Classic Country Breakfast Plate

Step 1

Lay bacon strips in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook until edges curl and surface looks deep golden, ~8 minutes.

Step 2

Transfer bacon to a paper towel. Pour off all but 1 tbsp bacon fat from the skillet.

Step 3

Add hash browns to the same skillet. Press down with a spatula and cook without stirring until the bottom is golden brown, ~5 minutes.

Step 4

Flip hash browns in sections. Cook another 3 minutes until the other side is crispy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5

Slide hash browns to the edge of the skillet. Add 1 tbsp butter to the center.

Step 6

Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk with a fork until yolks and whites are combined and no streaks remain.

Step 7

Pour eggs into the buttered side of the skillet. Let sit 10 seconds, then push eggs toward center with a spatula, tilting skillet so raw egg flows to edges.

Step 8

When eggs look mostly set but still slightly wet on top, sprinkle cheese over and fold gently. Cook 30 more seconds until cheese melts.

Step 9

Break bacon into pieces. Divide eggs, hash browns, and bacon between two plates.

Step 10

Garnish with chives if using. Serve hot.