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Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the bacon slices in a single layer. You can cook the bacon in batches if needed.
- Cook the bacon: Let the bacon cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
2. Prepare the Hash Browns:
- Grate the potatoes: Use a box grater or food processor to grate the potatoes. After grating, place the potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is key to getting crispy hash browns.
- Cook the hash browns: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the grated potatoes (and onions, if using), spreading them evenly across the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Crisp up the hash browns: Let the potatoes cook for 4-5 minutes without stirring to form a crispy bottom layer. Once the edges start to turn golden and crispy, flip the hash browns in sections and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
- Whisk the eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you prefer creamier eggs, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the mixture before whisking.
- Cook the eggs: In a non-stick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, pour in the eggs.
- Scramble gently: Stir the eggs constantly with a spatula, gently moving them from the edges of the pan toward the center. Scramble for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and slightly creamy. Be careful not to overcook them – they should still be tender and moist.
4. Toast the Bread:
- Toast the bread: While the eggs and hash browns are cooking, toast the slices of bread in a toaster or on a grill pan until golden and crispy. You can butter the bread as it comes out of the toaster for a rich, buttery finish.
- Optional – Grill the toast: If you prefer a more rustic touch, you can grill the bread in a skillet with butter until crispy and golden brown.
5. Assemble the Breakfast Plate:
- Arrange the food: On a large plate, arrange the scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast. You can also add any optional toppings like fresh fruit, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately: Serve the All-American Breakfast Plate hot, with your favorite beverages like coffee, orange juice, or a cold glass of milk.
Tips for the Best All-American Breakfast Plate
- Perfect bacon: For perfectly crispy bacon, don’t rush the process. Cooking bacon on medium heat allows the fat to render out slowly, ensuring crispiness without burning. For extra crispy bacon, place it on a wire rack in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Crispy hash browns: The key to crispy hash browns is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. The less moisture, the crispier your hash browns will be. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the potatoes space to fry up nicely.
- Eggs cooked to your liking: Scrambled eggs can be cooked to a soft, creamy texture or more firm, depending on your preference. For soft, creamy eggs, cook them over low heat and stir gently. For firmer eggs, cook them over medium heat and allow them to set more before stirring.
- Customize your toast: If you love a little variety, try different kinds of bread — sourdough, whole wheat, or even a thick slice of Texas toast for extra indulgence. You can even add toppings like jam, jelly, or honey for a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
Why You’ll Love the All-American Breakfast Plate
- Classic comfort food: This breakfast plate is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with flavors that everyone loves — bacon, eggs, crispy potatoes, and buttery toast.
- Balanced meal: With protein from the eggs and bacon, carbs from the hash browns and toast, and healthy fats from the butter and bacon, this meal is both filling and energizing, providing you with everything you need to start your day.
- Endless variations: While this recipe sticks to the basics, it’s easy to customize. Add sautéed veggies to the eggs, swap in turkey bacon, or serve with fresh fruit on the side for a lighter, refreshing twist.
- Quick and easy: Despite its hearty nature, the All-American Breakfast Plate comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both lazy weekends and busy mornings when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Serving Suggestions
While the All-American Breakfast Plate is already quite hearty on its own, you can always add some extra sides or beverages to complete your meal:
- Fresh fruit: A side of sliced oranges, strawberries, or melon is a great way to balance the richness of the plate with some natural sweetness.
- Coffee or juice: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for the ultimate breakfast experience.
- Extra toppings: For those who like a little more flair, top your scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, fresh herbs (like chives or parsley), or even a dollop of salsa or hot sauce.
The All-American Breakfast Plate is the kind of breakfast you dream about waking up to — hearty, comforting, and full of flavors that make you feel at home. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy weekend morning or making it part of your regular breakfast routine, it’s a meal that never goes out of style. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and indulge in this classic American morning feast!
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