Steak and Eggs
Last Meal

Ted Bundy's Final Steak & Eggs

Associated With Theodore Robert Bundy
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 15 min
Servings 1

The traditional last meal that Ted Bundy declined to choose, resulting in the standard Florida State Prison breakfast being served on the morning of January 24, 1989. A simple American breakfast that marked the end of one of history's most notorious serial killers.

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Instructions

  1. Prep the Steak: Remove steak from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat the Pan: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Sear the Steak: Carefully place steak in the hot pan. Let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes for medium-rare.
  4. Baste with Butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan. Tilt pan and baste the steak with the melted butter for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Rest the Steak: Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise about 5 degrees as it rests.
  6. Cook the Eggs: While steak rests, melt butter in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Crack eggs into the pan. For over-easy, cook until whites are set but yolks are runny, about 3 minutes, then flip and cook 30 seconds more.
  7. Plate and Serve: Slice steak against the grain if desired. Plate with eggs, hash browns, toast with butter and jelly. Serve with orange juice and coffee.

The Story Behind the Meal

Theodore Robert Bundy confessed to murdering at least 30 women across seven states between 1974 and 1978, though the true number of his victims may never be known. He was executed in Florida's electric chair on January 24, 1989.

When asked to choose his last meal, Bundy declined to make a selection. According to Florida Department of Corrections protocol, inmates who refuse to choose are served the traditional last meal: steak (medium-rare), eggs (over-easy), hash browns, toast with butter and jelly, milk, and juice.

Bundy reportedly did not eat any of it. Outside the prison, a crowd of over 200 people had gathered, many celebrating with signs reading "Burn, Bundy, Burn" and "Tuesday is Fry-Day."

The simplicity of this meal stands in stark contrast to the elaborate requests of many other death row inmates. Whether Bundy's refusal to choose was a final act of defiance, indifference, or something else entirely remains a subject of speculation.

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