Simple Guide on How To Make Scalloped Eggs and Bacon
A typical breakfast meal is often composed of ham, bacon, and eggs. Eggs are typically served on their own at the table, and sometimes they are included as an ingredient in a breakfast dish. A variety of foods and ingredients can be included with eggs in a wide range of recipes. You can fry eggs in an egg pan or boil them in anodized aluminum cookware. One of these delicious recipes is Scalloped Eggs and Bacon.
Cooking scalloped eggs is quite easy. And adding bacon can make a scalloped egg dish even better. This article serves as a guide on how to make scalloped eggs and bacon. You can also read about the health benefits of eggs and other methods to prepare them.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Eggs
Both the egg white and yolk are rich in minerals and nutrients. An egg is high in protein and vitamins. Though the yolk contains cholesterol, it also contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. Because of its nutrition benefits, many people enjoy including an egg in various recipes. Many consumers are also fond of eating it fresh out of an egg pan or anodized aluminum cookware. There are several differing types of eggs available, the most commonly consumed being chicken eggs. Other types include duck, goose, and quail eggs.
The egg white contains half of the protein found in the whole egg. The white also contains vitamin B2, but it has less fat and cholesterol than the egg yolk. An egg white contains selenium, vitamin B12, D, B6, zinc, copper and iron, while the egg yolk is a more concentrated source of calories and fat. Yolks also contain cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and lecithin. Cage-free or free-range chickens lay eggs that also contain omega-3 fatty acids in addition to protein, vitamins, and minerals. This greater amount of Omega 3s in cage-free eggs is the result of greater grass and plant consumption by the chicken.
In one large egg, you can find these nutrients:
- Calorie: 78
- Protein: 6.3 g
- Fat: 5.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Cholesterol: 212 mg
Eggs also contain betaine and choline which support heart health. For pregnant women, adequate choline supply is essential for the healthy development of the fetus’s brain. One precaution in pregnancy: the egg white and yolk must be cooked solid before consuming.
Eggs, specifically the yokes, also contain vitamin D, a nutrient that supports bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis and rickets. Weight loss may also be a benefit of consuming eggs for breakfast, most likely because the protein in the egg can prolong satiety and decrease cravings throughout the day. When included in a balanced and varied diet, an egg can be helpful for weight management.
Egg Cholesterol: Is it Good or Bad?
Many people question if the cholesterol found in eggs supports good health. Some people avoid eating eggs because they believe the high cholesterol numbers may negatively impact their health. However, recent research shows that the cholesterol content in eggs may be decreasing due to the changes in feed. The typical amount of cholesterol in a medium egg is 100 mg, which falls below the daily recommended limit of 300 mg.
An important fact to remember is that dietary cholesterol is not entirely responsible for increasing the blood cholesterol level. Rather a high consumption of saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels. If you unsure of your cholesterol level and how eggs will affect your health, consult your doctor before consuming eggs.
RECIPE: Scalloped Eggs and Bacon
There are variations of this recipe, all of which are easy to follow and simple to make. You can decide how creamy or cheesy you want your scalloped eggs and bacon to be by varying the amount of cheese you use. My recipe below:
Total Time: 40 minutes | Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6
- 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1⁄4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 cups milk
- 1⁄2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1⁄2 cup shredded American cheese
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 12 slices crisp bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1⁄2 cups packaged fried onions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow the butter to melt in an egg pan or anodized aluminum cookware over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until tender. Mix in the flour and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add milk, and keep stirring until thick. Add the Swiss and American cheese and continue to stir until they melt. Set aside.
- Place 1/2 of eggs in the bottom of a small baking dish and pour 1/2 of cheese mixture over eggs.
- Drizzle with 1/2 of bacon and 1/2 of fried onions. Repeat layers.
- Bake uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Serving Size: 1 (149 g)
- Servings per Recipe: 6
|AMOUNT PER SERVING||% DAILY VALUE|
Calories from Fat 185
|Total Fat 20.6 g
Saturated Fat 9.3 g
|Cholesterol 231.1 mg||77%|
|Sodium 512.9 mg||21%|
|Total Carbohydrate 6.6 g||2%|
|Dietary Fiber 0.2 g||0%|
|Sugars 1 g||3%|
|Protein 17 g||34%|
Other Types of Eggs Used in Cooking
There are two types of eggs in addition to chicken eggs::
- Quail Eggs
Quail eggs are smaller than the chicken eggs, but they have a similar flavor. The egg shell has speckles which make them asthetically popular in various dishes. The shell can either be dark brown, blue, or white in color. They can be boiled and served with salt.
- Duck Eggs
Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs. However, their appearance is similar. They can be classified in size from small to large. Duck eggs have higher protein, cholesterol, and fat levels than chicken eggs. Once boiled, the yolks become red-orange while the egg white turns bluish.
Proper Selection and Storage
It is important to choose eggs from free-range chickens for a higher Omega 3 content than from a conventional egg. Also check every carton of eggs before making a purchase. Make sure there are no cracks or leaks, and avoid broken eggs. To check if an egg is still fresh, place it in water. If the egg falls to the bottom, it is fresh. If it floats on the water, the egg may be stale.
For proper storage, keep eggs in the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and consume within a month. Always check the expiration date on the carton to ensure you consume fresh eggs. It is typically best to consume eggs that contain omega-3 fatty acids shortly after purchase.
To reduce the risk of salmonella food poisoning, cook eggs at the appropriate temperature and for the appropriate amount of time. Eggs can be scrambled, hard boiled, or poached. Allergy to eggs is also a risk. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about being allergic to eggs.
When making this recipe or any other, ensure good safety by prioritizing the proper cooking and storage methods. Also, check the label for nutrition facts and values, particularly if you are cautious about your cholesterol consumption. Being mindful of what you eat is an important component of maintaining healthy eating habits.
Paula is the founder of FoodRevPgh, where she blogs about the best food recipes, tips & tricks, and the finest tech that will help you make exquisite food in your home. You can find many interesting insights to the finest meals, and Paula will guide you through preparing them–all without hassle. Problems – Solved!