How Many Calories Are In 3 Eggs And 3 Slices of Bacon?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

One large egg contains approximately 72 calories, serving as a protein-rich part of a breakfast. Understanding precisely how many calories are in 3 eggs and 3 slices of bacon requires examining all the variables, including preparation methods and ingredient choices.

Quick Summary

The total calorie count for a meal of three eggs and three slices of bacon varies significantly based on egg size, bacon thickness, and cooking methods. Expect the total to range roughly between 350 and 550 calories, offering a substantial meal with high protein and fat content.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The total calorie count for this meal can range significantly, typically between 350 and 550 calories, based on preparation.
Egg Impact: Three large eggs contribute around 216 calories, but frying them in butter can easily add another 100 calories.
Bacon Variation: Three medium slices of cooked pork bacon are roughly 129 calories, while thicker slices can increase this amount dramatically.
Cooking Method Matters: Opting for poached or boiled eggs and baked bacon minimizes added fat and reduces the meal's total calorie content.
Protein and Satiety: The high protein and fat content in this meal can promote feelings of fullness, potentially helping to manage overall calorie intake later in the day.
Nutrient-Dense: Eggs are packed with vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein, making them a very nutritious component of this breakfast.

The Calorie Breakdown: Eggs, Bacon, and Preparation

To determine the total energy content of a breakfast with three eggs and three slices of bacon, it's essential to analyze each component individually. The final number is influenced by several factors that can be adjusted to align with different dietary goals.

Eggs: Factors That Affect Calories

The calorie count for eggs is relatively straightforward but depends on their size. The preparation method can significantly alter the total energy content, primarily by adding fat.

Egg Size and Base Calories

Small egg (38g): ~54 calories
Medium egg (44g): ~63 calories
Large egg (50g): ~72 calories
Extra-large egg (56g): ~80 calories
Jumbo egg (63g): ~90 calories

For three large eggs, the base calorie count is approximately 216 calories (3 x 72). However, this figure doesn't account for how they are cooked.

Cooking Method Impact on Eggs

Poached or Boiled: These methods add no extra fat, so the calorie count remains at the base level. Three large poached or boiled eggs are about 216 calories.
Fried: Using one tablespoon of butter (14 grams) to fry three eggs adds approximately 102 calories. This would increase the total for three large eggs to around 318 calories.
Scrambled: Preparing scrambled eggs often involves butter or milk. For example, two large eggs scrambled with a dash of milk and a small knob of butter can add 200-245 calories to the base, depending on the butter amount. With three eggs, this total would be even higher.

Bacon: Thickness and Cooking Method

The type of bacon and how it's prepared are the biggest variables affecting the meal's calorie count. Cooking renders fat, which can be either discarded or reabsorbed.

Bacon Type and Thickness

Standard Pork Bacon: Varies significantly. A medium slice (cooked) has about 43 calories, while thick-cut bacon can have 60-70+ calories per slice. Three medium slices of cooked pork bacon would be approximately 129 calories (3 x 43).
Turkey Bacon: Often a leaner, lower-calorie option, with around 30 calories per thin slice. Three slices would be about 90 calories.

Cooking Method Impact on Bacon

Baking or Air Frying: These methods allow the fat to drip away, reducing the final calorie count. Using a baking rack is an effective way to minimize fat retention.
Pan-Frying: This is the most common method but can leave more rendered fat on the bacon, increasing the total calories, especially if it is not drained properly. This is where some higher estimates for bacon and eggs might originate.

The Combined Calorie Total: A Comparison

The total number of calories can change drastically depending on your choices. This table compares several scenarios for a breakfast of 3 eggs and 3 slices of bacon.


Egg Preparation	Bacon Type	Bacon Prep	Estimated Total Calories	Notes
Poached (Large)	Turkey (Thin)	Baked	~306	A light option, minimal added fat.
Boiled (Large)	Pork (Medium)	Baked	~345	Standard, moderately high-calorie.
Fried in butter (Large)	Pork (Medium)	Pan-fried (drained)	~447	Frying adds significant calories.
Scrambled in butter (Large)	Pork (Thick)	Pan-fried (not drained)	500+	High-fat preparation, highest total.

How to Make It a Lighter Meal

If you are mindful of your calorie intake, there are several simple swaps and techniques to enjoy your bacon and eggs without a heavy calorie load.

Tips for Reducing Calories:

Choose Leaner Meats: Swap standard pork bacon for a leaner option like turkey bacon or Canadian bacon.
Control Cooking Fat: Use non-stick cooking spray instead of butter or oil when scrambling or frying eggs.
Change Cooking Methods: Poach or boil your eggs instead of frying them. Bake your bacon on a wire rack to allow fat to drain away.
Mind the Portion Size: Consider reducing the number of eggs or bacon slices, or make the meal a balanced one by adding a side of vegetables instead of extra bacon. This allows for a satisfying breakfast at a much lower calorie level.
Drain Excess Fat: After pan-frying bacon, pat it with a paper towel to remove excess grease and reduce calories.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Understanding how many calories are in 3 eggs and 3 slices of bacon is more complex than a single number. While a conservative estimate might be around 350 calories, liberal use of cooking fats and thicker bacon slices can push the total well over 500 calories. By paying attention to the size of your ingredients and your cooking methods, you have significant control over the final nutritional profile of your meal. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and nutrients, while bacon provides flavor and fat. The key is to make conscious decisions based on your health and dietary goals. For additional nutritional information and recipes, consider sources like Healthline, which provides detailed analyses on common foods and diet planning. For example, explore their guide on "Why Eggs Are Good for Weight Loss" for more details on egg nutrition.

Ultimately, whether you're trying to lose weight or simply track your intake, the data shows that this breakfast can fit into a healthy lifestyle when prepared thoughtfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thicker slices of bacon generally contain more calories than thin slices due to a higher fat and meat content. For example, three thin slices are about 81 calories, while three thick slices could exceed 200 calories.

Poaching or boiling eggs is typically considered healthier as it adds no extra fat or calories during the cooking process. Frying in butter or oil significantly increases the total calorie and fat content.

Yes, a breakfast of eggs and bacon is naturally low in carbohydrates and is a staple in many low-carb and ketogenic diets. The calorie count, however, should still be managed to fit your goals.

To reduce sodium, use lower-sodium bacon options. You can also cook your bacon in a way that drains more fat (and thus some sodium) and avoid adding salt to your eggs.

A meal of three large eggs and three medium slices of pork bacon contains a substantial amount of protein, typically ranging from 30 to 45 grams, depending on the exact ingredients.

Yes, turkey bacon is generally a leaner, lower-calorie alternative to traditional pork bacon. A thin slice of turkey bacon has about 30 calories, compared to a medium pork bacon slice at 43 calories.

Higher estimates may account for different ingredient sizes (e.g., thick-cut bacon, extra-large eggs), the inclusion of cooking fats like butter, or additional ingredients like toast or cheese, all of which increase the overall calorie count.