Hearth Smoked Bacon & Eggs Recipe

Smoke-roast the bacon

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. If you have a stovetop smoking method (smoke gun) or a grill with a smoke box, preheat to impart a light smoke; otherwise proceed in the skillet. Add bacon strips in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side for thick-cut bacon until browned and crisp to your liking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet and discard excess (or save for later).

Cook the eggs (sunny-side or over-easy)

Lower heat to medium-low and add 1 teaspoon neutral oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the same skillet with reserved bacon fat. Crack two eggs into a small bowl, then gently slide into the skillet. Season with 1/8 teaspoon black pepper and a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) kosher salt. For sunny-side: cook gently until whites are set but yolks still runny, about 3–4 minutes; to finish and set the top slightly, spoon hot butter over whites. For over-easy: cook 2–3 minutes until whites set, carefully flip and cook 20–30 seconds more. Remove eggs to a warm plate and keep covered.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or set an air fryer to 400°F (200°C). On a rimmed baking sheet, toss 10 frozen tater tots with 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated. In a small bowl combine 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix, 1/4 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon powdered buttermilk, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oil-coated tots and toss gently to coat evenly.

Arrange tots in a single layer and bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp. For air fryer: cook 12–14 minutes, shaking basket halfway. Remove from oven/air fryer and keep warm. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

If biscuit is not warmed, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the square biscuit on a baking sheet and brush the top with 1/2 tablespoon melted butter. Warm in oven 6–8 minutes until heated through and slightly golden on top. If using a fresh-baked biscuit, serve immediately brushed with butter.

Warm the 2 tablespoons of seasonal preserves lightly in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave for 10–15 seconds to loosen the texture for easier spreading.

To assemble: place the warmed square biscuit on the plate. Spoon half of the warmed preserves onto the biscuit or serve on the side. Arrange the two eggs next to the biscuit, place the smoked bacon alongside or draped over the eggs, and pile the cool ranch tater tots beside them. Garnish the preserves or eggs with finely snipped chives (about 1 teaspoon) if using. Serve immediately while hot.