Meat Lover's Recipe

Cook bacon

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay bacon strips in a single layer and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then roughly chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

Cook sausage

Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Crumble the pork sausage into the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess fat.

Warm ham

If desired, briefly warm the sliced smoked ham in the skillet for 30–60 seconds per side just to render any surface fat and warm through. Remove and stack or coarsely chop into bite-size pieces. Reserve any residual pan fat for later steps (or wipe clean and use butter).

Prepare cheese

Separate American cheese slices so they are ready to be layered or melted later.

Preheat oven (if baking)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to finish the dish in the oven (recommended for a set, evenly melted result).

Whisk eggs and milk

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until combined and slightly frothy. This will act as the binder for the meat and cheese.

Prepare skillet

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil or neutral oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a 10–12 inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foaming.

Combine meats in skillet

Add the chopped bacon, cooked crumbled sausage, and warmed/chopped ham to the skillet and spread into an even layer. Sauté together 1–2 minutes to meld flavors and heat through. If there is excess fat, spoon off and discard, leaving just enough to coat the meat lightly.

Add egg mixture

Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the meat layer in the skillet. Allow to cook undisturbed on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes until the edges begin to set.

Top with cheese

Lay the 8 slices of American cheese evenly over the partially set eggs and meats, covering as much surface as possible so the cheese will melt into the filling.

Finish cooking

Option A — Oven finish (recommended): Transfer the ovenproof skillet to the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake 8–10 minutes until eggs are fully set and cheese is melted and bubbly. Option B — Stovetop cover: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and cook 6–8 minutes until eggs set through and cheese melts.

Rest and garnish

Remove skillet from oven or stovetop and let rest 3–5 minutes to allow the filling to set. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives if using. Slice into 6–8 portions and serve warm.