Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty breakfast of fried eggs and crispy bacon The savory, protein-packed combo is a diner staple and weekend favorite for good reason – it’s downright delicious!
But if you’re watching your calories or macronutrients you may be wondering how many calories are actually in two fried eggs and bacon? Let’s break it down.
Calories in Fried Eggs
An average large fried egg contains about 90 calories. So two large fried eggs have roughly 180 calories total.
Here is the full nutrition info for one large fried egg (we’ll get to the bacon next!):
- Calories: 90
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 63mg
- Total carbs: 0g
- Protein: 6g
As you can see, eggs are a great source of protein, with 6g per large egg. They also contain healthy fats like omega-3s, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Frying adds some extra calories and fat compared to boiling, poaching, or scrambling, but eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat regardless of preparation method.
Now let’s look at the second key component: bacon!
Calories in Bacon
The number of calories in bacon can vary depending on the cut and preparation method. Thicker, fattier slices will have more calories than thinner, leaner cuts.
For a typical pan-fried slice of bacon (about 8g), you can expect around 40-50 calories. So two slices will add 80-100 calories to your breakfast.
Here are the full nutrition facts for one slice of pan-fried bacon:
- Calories: 43
- Total fat: 3.5g
- Saturated fat: 1.3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 152mg
- Total carbs: 0g
- Protein: 3g
In addition to protein, bacon provides some B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. However, the high sodium content is something to watch out for, especially if you eat multiple slices.
Now let’s put it all together to find out how many calories are in 2 fried eggs and 2 bacon slices.
Total Calories in 2 Fried Eggs and 2 Bacon Slices
- 2 large fried eggs: 180 calories
- 2 slices pan-fried bacon: 80-100 calories
- Total: Approximately 260-280 calories
So in total, you’re looking at around 260-280 calories for this classic breakfast pairing. Not too bad considering it includes 20g of protein to keep you energized!
Here is the full nutrition profile for 2 fried eggs and 2 bacon slices:
- Calories: 260-280
- Total fat: 18-19g
- Saturated fat: 6-7g
- Cholesterol: 417-419mg
- Sodium: 458-463mg
- Total carbs: 0g
- Protein: 16-17g
As you can see, this combo is high in protein and fairly low in carbs, making it a satisfying choice for low carb or keto diets. It does contain a good amount of cholesterol, however, so be mindful if you need to limit dietary cholesterol.
Tips for Enjoying Fried Eggs and Bacon
- Choose leaner bacon cuts like center cut to reduce fat and calories slightly
- Opt for thighs or turkey bacon as an alternative
- Fry eggs in olive oil or butter instead of lard or bacon grease
- For a veggie side, saute spinach, tomatoes, or asparagus
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill
- Top toast or avocado toast with the fried egg for extra nutrition
- Pair it with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes instead of white toast
No matter how you enjoy them, two fried eggs and two crispy bacon slices make for a deliciously satiating, protein-packed breakfast. So go ahead and indulge your cravings – just be mindful of your overall calorie intake for the day. Moderation is key!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in an egg and bacon sandwich?
An egg and bacon sandwich on one slice of white toast has roughly:
- 1 fried egg: 90 calories
- 1 slice bacon: 40-50 calories
- 1 slice white bread: 75-80 calories
Total: Approximately 205-220 calories
Using whole wheat instead of white will add a little extra fiber and nutrients. Adding extras like cheese, avocado, or sauces will increase the calorie count further.
Which is healthier – scrambled or fried eggs?
Both scrambled and fried eggs are healthy options that provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Scrambled is slightly healthier as there is less fat added during cooking. But eating fried eggs in moderation is fine for most people.
Are there any health risks of eating eggs and bacon daily?
Eating eggs and bacon every single day may increase risk factors for heart disease like cholesterol and saturated fat intake. Moderation is key – eating this combination a few times a week as part of a balanced diet is reasonable for most healthy individuals. Those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease should check with a doctor first.
What are some lower calorie swaps for eggs and bacon?
Some leaner alternatives include:
- Egg whites instead of whole eggs
- Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon
- Smoked salmon instead of bacon
- Turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork
- Sliced avocado or tomato instead of bacon
Can I freeze cooked bacon and eggs for meal prep?
Yes, cooked bacon freezes well for 1-2 months. For eggs, scramble or make an omelet, cook until just set, then freeze individual portions. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Fried eggs don’t freeze as well.
The Bottom Line
A hearty duo of two fried eggs and two bacon slices will cost you around 260-280 total calories. It provides a good amount of protein along with some healthy fats to keep you feeling energized and satisfied. As part of a balanced, moderate diet, enjoy this classic pairing in your weekly breakfast rotation. Just be conscious of your overall fat, cholesterol, and sodium intake if you eat it regularly.