Ranch Breakfast Recipe

Prep eggs

Crack 2 large eggs into a small bowl and season lightly with 1/8 tsp black pepper and about 1/8–1/4 tsp salt. Beat gently if you prefer scrambled; leave whole if cooking sunny-side or over-easy.

Cook eggs in butter

Heat a 8–10 inch nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling to coat. For fried eggs: when butter foams, add eggs spaced apart. Cook until whites are set, about 2–3 minutes for sunny-side; for over-easy, cook 2 minutes then flip gently and cook 30–45 seconds. For scrambled eggs: pour beaten eggs into skillet and stir gently with a rubber spatula until large soft curds form and eggs are just set, 1–2 minutes. Keep eggs warm off heat while you finish the meat and sides.

Turkey green chile sausage patties

Preheat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp neutral oil if the patties are very lean. Place two frozen or fresh turkey green chile sausage patties in the pan. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and exterior is browned. Reduce heat if they brown too quickly. Keep warm.

Bacon

Place 3 slices of bacon in a cold skillet without overlapping. Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crisp to your liking, 8–12 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat for flavoring sides if desired.

Smoked ham

Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add 2 slices of smoked ham and sear 1–2 minutes per side until heated through and lightly caramelized. Remove and keep warm.

Hash browns

If using frozen hash browns, cook according to package until golden and crispy, about 8–10 minutes in a skillet with 1 tablespoon butter or oil. If using fresh shredded potato, squeeze out moisture, season with salt, and cook in a hot skillet with 1 tbsp butter until browned, about 6–8 minutes per side in flattened patties.

Fresh fruit

Rinse and drain 3/4 cup mixed berries or slice melon. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side.

Toast

Toast 1 slice of bread to desired doneness. Butter if desired and cut on the diagonal.

Pancake

If using a pre-made small pancake, warm in a skillet or microwave for 20–30 seconds. If making from batter, cook one 4–5 inch pancake in a greased skillet over medium heat about 2 minutes per side until golden.

Grits (or alternate cooked side)

If using grits, prepare 1/2 cup cooked portion according to package (typically simmer 1/4 cup dry with 1/2 cup water/milk until thick). Season with salt and a pat of butter.

Arrange the plate with the two eggs front and center. Add the chosen meat (two turkey patties, or 3 bacon slices, or 2 smoked ham slices) beside the eggs. Add the two selected side swaps to the plate.

Garnish eggs with chopped parsley or chives and offer hot sauce or ketchup on the side. Serve immediately while hot.