Ingredients
Scale
- 4 crumpets: Crumpets are the star of this breakfast. With their spongy texture and signature holes, crumpets soak up the egg mixture beautifully, creating a crispy yet tender base for your toppings. You can find crumpets in most grocery stores, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own at home. If crumpets aren’t available, you can also substitute with thick slices of English muffin or toasted bread.
- 4 large eggs: The eggs provide a rich, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the crumpets. Whisking the eggs with milk and seasonings before soaking the crumpets ensures that the mixture is absorbed evenly and gives the crumpets a satisfying, custardy interior while the exterior crisps up.
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml): The milk is added to the egg mixture to create a smooth, creamy texture. You can use whole milk for a rich taste, or opt for a lighter alternative such as almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- 2 serrano peppers, finely chopped: These peppers bring a mild to medium heat, which is the perfect amount of spice for breakfast. The finely chopped serrano peppers blend seamlessly into the egg mixture, giving each crumpet a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of serrano peppers or substitute them with a milder pepper like a bell pepper or even a pinch of chili flakes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A simple seasoning that enhances the flavor of the egg mixture. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
- 4 slices of bacon: Bacon brings a smoky, salty richness to the dish. Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy in the same skillet helps to flavor the bacon grease, which is then used to cook the crumpets. This adds a deep, savory layer to the dish, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
- 4 slices of habanero cheese: For the perfect spicy melt, habanero cheese is the way to go. This cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor with a good amount of heat, which pairs wonderfully with the richness of the eggs and the saltiness of the bacon. If you’re not a fan of spicy cheese, feel free to substitute it with a milder option like cheddar or mozzarella.
- Optional garnishes: For an extra burst of freshness and color, consider garnishing the finished crumpets with chopped chives or additional slices of serrano pepper. The chives add a mild oniony flavor, while the extra pepper slices let you control the spice level of each serving.
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, chopped serrano peppers, salt, and pepper. The milk adds creaminess to the eggs, while the serrano peppers infuse the mixture with a delightful warmth. Be sure to whisk the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Soak the Crumpets: Take your crumpets and dip each one into the egg mixture. Allow the crumpets to soak for about one minute on each side, ensuring that the egg mixture is absorbed evenly. This step is key to making sure your crumpets have that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, but don’t discard the bacon grease. This flavorful grease will be used to cook the crumpets and give them a golden, crispy finish. The smoky aroma of the bacon will linger in the air, making the kitchen smell irresistible.
- Cook the Crumpets: With the bacon grease still hot in the skillet, place the soaked crumpets in the pan, top-side down. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy. The crumpets should begin to sizzle in the bacon grease, creating that wonderful crispness that’s a signature of this dish. Once the first side is cooked, flip the crumpets over.
- Add the Bacon and Cheese: As soon as you flip the crumpets, top each one with a slice of crispy bacon and a slice of habanero cheese. To help the cheese melt quickly, spoon a little of the hot bacon grease over the cheese. The cheese will start to melt beautifully, creating a gooey, spicy layer on top of the crumpets.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the bottom of the crumpets is golden and the cheese has melted, your Breakfast Eggy Crumpets are ready to serve. Garnish with chopped chives and extra serrano pepper slices, if desired. The chives will add a burst of color and freshness, while the extra pepper slices will give you more control over the level of spice.
Notes
- Milder Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, you can substitute the serrano peppers with a milder option like bell peppers or omit them entirely. For the cheese, you can swap the habanero cheese for a milder cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a chickpea flour batter, the milk with a plant-based milk, and the bacon with a vegan bacon alternative. You can also use a dairy-free cheese for the topping.
- More Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Add Veggies: For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes to your crumpets. These additions can add freshness and nutrients to the dish while complementing the savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British