Hoppel Poppel
Hoppel Poppel is a higgledy-piggledy breakfast found in the upper Midwest, mostly in home kitchens, but also in a few restaurants. The foundation is eggs scrambled with chunks of griddle-fried potato and usually grilled onions, too. Ham, bacon or sausage almost always is included unless the kitchen is kosher, in which case the meat will be nuggets of beef salami. Deluxe versions include peppers and mushrooms and can be draped with melty cheese. Some home cooks supplement the formula with squares of sturdy, griddle-toasted bread that contribute serious crunch to the mix. Our version is based on one served at Benji's Deli in Milwaukee.Roadfood Review: https://roadfood.com/restaurants/benjis/
Ingredients
- 8 small, thin-skinned potatoes
- 1/4 cup corn oil
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 cup diced onion (optional)
- 2/3 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 cup diced all-beef salami
- 10 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Croutons
Method
- Boil the potatoes until just barely tender, 15 minutes. Drain and cut them into 1/4-inch slices. In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the potatoes in the corn oil, tossing and stirring until they begin to brown. Add the butter to the skillet, then onions, pepper, and salami. Continue cooking and stirring until the potatoes begin to get crisp, the salami is crusty, and the vegetables are limp.
- Scramble the eggs with milk and parsley. Pour them into the skillet over all the other ingredients. Stir occasionally. As the eggs begin to set, sprinkle on cheese. Cover and cook without stirring 4-6 more minutes, until eggs are fully set but still moist. Season to taste.
- Top with croutons, but if croutons are not included in the skillet meal, accompany hoppel poppel by toast or toasted bagels. Serves 4-6.
Discuss
What do you think of Hoppel Poppel?
4 Responses to “Hoppel Poppel”
Appie Vermeulen
February 3rd, 2024
Dat is een stevig vullend ontbijt.
Christine
September 1st, 2023
I am also from Milwaukee and order the Hoppel Poppel every time I go to Benji’s for breakfast. Glad to find the recipe! I switch up the sausage that I use with whatever I have available in my refrigerator. Since I am from Wisconsin, definitely have to add the cheese.
Very much enjoy watching Misha and the ROADFOOD show on PBS. Especially like that Misha travels to different cities across the United States, featuring local cuisine that the city is known for.
Thanks!
Chloe Watson
September 14th, 2022
I’m from Milwaukee and Benji’s is one of my favorite restaurants. I used to have the Hoppel Poppel every time I was there. So glad to find the recipe! Thanks!
Dan
April 4th, 2023
Grew up going to Benjis. One block from my house. Ate this delicious breakfast before every Little league game and before Sunday school.