The combination of crispy smoked pepper bacon and perfectly boiled eggs is a match made in heaven, offering a simple yet delicious breakfast option that packs both flavor and protein. The smokiness of the bacon is enhanced by the freshly ground black pepper, adding a subtle heat and complexity that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the egg yolks. Whether you prefer your eggs soft or fully cooked, this dish is a satisfying, wholesome way to start your day. The balance of textures — from the crunchy bacon to the tender eggs — ensures that every bite is a treat.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of thick-cut smoked bacon
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling eggs)
- 2 cups water (for boiling eggs)
- Optional: Fresh herbs (chives or parsley) for garnish
Instructions:
- Preparing the Bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the lined sheet to allow air circulation and crispier bacon.
- Lay the thick-cut smoked bacon slices on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring that the slices don’t overlap.
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper evenly over both sides of the bacon. For extra flavor, press the pepper into the bacon gently with your hands to make sure it sticks.
- Baking the Bacon:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the bacon. Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Once done, remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Let it cool for 2–3 minutes, during which the bacon will continue to crisp up.
- Boiling the Eggs:
- While the bacon is cooking, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water (this helps make peeling the eggs easier).
- Carefully add the eggs into the boiling water using a spoon to avoid cracking them. Reduce the heat to medium and let the eggs simmer for 9–12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness (9 minutes for slightly soft centers, 12 minutes for fully cooked yolks).
- Once cooked, transfer the eggs into an ice water bath immediately to stop the cooking process and cool them for about 5 minutes.
- Peel the eggs once cooled, and slice them in half.
- Serving:
- Arrange the smoked pepper bacon on a serving platter alongside the boiled eggs. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the eggs for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm as a hearty breakfast or snack.
