Welcome, friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we're going to talk about the American breakfast , a breakfast synonymous with abundance, leisurely weekends, and a combination of flavors that just works.
It's that movie image we all have in our heads: a honey-smothered pancakes steaming eggs , crispy bacon , and a cup of coffee . While we see it as impossible, it's easier to achieve at home than it seems.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the American breakfast : its main ingredients, how it differs from other breakfasts, and some tips for preparing the ingredients that make it a great breakfast. Let's go!
About American Breakfast
The concept of the American breakfast as we know it today, featuring eggs and bacon , was popularized in the 1920s by Edward Bernays, considered the father of public relations.
Hired by a bacon company, his campaign convinced doctors to promote a more “substantial” breakfast , forever changing the first meal of the day in the United States.
What makes this recipe special is its incredible versatility. There's no one way to prepare it. You can play with the types of eggs, the thickness of the bacon , and of course, the pancake toppings . It's a foundation on which to build an ideal breakfast.
Key points for a perfect American breakfast
To make an American breakfast go from good to spectacular, there are a few details that make the difference:
- The cooking order is important: Start with the bacon to use its fat to cook the eggs. Pancakes or hotcakes should be added last, so they're served hot and fluffy.
- Pancake temperature: It should be medium heat. If it's too hot, they'll burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. If it's too cold, they won't brown and will remain pale.
- Don't overbeat homemade pancake batter: A few lumps are fine. Overbeating develops gluten and leaves pancakes tough instead of fluffy.
- Bacon, always crispy: The best way to achieve this is to cook it slowly over medium-low heat , so that the fat melts and the meat becomes crispy without burning.
- Creamy Eggs: For perfect scrambled eggs , cook them over low heat and remove them from the heat just before they are fully cooked, as they will continue to cook in the residual heat.
3 types of breakfast to choose from
- Continental breakfast: This is a more European and lighter breakfast. Coffee, tea, or juice, accompanied by bread, pastries ( croissants , toast, croissants ), butter, and jam.
- English breakfast (or “full English breakfast”): More substantial. Includes eggs, bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, beans in sauce, and toast.
- American Breakfast: As mentioned above, it includes a mix of eggs, bacon, pancakes or hotcakes , breakfast sausage , and toast. It can come with juice and Americano coffee. It's more similar to what we call "brunch."
Summary in 10 infallible tips
- Preheat the pan for the pancakes to the correct temperature.
- Let the pancake batter rest for about 5 minutes before baking.
- Use good quality bacon ; the difference in flavor is huge.
- For extra crispy bacon, bake it on a wire rack instead of frying it.
- Add a splash of milk or cream to scrambled eggs for extra creaminess.
- Prepare fresh orange juice . Here's how to make good natural orange juice .
- You can also substitute the pancakes for a sweet and savory waffle recipe .
- Keep hot dishes in the oven at a low temperature so that nothing gets cold when serving.
- Freshly brewed coffee is non-negotiable.
- Don't stress: An American breakfast is meant to be enjoyed, both while cooking and eating it.
Full American Breakfast Recipe
Serves: 2 – 3 people
Preparation time: 45 min
Ingredients for American breakfast
For the hotcakes (Pancakes):
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 big egg
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- Maple or honey to serve
For the eggs and bacon:
- 4 to 6 strips of bacon
- 4 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Accompaniments:
- 2 breakfast sausages (optional)
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Natural orange juice
How to make American breakfast step by step
- Prepare the pancake batter: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, lightly beat the egg and then add the milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk just until combined. Some lumps are normal. Let the batter rest while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the bacon: Place the bacon strips in a large, cold skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess fat.
- Cook the sausages (if using): In the same skillet with some of the bacon fat, cook the sausages over medium heat until browned all over.
- Prepare the scrambled eggs: In a bowl, beat the 4 eggs with the 2 tablespoons of milk, salt, and pepper. Melt the tablespoon of butter in a clean pan over low heat. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring gently with a spatula, until they reach the desired tenderness. Remove from heat just before they are ready.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface (about 2-3 minutes), then flip and cook on the other side until golden brown (another 1-2 minutes). Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve together: On each plate, place a stack of pancakes, a portion of scrambled eggs, a few strips of crispy bacon, and the sausages. Serve with a glass of orange juice and a cup of hot coffee.
