Full English Breakfast

Step 1

Pat the bacon rashers dry with a paper towel to remove surface moisture, which helps them crisp instead of steam.

Step 2

Lay the bacon slices flat on a cold 12-inch cast iron skillet or griddle, spacing them so they don't touch.

Step 3

Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the bacon for 5–7 minutes, until the edges look dark brown and the bacon is beginning to curl.

Step 4

Use tongs to flip each bacon slice and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes, until both sides are the same deep golden-brown color.

Step 5

Move the bacon to the outer edges of the skillet, creating space in the center for the tomatoes and eggs.

Step 6

Slice each tomato in half crosswise (from the widest part, not from stem to bottom) to create two flat circles.

Step 7

Place the tomato halves flat-side down in the center of the skillet, spaced apart so heat circulates around them.

Step 8

Cook the tomatoes for 4 minutes, until the cut side looks lightly caramelized and feels soft when pressed with the back of a spoon.

Step 9

Flip the tomato halves and cook the skin side for 1 minute, just to warm through.

Step 10

Move the tomatoes to the edge of the skillet next to the bacon, leaving the center clear for the eggs.

Step 11

Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil in the center of the skillet, tilt the skillet to coat the base evenly, and wait 30 seconds until the oil shimmers.

Step 12

Crack 2 eggs into the center, aiming for empty space so the whites spread out without touching the other foods.

Step 13

Cook the eggs over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, until the whites turn opaque white and the yolks jiggle when you nudge the skillet gently, but the tops still look wet and glossy.

Step 14

Slide the cooked eggs onto a plate, keeping the yolk whole and intact.

Step 15

Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet, let it shimmer for 15 seconds, then crack the remaining 2 eggs in the center.

Step 16

Cook these eggs for 3–4 minutes, until the whites are opaque and the yolks jiggle but remain glossy and soft.

Step 17

Slide these eggs onto the same plate next to the first pair.

Step 18

Arrange the bacon rashers and tomato halves around the eggs on the plate, sprinkle salt and black pepper over everything, and serve immediately while hot.