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)- you will love this dish!
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What is Bauernfrühstück - German Farmer's Breakfast?
Bauernfrühstück, or German farmer's breakfast, is a classic German potato omelet. The name translates as "Farmer's Breakfast". "Bauer" is the word for farmer, and "Frühstück" is breakfast in German. With ingredients like potatoes, onions, crispy bacon, and eggs, this pan-fried hit can be yours in just over half an hour.
Even though the name implies breakfast, you can find it in many rural restaurants on the lunch and dinner menu. However, is also a popular hearty breakfast option (especially after a hangover!)
Origin Story
This farmer's breakfast is also known as a farmer's omelet. It originated in the rural areas of Germany, and established itself over time as a popular rustic dish.
The ingredients are those that you expect a farmer's wife to have at home. Leftover potatoes, from the day before, are combined with eggs to create a nourishing dish. Bacon and egg add flavour so that this hearty meal is also super tasty.
It was not always the same combination of ingredients, instead of leftover bacon, often ham, salami or meat was used. Any leftover vegetables were also dumped into this omelet. - Only the pickled gherkin on top! That should not be left out.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: Opt for waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes to ensure the best texture.
- Onion: Humble onion adds a touch of sweetness and more depth to this dish.
- Neutral Oil (like canola or vegetable oil): It has a higher burning point then butter and will make the potato crisp.
- Butter: By combining it with the oil, you will still get a buttery taste without it burning
- Bacon Cubes: Adds a deeply salty, smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture.
- Medium Eggs: (can be substituted with large eggs) - essential for an omlette
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the flavors.
For topping and serving, you will also need:
- German Pickles (or Dill pickles) Offer a tangy and slightly acidic element to contrast the richness of the dish.
- Sliced Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes provide freshness and moisture.
- Chopped Chives or Parsley: Add vibrancy and a mild herby flavor.
How to Make German Farmer's Breakfast
- Boil the potatoes until tender. For best results, cook them the day before. Peel, cool completely, and slice into ¼-inch (0.5 cm) thick rounds. Peel and roughly chop the onion.
- Heat oil and melt butter in a large frying pan. (Clarified butter is traditional in Germany but harder to find abroad.) Fry the potatoes in a single layer for 8–10 minutes until crispy, working in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onions and bacon to the pan. Fry until the onions are translucent and the bacon is crispy.
- Add the onions and bacon to the pan. Fry until the onions are translucent and the bacon is crispy.
- Cover and cook over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, until fully set.
Bauernfrühstück Variations
- Cheesy Bauernfrühstück: Sprinkle shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) over the eggs for a creamy, melty finish.
- Veggie Twist: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
- Spicy Style: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving for a bit of heat.
How to serve
The must for an authentic German Bauernfrühstück is to top it with a dill pickle. As a main meal, it goes very well with a salad such as the German Tomato Salad or Carrot salad.
FAQ about Bauernfrühstück
Waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes or new potatoes, contain a lower amount of starch. Their firmer texture makes them perfect for this recipe. Unlike starchy potatoes (such as classic Russet or Idaho potatoes) they retain their shape better and don't turn to mush.
Yes! Bacon can be substituted with ham which provides a similarly deep savory flavor. You can also try vegetarian bacon for a meat-free option.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, divide them into equal portions and store them in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 2–3 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
For a quicker option, you can also use a microwave, though this may reduce the crispiness.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can alter the texture.
More German breakfast recipes
If you love simple feel-good food that brings the comfort of traditional German food to your kitchen, try out these favorites:
Recipe
Bauernfrühstück (German Potato Omlette)
Ingredients
- 750 g waxy potatoes red potatoes, new potatoes,
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 100 g bacon cubes can be subsituted with ham
- 4 eggs medium size
- salt and pepper to taste
to serve
- German pickles or dill pickles
- sliced tomatoes
- chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in a pot of water until tender. (For best results, cook them the day before.) Peel and let them cool completely, then cut them into ¼-inch (0.5 cm) thick slices.750 g waxy potatoes
- Peel and roughly chop the onion.1 onion
- Heat the oil and melt the butter in a large frying pan. (In Germany, clarified butter is traditionally used, but since it’s harder to find abroad, this method provides a buttery taste while maintaining a high smoke point.)2 tablespoon neutral oil, 1 tablespoon butter
- Place the potato slices in a single layer in the pan and fry until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, fry the potatoes in batches to ensure even crisping. Remove the potatoes from the pan and set them aside.
- Add the onions and bacon to the pan and fry until the onions are translucent and the bacon is crispy.100 g bacon cubes
- In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the mixture over the potatoes, onions, and bacon.4 eggs, salt and pepper to taste
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook the omelet over low to medium heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until the surface is fully set.
- Serve immediately. This omelet pairs well with German pickles, beets, and a fresh salad.German pickles, sliced tomatoes, chopped chives or parsley
Nina says
My family loved this so thank you Marita! Easy and delicious-next time we shall have a green salad with it - plus the obligatory pickled cucumbers of course - 😊💕!
Marita Sinden says
Thank you so much for your feedback Nina. I am glad your Family enjoyed it.
Chuck says
I love this dish. I grew up eating it . My Omi and Mother would make it. Now I make it.
Marita Sinden says
Thanks Chuck, I am glad this bings back great memories. Bes Wishes Mairta