Hungry Bear Breakfast from Black Bear Diner features hearty scrambled eggs, crispy golden hash browns, smoky bacon strips, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes, delivering a satisfying and classic morning feast with a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Equipments
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Griddle or nonstick pan
- Plate
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle or pancake batter dispenser
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450g) russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Russet potatoes are ideal for achieving crispy, golden hash browns due to their high starch content, so avoid waxy varieties for this recipe. Use thick-cut bacon for a smoky flavor and substantial texture that stands up well to frying. Buttermilk in the pancake batter not only adds a tangy taste but also reacts with baking soda to create fluffy pancakes. Whole milk and eggs in the scrambled eggs ensure a rich, creamy texture that balances the savory components of the dish. Your Hungry Bear Breakfast from Black Bear Diner copycat menu will deliver a satisfying, classic blend of savory bacon, fluffy eggs, crispy hash browns, and sweet buttermilk pancakes.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Peel and grate russet potatoes; rinse and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add grated potatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until crispy and golden, flipping once.
- Remove hash browns, set aside, and keep warm.
- Place bacon strips in a cold skillet; cook over medium heat until crisp, turning occasionally.
- Drain bacon on paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk 4 eggs with 1/4 cup whole milk, salt, and pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pour in egg mixture and gently scramble with a spatula until soft and fluffy.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Heat a griddle or nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly grease.
- Pour pancake batter onto griddle using a ladle or dispenser; cook until bubbles form on surface, then flip and cook until golden.
- Plate scrambled eggs, hash browns, and bacon alongside a stack of pancakes.
- Serve with maple syrup.
Substitution
Hungry Bear Breakfast from Black Bear Diner copycat menu combines fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crispy bacon, golden hash browns, and savory scrambled eggs for a wholesome and hearty morning meal. If you don't have russet potatoes, Yukon Gold can be a suitable substitute for the hash browns, offering a slightly creamier texture. Buttermilk in the pancake batter can be replaced with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if fresh buttermilk is unavailable. When cooking the bacon, you can render fat in the skillet to add flavor to your hash browns and eggs, reducing the need for additional oil or butter. Your spatula should be gentle when flipping the pancakes to maintain their fluffiness and prevent tearing.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the grated russet potatoes before cooking to ensure your hash browns turn out crispy instead of soggy. When scrambling your eggs, cook them gently over medium heat and stir slowly to achieve soft, fluffy results without drying them out. Combine wet and dry pancake ingredients just until mixed to avoid dense, tough pancakes--overmixing develops gluten that affects texture. Keep cooked hash browns and bacon warm in a low oven to serve everything hot and satisfying for your Hungry Bear Breakfast experience.
Nutritions
The Hungry Bear Breakfast offers a balanced combination of protein from eggs and bacon, complex carbohydrates from russet potato hash browns, and refined carbohydrates with added sugars from fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Your meal contains essential nutrients like calcium from whole milk and buttermilk, healthy fats from unsalted butter and vegetable oil, and dietary fiber from potatoes. However, it also includes high levels of sodium and saturated fats from bacon and butter, which should be consumed in moderation. Enjoying this classic breakfast occasionally provides energy and satisfaction, but be mindful of portion sizes to maintain nutritional balance.
Storage
Store leftover Hungry Bear Breakfast components separately in airtight containers; refrigerate scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, bacon, and pancakes within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Use fridge storage at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use a skillet or oven to retain texture and avoid microwave sogginess, ensuring your meal stays delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-rich hash brown option. Use turkey bacon or smoked sausage slices as an alternative to traditional pork bacon to lighten the meal while retaining a smoky flavor. For a fluffier pancake texture, try separating the eggs and folding in whipped egg whites into the batter. Consider cooking eggs with a splash of cream instead of whole milk to achieve an even creamier scramble.
Allergies
Your Hungry Bear Breakfast contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (whole milk, buttermilk, butter), and wheat (all-purpose flour). People with egg, milk, or gluten allergies should avoid or modify this meal to prevent allergic reactions. Bacon may also trigger sensitivities in those allergic to pork or preservatives used in processed meats.
Why this recipe?
The Hungry Bear Breakfast menu from Black Bear Diner features generous portions of classic comfort foods like fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs, satisfying even the heartiest appetites. Its combination of high-quality ingredients and homestyle preparation delivers a flavorful and nostalgic experience that customers love. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this popular meal in your kitchen, saving money while enjoying the same delicious taste. Your efforts will be rewarded with a hearty, satisfying breakfast that rivals the restaurant's signature offering.