Old Virginia Breakfast
A hearty Southern breakfast featuring crispy bacon, savory tomato fritters, creamy gravy, and layered fritters and toppings for a satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy; drain and set aside.
- Make gravy using bacon drippings, flour, salt, milk, and water to achieve desired consistency.
- Dip firm sliced tomatoes in cornmeal and fry until golden brown.
- Mix self-rising flour, cornmeal, egg, and buttermilk to make fritter batter.
- Fry the batter on a hot griddle in thin round cakes or fritters.
- On a large platter, layer corn fritters, then top with gravy, fried tomatoes, and bacon. Repeat the layering as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful gravy, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the tomatoes to achieve a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the layered platter warm for a hearty breakfast or brunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a balanced meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving with a side of Easy Fixed Baked Beans to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm the bacon and tomatoes in a skillet over medium heat and reheat the gravy gently on the stove. Fritters can be reheated in a toaster oven to retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Virginia Breakfast contains roughly 589 calories, with 12g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (44% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2261mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of bacon?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with sausage or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. Each alternative will impart its own unique flavor, so choose based on your preference.
What can I do if my gravy is too thick?
If your gravy turns out too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency. It's always easier to add liquid than to thicken it further.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil for frying. You can create a delicious gravy using vegetable broth instead of bacon drippings, and incorporate sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).