Bacon & Egg Tacos: The Ultimate Breakfast (or Anytime!) Treat

Forget your boring breakfast routine! These Bacon & Egg Tacos are a game-changer. Crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, and your favorite toppings all nestled in a warm tortilla – what’s not to love? This recipe is quick, easy, and completely customizable, making it perfect for busy mornings, lazy brunches, or even a satisfying dinner. We’ll walk you through every step to create taco perfection.

## Why You’ll Love These Bacon & Egg Tacos

* **Fast and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weekdays.
* **Customizable:** Use your favorite toppings and variations to make it your own.
* **Delicious:** The combination of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and soft tortillas is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with family and friends.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bacon:** 8-12 slices, depending on your preference. Choose your favorite kind – thick-cut, maple-smoked, or even peppered bacon all work well. For a leaner option, consider turkey bacon. We recommend using bacon that renders a good amount of fat, as this will be used to add flavor to the eggs.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs. Free-range eggs offer a richer color and flavor, but any eggs will do.
* **Tortillas:** 6-8 corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and have a slightly nutty flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. We recommend using small to medium sized tortillas, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
* **Cheese:** 1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great options. For a smoother texture, consider using a shredded melting cheese.
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Avocado, sliced or mashed into guacamole
* Salsa (Mild, medium, or hot)
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Hot sauce
* Chopped cilantro
* Diced tomatoes
* Diced onions
* Pickled jalapeños
* Lime wedges

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or frying pan
* Spatula
* Whisk (for eggs)
* Bowl (for whisking eggs)
* Tongs (for bacon)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Microwave or oven (for warming tortillas)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**

1. Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet. This helps the fat render evenly and prevents the bacon from shrinking too much. Ensure the bacon isn’t overlapping.
2. Turn the heat to medium-low. This allows the bacon to cook slowly and become crispy without burning. Patience is key here! Cooking it low and slow will yield the best results.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown, flipping occasionally, about 8-12 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bacon and the heat of your stove.
4. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This helps keep the tacos from becoming soggy.
5. **Important:** Reserve about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. This will add a delicious flavor to your eggs. If you have too much grease, pour off the excess, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

**Step 2: Prepare the Eggs**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy. A little air incorporated into the eggs will make them lighter and fluffier.
2. Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet with the reserved bacon grease.
3. Cook the eggs over medium-low heat, stirring frequently with a spatula. Gently push the cooked egg from the edges toward the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath. This creates soft, creamy curds.
4. Continue cooking until the eggs are set but still slightly moist. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly from the residual heat even after you remove them from the pan.
5. Remove the eggs from the heat.

**Step 3: Warm the Tortillas**

There are several ways to warm your tortillas:

* **Microwave:** Stack the tortillas and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm and pliable. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla individually for about 15-20 seconds per side, or until softened. This method gives the tortillas a slightly charred flavor.

**Step 4: Assemble the Tacos**

1. Crumble or break the cooked bacon into smaller pieces.
2. Divide the scrambled eggs evenly among the warm tortillas.
3. Top each taco with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and your desired toppings.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bacon & Egg Tacos

* **Crispy Bacon is Key:** Don’t rush the bacon! Cooking it low and slow is the secret to perfectly crispy bacon.
* **Don’t Overcook the Eggs:** Overcooked eggs are dry and rubbery. Aim for soft, slightly moist curds.
* **Warm Tortillas Make a Difference:** Warm tortillas are more pliable and flavorful. Don’t skip this step!
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different salsas, cheeses, and other toppings to find your perfect combination.
* **Make it a Meal Prep:** Cook the bacon and eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Warm them up when you’re ready to assemble the tacos. You can also pre-chop your toppings for even faster assembly.
* **Seasoning Matters:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings in your eggs. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a lot of flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce to the eggs while cooking, or top the finished tacos with your favorite hot sauce.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Sauté some diced onions, peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the tacos for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Cheese Placement:** For optimal melting, place the cheese on top of the warm eggs *before* adding the bacon and other cold toppings. The residual heat will help the cheese melt and become gooey.
* **Preventing Soggy Tacos:** To prevent soggy tacos, especially if you’re preparing them ahead of time, line the tortillas with a layer of lettuce or cheese before adding the wet ingredients. This will create a barrier and keep the tortillas from absorbing too much moisture. Also, make sure the bacon is well drained.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the bacon with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
* **Vegan:** Use a plant-based bacon substitute and tofu scramble instead of eggs. You can also find vegan cheese alternatives.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the eggs, use a spicy salsa, or add pickled jalapeños.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Add a drizzle of maple syrup to the tacos for a sweet and savory twist. This works particularly well with maple-smoked bacon.
* **Breakfast Burrito:** Use larger tortillas and wrap the ingredients into a burrito instead of a taco.
* **Breakfast Bowl:** Skip the tortillas altogether and create a breakfast bowl with the bacon, eggs, and toppings served over rice or quinoa.
* **Keto-Friendly:** Use low-carb tortillas and load up on the bacon, cheese, and avocado.
* **Dairy-Free:** Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Sour cream can be replaced with cashew cream.
* **Add Potatoes:** Diced and seasoned potatoes are a great addition. You can use leftover roasted potatoes, or quickly pan-fry some diced potatoes until golden brown and crispy.
* **Refried Beans:** Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the tortilla before adding the eggs and bacon. This adds a creamy texture and a boost of fiber.

## Serving Suggestions

These Bacon & Egg Tacos are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make them even better:

* **Side of Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes, for a refreshing and healthy complement.
* **Breakfast Potatoes:** Crispy breakfast potatoes are a classic pairing with bacon and eggs.
* **Coffee or Juice:** Enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice.
* **Mimosas:** For a special occasion, serve with mimosas or other brunch cocktails.
* **Refried Beans:** Add a side of refried beans for a more substantial meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftover Bacon and Eggs:** Store leftover cooked bacon and eggs separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Assembled Tacos:** Assembled tacos are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you need to store them, wrap them individually in foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Keep in mind that the tortillas may become soggy upon reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat bacon in the microwave, skillet, or oven. Reheat eggs gently in the microwave or skillet to avoid overcooking.

## Make Ahead Tips

* **Cook Bacon in Advance:** Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning.
* **Chop Toppings:** Chop all your toppings the night before and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
* **Whisk Eggs:** Whisk the eggs in advance and store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. Just give them a quick whisk again before cooking.
* **Warm Tortillas Just Before Serving:** While you can warm the tortillas ahead of time, they are best served fresh and warm. So, it’s best to warm them just before you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

## Bacon & Egg Tacos Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 tacos
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8-12 slices bacon
* 6 large eggs
* 6-8 corn or flour tortillas
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese
* Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium-low heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
2. Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper.
3. Pour the eggs into the skillet with the bacon grease and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until set but still slightly moist. Remove from heat.
4. Warm the tortillas in the microwave, oven, or skillet.
5. Crumble or break the cooked bacon into smaller pieces.
6. Divide the scrambled eggs evenly among the warm tortillas.
7. Top each taco with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and your desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Nutrition Information (Approximate, per taco)

* Calories: Approximately 250-350 (depending on toppings)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

**Note:** Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Enjoy making and eating these delicious Bacon & Egg Tacos. Don’t forget to rate and review the recipe once you try it out, and share your own variations in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear how you make them your own!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use turkey bacon?**
A: Yes, turkey bacon is a great leaner alternative. However, keep in mind that it may not render as much fat as pork bacon, so you may need to add a little oil to the skillet to cook the eggs.

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can cook the bacon and eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Warm them up when you’re ready to assemble the tacos. Assembled tacos are best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored for a short period of time.

**Q: What kind of cheese is best?**
A: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Mexican blend are all great options. Choose your favorite!

**Q: Can I freeze these tacos?**
A: While technically you *can* freeze them, we don’t recommend it. The tortillas tend to get soggy when thawed, and the texture of the eggs can change. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

**Q: My bacon is burning, what am I doing wrong?**
A: Reduce the heat! Bacon is best cooked low and slow. If it’s burning, your heat is too high. Also, make sure you’re using a skillet that distributes heat evenly.

**Q: My eggs are rubbery, what did I do wrong?**
A: You overcooked them! Remove the eggs from the heat while they are still slightly moist, as they will continue to cook from the residual heat. Also, avoid cooking them over high heat.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to these tacos?**
A: Absolutely! Sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are all great additions.

**Q: What if I don’t have bacon grease?**
A: If you don’t have enough bacon grease, you can use a little butter or olive oil to cook the eggs.

**Q: Can I use hard boiled eggs instead?**
A: While you *can* use hard-boiled eggs for this recipe, it’s not recommended. The soft texture of the scrambled eggs complements the crispy bacon much better.

**Q: How do I keep the tacos from falling apart?**
A: Don’t overfill the tortillas! Also, make sure the tortillas are warm and pliable. If they are too stiff, they will crack when you try to fold them.

We hope you found these answers helpful! Happy cooking!