Smoky Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Hash

Welcome to the ultimate guide for a dish that promises to transform your breakfast, brunch, or dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience: Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork and Chipotle Butter. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of hearty flavors, convenience, and soulful comfort, all beautifully crafted in a single skillet. Imagine tender, subtly sweet cubes of sweet potato perfectly caramelized, mingling with savory, smoky pulled pork, and brought together with a touch of creamy richness and a hint of spice. This dynamic combination creates a deeply satisfying dish that caters to a crowd or elevates a simple family meal. Its versatility knows no bounds, making it a stellar choice for a leisurely weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even an impressive offering for guests.

What makes this Sweet Potato Hash truly special is its adaptability. While it stands magnificently on its own, it also provides a fantastic canvas for personalization. You can elevate it further by adding perfectly fried or poached eggs on top, turning it into a complete, all-in-one meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply treat yourself to a delicious and comforting dish, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Its harmonious blend of textures and tastes ensures every bite is a delightful journey.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Hash

• Effortless One-Skillet Wonder: Say goodbye to mountains of dirty dishes! This entire dish comes together in a single skillet, simplifying both the cooking process and cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend mornings when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
• A Master of Leftovers: Have some leftover pulled pork from a weekend BBQ? This recipe is its ideal destiny. It transforms humble leftovers into a gourmet-level meal, preventing food waste and creating something spectacular.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic lies in the balance of sweet, savory, smoky, and a hint of spice. The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly complements the rich, savory pulled pork. A touch of chipotle powder adds a deep, smoky warmth without overwhelming heat, while fresh thyme and garlic contribute aromatic complexity.
• Customizable to Your Liking: While delicious as written, this hash is incredibly versatile. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or top it with various accompaniments like a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This dish is undeniably filling and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a complete meal that will keep you energized, making it perfect for kick-starting your day or winding down with a comforting dinner.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From a casual family breakfast to an elegant brunch spread, or even a cozy dinner, this sweet potato hash fits right in. Its impressive presentation and robust flavors make it suitable for entertaining, yet it’s simple enough for an everyday meal.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Hash Perfection

Creating an exceptional sweet potato hash with pulled pork starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Cooking Oil: Use a high-smoke-point oil like olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. This is crucial for properly searing the sweet potatoes and creating that delightful crispy exterior without burning. The oil ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Peel them thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture, then cut them into uniform ½-inch dice. Consistency in size is key for even cooking, ensuring every piece is tender and slightly caramelized at the same time. Uneven pieces will lead to some being raw while others are mushy.
• Salted Butter: While you can use unsalted butter and adjust seasoning later, salted butter adds a foundational layer of savory richness and enhances the flavor of the vegetables. It contributes to the beautiful browning of the hash and gives it a comforting, indulgent taste.
• Red Onion: Red onions offer a fantastic balance of pungency and natural sweetness, mellowing beautifully as they cook. This provides a delightful contrast to the sweet potatoes and a robust base for the pulled pork. If red onion isn’t available, yellow or white onions can be substituted, though their flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. Minced fresh garlic delivers a vibrant, pungent aroma and flavor that jarred garlic simply cannot replicate. Jarred garlic often has a muted, sometimes metallic taste, so for the best results, take the extra minute to mince fresh cloves.
• Fresh Thyme: Earthy, peppery, and subtly floral, fresh thyme pairs wonderfully with both sweet potatoes and pork. Minced fresh thyme offers a bright herbaceous note. If using dried thyme, remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about ¼ teaspoon for every ½ teaspoon of fresh.
• Chipotle Powder: This is where the magic of smoky heat comes in. Chipotle powder, made from smoked and dried jalapeños, provides a deep, smoky, and moderately spicy kick. It’s essential for that “Chipotle Butter” flavor. If you prefer less heat, a pinch of smoked paprika can add smokiness without much spice, or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for pure heat.
• Green Bell Pepper: Diced green bell pepper adds a touch of fresh, vibrant color and a mild, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness of the potatoes. It also provides a pleasant textural crunch to the hash. Other bell pepper colors can be used for a sweeter flavor.
• Pulled Pork: This recipe is an ideal way to utilize leftover pulled pork, making it incredibly convenient. Whether homemade from a slow cooker or smoker, or store-bought, ensure it’s tender and shredded. Its smoky, savory notes are central to the dish’s hearty character.
• Heavy Cream: An optional but highly recommended addition, heavy cream brings a luscious richness that ties all the flavors together. As it simmers, it reduces, leaving behind a velvety texture and a subtle creaminess that elevates the hash without making it heavy. It just adds that extra layer of indulgence.
• Large Eggs (Optional): For a truly complete and classic hash experience, cracking eggs directly into the skillet is a game-changer. The runny yolks create a natural sauce that enriches every spoonful.
• Chives: A fresh garnish of chopped chives adds a delicate oniony freshness and a vibrant green pop of color, enhancing both the appearance and taste of the finished dish.
• Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings. Always taste and adjust as you go. A good quality coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper make a noticeable difference in flavor.

How To Make Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create a truly delicious and satisfying sweet potato hash:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by heating your cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. This indicates the oil is hot enough to start browning. Add the uniformly diced sweet potatoes to the hot oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 6 minutes. The goal here is for the potatoes to just begin to soften and develop a slight golden crust, not to fully cook them yet. Regular stirring prevents them from sticking or burning.
2. Add Aromatics and Butter: Once the sweet potatoes have softened slightly, sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper to season them. Then, add the salted butter, finely chopped red onion, and minced fresh garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to become translucent and fragrant. Keep an eye on the garlic to ensure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
3. Incorporate Spices and Pulled Pork: Stir in the minced fresh thyme, chipotle powder, diced green bell pepper, and the star ingredient – your pulled pork. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the pulled pork is combined with the vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring periodically, allowing the pulled pork to heat through and all the wonderful flavors to meld beautifully. The heat will help the chipotle powder to “bloom,” releasing its full smoky aroma.
4. Finish with Cream and Season: Pour the heavy cream into the hash mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for just 1 minute. The cream will begin to reduce and coat all the ingredients, adding a layer of rich, cohesive flavor. Before serving, taste the hash and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Trust your taste buds to achieve perfect balance.
5. Optional: Add Eggs for a Complete Meal: For those who love a runny yolk with their hash, use a spatula to create four shallow indentations in the surface of the hot hash. Carefully crack one large egg into each indentation. Sprinkle the eggs lightly with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat. This traps the steam, allowing the egg whites to set while keeping the yolks delightfully runny. Cook until the whites are firm but the yolks are still soft and golden.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once your hash is cooked to perfection, whether with or without eggs, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh chives for a final burst of color and a delicate oniony flavor. Serve this comforting and flavorful dish immediately while it’s still warm. Enjoy!

Step-By-Step Visual Process

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Hash

• Uniform Dicing is Key: For perfectly cooked sweet potatoes, ensure all your diced pieces are roughly the same size, ideally ¼ to ½-inch cubes. This uniformity guarantees that they cook evenly, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others are still hard. It also contributes to a more appealing texture throughout the dish.
• Enhance the Smokiness: If your pulled pork isn’t already heavily smoked, or if you simply crave an extra layer of smoky flavor, don’t hesitate to add an additional pinch of smoked paprika alongside the chipotle powder. This deepens the complexity and aroma, complementing the savory pork beautifully.
• Mastering Runny Yolks: Achieving perfectly runny yolks requires a gentle touch. Cook the eggs over medium-low heat and cover the skillet. This creates steam, which helps set the whites without overcooking the yolks. The lid also ensures even cooking and prevents the top of the whites from remaining raw.
• Boost with Extra Vegetables: This hash is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables to add more nutrients, color, and texture. Diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or chopped kale are excellent additions. Add harder vegetables with the sweet potatoes, and softer greens towards the end of cooking.
• Speed Up the Process with Pre-cooked Potatoes: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked sweet potatoes can significantly cut down on prep and cooking time. You can use canned sweet potatoes (drained and diced), frozen sweet potato cubes, or even leftover roasted sweet potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the initial cooking time as they will require less time to soften.

Recommended Pairings & Recipes

Looking to round out your meal or explore other delicious sweet potato creations? Here are some recommendations:

Make It A Complete Meal

To create an unforgettable brunch spread or a truly satisfying dinner, pair this smoky, savory Sweet Potato Hash with a Broccoli 3-Cheese Impossible Quiche. The creamy, cheesy texture of the quiche provides a delightful contrast to the heartiness of the hash, creating a balanced and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would also beautifully complement the rich flavors of the hash, or simply serve with some crusty artisan bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork is fantastic as leftovers! To store, allow the hash to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, gently warm the hash in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help revive its moisture and flavors. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. If you originally added eggs, it’s generally best to cook fresh eggs when reheating, as previously cooked yolks may become rubbery.

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Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork

Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork is a hearty one-skillet meal packed with tender sweet potatoes, smoky pulled pork, and a hint of cream. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner!

Course Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine American

Keyword breakfast hash, brunch recipe, pulled pork hash, sweet potato hash

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 455kcal

Author Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into ¼-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup red onion chopped fine
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme minced, or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 cup green bell pepper diced
• 2 cups pulled pork
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 4 eggs optional
• chives for garnish
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced sweet potatoes, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring often, for about 6 minutes or until the potatoes just start to soften and lightly brown.
• Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with salt and pepper, then add the butter, chopped red onion, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Stir in the minced thyme, chipotle powder, diced green bell pepper, and the pulled pork. Mix well and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is heated through and all the flavors are thoroughly combined.
• Pour in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer gently for 1 minute. The cream will reduce slightly, adding richness. Taste the hash and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
• For a complete meal with eggs, use a spatula to create 4 shallow indentations in the surface of the hash. Crack one egg into each indentation, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cover the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain wonderfully runny.
• Sprinkle the finished hash with fresh chives for garnish and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips for Success

• Ensure Uniform Sweet Potato Dicing: Cutting your sweet potatoes into consistent, small pieces (around ¼ to ½ inch) is paramount. This guarantees that every piece cooks evenly, achieving that perfect tender interior and slightly crispy exterior simultaneously.
• Amplify Smokiness: If you desire an even deeper, more robust smoky flavor, consider using smoked pulled pork. Alternatively, adding an extra pinch of smoked paprika alongside the chipotle powder will beautifully enhance the overall smoky profile of the hash.
• Achieve Perfect Runny Yolks: To get beautifully set egg whites with luscious, runny yolks, cook the eggs gently over medium-low heat and make sure to cover the skillet. This creates steam that cooks the top of the eggs without over-solidifying the yolks.
• Incorporate More Vegetables: This hash is an excellent vehicle for adding more vegetables. Diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach, or kale would all make delicious and nutritious additions. Add heartier vegetables with the sweet potatoes, and leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Utilize Pre-Cooked Sweet Potatoes for Speed: For those busy days when time is of the essence, using pre-cooked sweet potatoes can significantly reduce your preparation and cooking time. Options include canned, drained, and diced sweet potatoes, frozen sweet potato cubes, or even leftover roasted sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they will require less time to soften in the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cup | Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 168mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 654mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 22188IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 2mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.