Bacon and Sausages Recipe
Few breakfasts are as deeply satisfying as a perfectly cooked Bacon and Sausages Recipe. The irresistible sizzle of bacon in a hot pan and the rich aroma of browning sausages — this is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to get out of bed. Furthermore, this Bacon and Sausages Recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. It is simple, hearty and absolutely delicious.
Additionally, this recipe works beautifully as a standalone breakfast or as part of a full morning spread. For more great breakfast ideas, explore our classic Scrambled Eggs Recipe, our quick Bagels with Cream Cheese and our full Breakfast collection.
Why This Bacon and Sausages Recipe Is a Breakfast Favorite
This Bacon and Sausages Recipe has stood the test of time for very good reason. First of all, the combination of crispy, salty bacon and juicy, savory sausages is one of the most satisfying flavor pairings in all of breakfast cooking. Moreover, both ingredients cook quickly in a single pan. As a result, cleanup is minimal and the whole dish is on the table in under 20 minutes.
Choosing the Right Bacon
The type of bacon you choose makes a real difference to the final result. Therefore, it is worth selecting carefully. Here are the main options:
- Streaky bacon — The most popular choice. It has a higher fat content. Consequently, it renders beautifully and becomes shatteringly crispy when cooked correctly.
- Back bacon (rashers) — Leaner and meatier than streaky bacon. Furthermore, it gives a more substantial bite and stays juicier during cooking.
- Turkey bacon — A lighter, lower fat alternative. It is a good option for those looking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing the flavors of this classic recipe.
- Thick cut bacon — Takes slightly longer to cook. However, it delivers an incredibly satisfying chewy texture with crispy edges that many people prefer.
Choosing the Right Sausages
Sausage choice is equally important in this Bacon and Sausages Recipe. Different varieties produce quite different results. Here are the most popular options:
- Pork breakfast sausages — The classic choice. They are rich, savory and develop a beautiful golden brown color when cooked over medium heat.
- Chicken sausages — A leaner option. They are lighter in flavor and lower in fat. Moreover, they cook slightly faster than pork sausages.
- Beef sausages — Bolder and meatier in flavor. They are an excellent choice for those who prefer a more robust, hearty breakfast.
- Turkey sausages — Another lighter alternative. Furthermore, they are widely available and pair very well with crispy bacon in this recipe.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Bacon
Getting bacon perfectly crispy requires just two things. First, start with a cold pan. Place the bacon in the pan before turning on the heat. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly. As a result, the bacon crisps up throughout rather than burning on the outside while staying chewy in the middle.
Second, do not overcrowd the pan. Each strip needs space around it for the fat to render and the moisture to evaporate. Therefore, cook in batches if needed. Additionally, avoid covering the pan as trapped steam makes the bacon soft rather than crispy.
How to Cook Juicy Sausages Every Time
The key to perfectly cooked sausages is patience and medium heat. High heat browns the outside too quickly. Consequently, the inside remains undercooked and the casing splits. On the other hand, medium heat allows the sausages to cook through gently and evenly. Furthermore, turning them every 2 to 3 minutes ensures an even, golden brown color all around.
Additionally, never pierce the sausages before cooking. The juices inside are what keep them moist and flavorful. Piercing them causes all those precious juices to escape into the pan and the sausages become dry and less flavorful as a result.
How to Make This Bacon and Sausages Recipe
The process is beautifully simple. First, cook the sausages over medium heat until golden all over. Then, cook the bacon in the same pan until crispy. Finally, arrange both on a plate, season and serve immediately. The full step by step method is in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Bacon and Sausages
This Bacon and Sausages Recipe is the perfect centerpiece of a full breakfast spread. Here are our favorite pairings:
- Our perfectly fluffy Scrambled Eggs alongside for the ultimate full breakfast combination
- Our golden Bagels with Cream Cheese for a satisfying and complete morning meal
- Buttered toast or thick cut bread to mop up all the delicious pan juices
- Grilled tomatoes and mushrooms cooked in the same pan after the bacon and sausages
- A drizzle of maple syrup over everything for a sweet and savory American diner style breakfast
- A fresh Classic Caesar Salad on the side for a lighter brunch balance
Storage and Reheating Tips
Bacon and sausages are best enjoyed fresh from the pan. However, leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. On the other hand, avoid microwaving bacon as it turns it chewy and limp. Moreover, sausages reheat well in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes. Consequently, they stay juicy and warm all the way through without drying out on the stovetop.
Maple Glazed — Drizzle maple syrup over the bacon and sausages in the last minute of cooking for a caramelized, sweet and sticky glaze that is absolutely irresistible.
Spicy Version — Season the sausages with a pinch of cayenne and chili flakes before cooking. Additionally, use peppered bacon for an extra fiery kick throughout the dish.
Herb Infused — Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and two crushed garlic cloves to the pan while cooking the sausages. As a result, they absorb a beautiful aromatic flavor.
Breakfast Wrap — Wrap cooked bacon and sliced sausages in a warm flour tortilla with scrambled eggs and a drizzle of hot sauce for an on the go breakfast wrap.
In conclusion, this Bacon and Sausages Recipe is one of those timeless breakfast classics that never disappoints. Therefore, whether you are cooking a quiet morning meal for two or putting together a big weekend brunch, this recipe always delivers. Browse more of our breakfast recipes and share your results in the comments below!
Bacon and Sausages Recipe
Crispy golden bacon strips and perfectly browned juicy sausages cooked in one pan in just 20 minutes. The ultimate hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
- The Bacon
- 6 stripsStreaky bacon or back bacon rashersUse thick cut for a chewier texture or thin cut for maximum crispiness
- The Sausages
- 4 linksBreakfast sausages (pork, chicken, beef or turkey)Choose your preferred variety. Pork sausages give the richest, most traditional flavor
- For Cooking
- 1 tspNeutral oil (optional)Only needed if using very lean turkey or chicken sausages. Pork and beef sausages release enough fat naturally
- PinchBlack pepper, freshly crackedSeason just before serving for the best flavor
- Optional Finishing
- 2 tbspMaple syrupDrizzled over at the very end for a sweet and savory American diner style finish
- 1 sprigFresh rosemary (optional)Added to the pan while cooking the sausages for a subtle herby aroma
Equipment
Method for This Bacon and Sausages Recipe
- 1 Start the sausages first: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil if using lean sausages. Add the sausages to the cold or lightly warmed pan. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes total. Turn them every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even browning on all sides. The sausages are ready when golden brown all over and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- 2 Rest the sausages: Remove the cooked sausages from the pan and place them on a warm plate. Cover loosely with foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute. As a result, every bite stays moist and flavorful all the way through.
- 3 Cook the bacon: In the same pan with the sausage fat, lay the bacon strips flat in a single layer. There should be enough space between each strip. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy bacon, cook slightly longer over a slightly lower heat.
- 4 Drain the bacon: Remove the crispy bacon strips from the pan and lay them on a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels absorb the excess grease effectively. Consequently, the bacon stays crispy rather than sitting in pooled fat and becoming greasy and limp.
- 5 Arrange and season: Arrange the bacon and sausages together on a warm serving plate. Season with a generous crack of fresh black pepper. If using maple syrup, drizzle it lightly over everything just before serving for a beautiful sweet and savory glaze.
- 6 Serve immediately: This Bacon and Sausages Recipe is at its absolute best the moment it comes off the heat. Serve right away with your chosen accompaniments while the bacon is still crispy and the sausages are piping hot and juicy inside.
Nutrition (Per Serving — 3 strips bacon and 2 sausages, without maple syrup)
* Nutritional values are estimates per serving based on 2 portions using pork sausages and streaky bacon. Values vary with different sausage and bacon varieties. Turkey or chicken options will be significantly lower in fat and calories.
Notes
- Never pierce sausages before or during cooking. The juices inside are what keep them moist and flavorful. Piercing causes the juices to escape into the pan and the sausages become dry as a result.
- Cook the sausages first and use the rendered sausage fat to cook the bacon. Consequently, the bacon absorbs a deep, savory flavor and the pan requires no additional oil whatsoever.
- Starting the bacon in a cold pan is the professional trick for achieving the crispiest results. The gradual heat renders the fat slowly and produces a far more even, shatteringly crispy texture.
- This Bacon and Sausages Recipe serves 2 people. To scale up for 4, simply double all quantities. The method remains identical — just use a larger pan or cook in two batches.
- Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat sausages in an oven at 180°C for 8 minutes. Reheat bacon in a dry pan for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon and Sausages Recipe Every Time
- Always cook sausages over medium heat. High heat creates a burnt exterior and an undercooked interior. Medium heat allows even cooking all the way through every time.
- Turn sausages every 2 to 3 minutes consistently. This ensures a uniform golden brown color on all sides. Moreover, it prevents any one side from burning while the others remain pale.
- Give bacon strips room in the pan. Overcrowding traps steam between the strips. Consequently, they steam rather than fry and you lose all the crispiness you are working towards.
- Use tongs rather than a fork to handle both the bacon and sausages. A fork pierces the skin and releases the juices. Tongs grip without puncturing and keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Warm your serving plate in the oven at 100°C for 5 minutes before plating. Furthermore, this keeps the bacon and sausages hot for longer at the table so everything stays at its best.
- For the absolute crispiest bacon, finish it under a hot broiler for 30 to 60 seconds after pan cooking. Additionally, this removes any remaining moisture from the surface for a beautifully crunchy texture.