Ingredients
Method
- Roast the tomatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt on a rimmed baking sheet or small roasting pan. Spread them in a single layer if possible—crowding leads to steaming instead of caramelizing. Roast for 12-15 minutes until they're shriveled at the edges but still plump inside, about halfway done when you see those browned spots starting.
- Cook the bacon: While tomatoes roast, place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp (internal temperature around 160°F). Transfer to paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan—more if your bacon is leaner.
- Poach the eggs: Reduce heat under skillet with bacon fat to medium-low. Crack eggs gently into the hot fat, spacing them apart so they don't touch. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until whites are set and edges begin to curl but yolks remain soft. For a firmer yolk, add 1 teaspoon of water to the pan and cover with a lid for an extra minute—steam will finish setting the top without overcooking the center.
- Finish the tomatoes: When bacon is done and tomatoes are roasting, drizzle balsamic vinegar over them and toss gently. Return skillet to oven briefly if needed so everything finishes together. Tomatoes should be deeply caramelized with sweet, concentrated flavor.
- Serve immediately: Plate the roasted tomatoes first—they'll still be hot from the oven. Top each portion with a poached egg and drizzle with any remaining bacon fat from the skillet. Garnish with torn basil leaves if you have them. Serve while the yolk is still warm.
Nutrition
Notes
The trick is getting the tomatoes sweet enough to balance the salty bacon. Roast them at a hot 425°F so they caramelize rather than steam—this takes about fifteen minutes and happens largely on its own while you're cooking the eggs. Don't skip the balsamic; it makes all the difference.
I serve this with good bread for mopping up yolk and bacon fat, or over toast if I want something heartier. The whole thing comes together in about twenty-five minutes from start to finish.