Country Ham & Eggs Recipe

Prepare pan and ham

Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until warm, about 1–2 minutes. Add the thinly sliced country ham in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 1–1½ minutes so edges brown, then flip and cook the other side 30–60 seconds until ham is warmed and slightly caramelized. Transfer ham to a plate and keep warm.

Scramble or fry eggs - option A: Scrambled (soft)

Reduce heat to low–medium. In a small bowl whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1/8 tsp kosher salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until blended and slightly frothy. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt and foam but not brown. Pour eggs into skillet and let them sit 10–15 seconds, then using a heatproof spatula fold eggs gently from the edges to the center in repeated sweeping motions. Cook until curds are soft and slightly wet, about 1–2 minutes total, then remove from heat — residual heat will finish them. Plate eggs with the warmed ham.

Scramble or fry eggs - option B: Fried (sunny-side or over-easy)

If you prefer fried eggs instead of scrambled, wipe skillet lightly if needed and return to medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and let it melt. Crack eggs gently into the skillet (or crack into a bowl first and slide in). Season with remaining salt and pepper. For sunny-side, cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes until whites are set but yolks still runny. For over-easy, cook 2 minutes, carefully flip each egg and cook 20–30 seconds more for a runny yolk, or longer for firmer yolks. Slide eggs onto plate with ham.

Finish and keep warm

If plating multiple portions, you can keep the cooked ham warm on a low oven-safe dish in a 200°F (95°C) oven while finishing eggs. Taste eggs and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if desired.

Place buttered toast or biscuit halves on the plate. Arrange warmed country ham slices alongside or atop toast. Spoon scrambled eggs or place fried eggs next to ham. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the eggs if using and offer hot sauce or ketchup at the table.

Serve immediately while hot. This recipe serves as a hearty breakfast for 2.