You've likely heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it may boost your energy and alertness to kickstart the morning. Enjoying meats alongside waffles, eggs, and biscuits can make this meal even more filling and delicious. Below, you'll learn more about some of the most popular meat options and what to order the next time you dine at a breakfast restaurant.

Sausage

Breakfast sausage, also known as country sausage, is made from fresh pork seasoned with black pepper and sage, which gives the meat a warm and herbaceous flavor. Some versions include maple syrup and cayenne pepper to lend this meat a touch of sweet heat. 

It was originally created by farmers who wanted to get the most out of their livestock. They ground up pork scraps and trimmings before seasoning, pan-frying, and enjoying them as a protein boost during morning meals. Restaurants and diners typically serve this sausage as pan-fried patties or links alongside eggs prepared exactly the way you like them. Popular sides to accompany sausage and eggs may include hash browns, biscuits, and buttermilk pancakes. 

Ham

Ham is a pork cut taken from the high portion of the leg of the pig. It undergoes a process known as curing, which preserves the meat. Dry curing involves coating the pork with a seasoning rub then allowing it to cure by air, while wet curing typically necessitates soaking the meat in brine. 

Regardless of method, curing often gives the pork a deliciously salty and vinegary flavor. Country ham is a version of this meat that manufacturers salt more heavily before curing and smoking. Restaurants and diners typically pan-fry and serve it in thick slices with eggs cooked to order, hash browns, and your choice of toast or biscuits for a filling, well-rounded meal. 

Bacon

Though bacon may come from a variety of fatty areas of the pig, butchers predominantly take it from the pork belly or back. Next, they cut it into thin or thick strips before salt-curing and smoking the meat to preserve and enhance its flavor. Bacon is one of the most popular meats served in breakfast restaurants and often makes the perfect savory accompaniment to the mild flavor and fluffy texture of eggs. It may also taste delicious when folded into omelets with ingredients such as cheese, green peppers, and jalapeños. For a more balanced and filling meal, enjoy bacon and eggs served with hash browns, toast, or biscuits. 

When you have a craving for sausage, ham, or bacon served with your favorite dishes, head to Belgian Waffle & Pancake House. This family restaurant and diner offers eggs cooked to order, served alongside breakfast meats, hash browns, and biscuits, toast, or pancakes to hungry patrons throughout Branson, MO. Call (417) 334-8484 to place an order for takeout, and visit the website to browse their menu of American food favorites.