Hominy, Bacon, and Eggs Scramble: A Chef’s Comfort Food

There’s something so inherently satisfying about a simple breakfast scramble. For me, it’s the echoes of my childhood kitchen, the sizzle of bacon on a Sunday morning, and the way my grandmother would sneak bits of crispy bacon to me before anyone else was awake. This Hominy, Bacon, and Eggs Scramble takes that classic comfort and elevates it just a touch, with the unexpected, delightful addition of hominy adding a subtle sweetness and textural intrigue. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and surprising, a perfect way to start the day, or a quick and easy supper when the fridge is looking bare.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: About 6 cups
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (naturally), Can be Dairy-Free (omit cheese)

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) can yellow hominy, drained
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup diced green pepper
• 6 slices bacon
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Whisk (or fork)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by frying the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
2. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve two tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Drain the hominy thoroughly and add it to the skillet along with the diced green pepper.
4. Cook the hominy and green pepper until the pepper is tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the vegetables are cooking, beat the eggs in a bowl until light and frothy.
6. Pour the beaten eggs over the hominy and green pepper mixture in the skillet.
7. Stir the eggs gently with a spatula until they are just set, being careful not to overcook them. You want them to be slightly moist but not runny.
8. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the skillet.
9. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the scramble.
10. Remove from heat and let the cheese melt slightly from the residual heat before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the hominy and green pepper.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the bacon. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
• To prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery, avoid overcooking them. Cook them until they are just set, and then remove the skillet from the heat.
• If you prefer a creamier scramble, add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs before beating them. About a tablespoon per egg is usually sufficient.
• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño to the skillet along with the green pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
• If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the bacon and hominy/pepper mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture and add the eggs.
• A cast iron skillet is great for this recipe, because it heats evenly and retains heat well, making for perfectly cooked bacon and scrambled eggs.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Hominy, Bacon, and Eggs Scramble immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is melted. It’s delicious on its own, or alongside toast, biscuits, or tortillas. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the scramble in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the eggs when reheating. The dish is best reheated gently to avoid rubbery eggs. I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers as the texture of the eggs can change significantly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	196.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	108 g	55%
Total Fat	12.1 g	18%
Saturated Fat	4.8 g	24%
Cholesterol	201.3 mg	67%
Sodium	336.5 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	10.6 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	0.5 g	N/A
Protein	10.7 g	21%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the eggs before cooking. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives can add a bright and fresh flavor to the scramble. Add them at the end of cooking.
• Meat Alternatives: Try using diced ham, chorizo, or sausage instead of bacon.
• Different Peppers: Red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, or even poblano peppers can be used instead of green bell pepper.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen hominy?
A: While fresh or canned hominy is preferred, frozen hominy can be used. Make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the skillet.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can cook the bacon and hominy/pepper mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture and add the eggs. It is not recommended to cook the eggs ahead of time, as they can become rubbery when reheated.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere would all work well.

Q: What is hominy, exactly?
A: Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali, which removes the hull and germ, and causes the kernel to puff up. It has a unique, slightly chewy texture and a subtle corn flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery?
A: The key is to avoid overcooking them. Cook the eggs until they are just set, and then remove the skillet from the heat. You want them to be slightly moist but not runny.

Final Thoughts

This Hominy, Bacon, and Eggs Scramble is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple flavors and easy cooking. It’s the perfect way to start a busy weekday or to enjoy a leisurely weekend brunch. I encourage you to give it a try, to adapt it to your own tastes, and to share it with the people you love. And if you find a variation that you particularly enjoy, please let me know! Cooking is, after all, a shared journey of discovery, and I’m always eager to learn from my fellow food enthusiasts. So, go ahead, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!