The History of Bacon and Eggs (2024)

FAQs

Who invented bacon and eggs? ›

His nephew, Edward Bernays, inspired by his uncle's work was a founder of propaganda and public relations and is credited with the introduction of bacon and eggs into the American breakfast. In the 1920's Americans typically ate light breakfasts of coffee, orange juice, rolls.

One of the reasons we think of bacon and eggs as a good breakfast to set you up for the day is due to how good they taste together, of course; another is down to a clever marketing strategy by Sigmund Freud's nephew, PR consultant Edward Bernays, back in the 1920s.

Across the British Isles and Ireland, early modern breakfasts were often breads served with jams or marmalades, or else forms of oatmeal, porridge or pottage. Eggs and bacon started to appear in breakfasts in the seventeenth century, but they were not the only meats consumed in breakfasts at that time.

Fun Facts About Eggs' Favorite Breakfast Partner!

On average, each American eats about 18 lbs. of bacon a year! Bacon and eggs are eaten together 71% of the time...and 53% of all U.S. homes keep bacon on hand at all times.

In the 16th Century, the word “bacoun” or bacon was used to refer to any kind of pork. It was only in the 17th Century that “bacon” was used to refer exclusively to the salted and smoked belly that we know today as bacon.

Now you know that bacon is a staple American breakfast food because of an Edward Bernays PR campaign for the Beech-Nut Company that used somewhat misguided physician opinions and the media to change public opinion of a failing product.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, eating eggs for breakfast had caught on in Western culture, and egg recipes became more widespread. Then, in 1620, an English medical writer named Tobias Venner recommended eating poached eggs for breakfast, causing people to recognize the health benefits of starting the day with eggs.

For most people, breakfast consisted of bread, cornmeal mush and milk, or bread and milk together, and tea. Even the gentry might eat modestly in the morning, although they could afford meat or fish...

Building Blocks of the BEC

Typically nestled between a roll, bagel, or even a hero, the sandwich features crispy bacon, a perfectly fried or scrambled egg, and a slice of gooey American cheese. The harmony of textures and flavors has made it a beloved choice for New Yorkers seeking a quick and satisfying morning bite.

Absolutely eggs and bacon can be healthy!

Food doesn't have to be 'good' or 'bad'. Often, people think you can't have an egg and bacon fry-up for breakfast – that it is a 'special occasion' or 'cheat' meal. But everything can form part of a healthy diet, we just need to tweak our recipes.

What is the history of the bacon and egg sandwich? ›

Before working their long shifts at the factory, workers had to have a quick and easy breakfast that would get them through their hours of toil. In the 1800's, British street vendors began selling “bap” sandwiches to these crowds, consisting of egg and meat on a soft roll—the predecessor of the bacon, egg, and cheese!

People have eaten eggs from various bird species throughout recorded history. The ancestors of the domesticated chickens we rely on today for eggs trace back to South and Southeast Asia before 7,500 BCE. By 246 BCE, the Chinese had already invented duck egg incubators.

Before working their long shifts at the factory, workers had to have a quick and easy breakfast that would get them through their hours of toil. In the 1800's, British street vendors began selling “bap” sandwiches to these crowds, consisting of egg and meat on a soft roll—the predecessor of the bacon, egg, and cheese!

It is unknown the exact time or place that eggs were first used for cooking, but there is evidence that ancient Egyptians and Romans used eggs in their cakes and breads. It is most likely that they used the eggs as a binding agent.

The earliest documented recipe for scrambled eggs was in the 14th-century Italian cookbook Libro della cucina.