Breakfast Republic’s Mashed Potato Omelet
Egged on by its own success since launching in North Park in 2015, the irrepressibly fun Breakfast Republic chain has hatched five more locations in East Village, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Liberty Station and Ocean Beach. Among top favorites on the extensive and very creative menu is this mashed potato omelet, a name that doesn’t soar like a soufflé but a dish that delivers the goods with the additions of cheddar cheese, crisp bits of bacon and a whole lot of butter. It’s easy to prepare: Mash potatoes, break some eggs and make omelets. Omelets are remarkably simple and quick to make if your pan is hot enough to make the butter sizzle when added. BR did not suggest a garnish, but the flavors and textures in this dish call out for a salad with a tart, mustard-flavored vinaigrette.
Photography by Martin Mann
Mashed Potato Omelets
Makes four omelets
- 1/2 lb. plus 4 T. (2 and 1/2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
- 3 large russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut in chunks
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips bacon, chopped, fried until crisp and drained on paper towels
- 12 large eggs (free range preferred)
- 4 T. sour cream for serving
Put 1/2 lb. (two sticks) butter in a large bowl and set aside.
Fill a large pot two-thirds with water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and cook, testing occasionally with a fork, until potatoes are tender. Drain thoroughly, and add to butter in bowl along with salt, pepper and cheese. Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash, then stir in bacon.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Heat pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon butter, swirl around pan and ladle in 1/4 of the beaten eggs. Use a wide spatula to gently push cooked portions from the edges to the center so that uncooked eggs reach the hot pan surface. When just set, spoon 1/4 of the mashed potatoes on to one side of the omelet, fold over and slide onto a plate. Make three more omelets, top each with 1 tablespoon sour cream and serve immediately.
Suggested beverage pairing: A Bloody Mary — Breakfast Republic proposes making the drinks with their own Cluckin’ Good hot sauce, on sale at all their restaurants
