Golden, buttery sourdough crunches softly as you bite into the warm layers of melted cheese and savory ham. This Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich is a simple yet deeply satisfying way to start your morning. Whether you need quick breakfast ideas for a busy Tuesday or a lazy Sunday treat, this recipe brings comfort to the table in minutes.
Why You'll Love This
There is something genuinely special about how the sharp cheddar melts into the hot, folded ham in this recipe. It transforms a standard morning meal into the best breakfast sandwich you can make right at home. The Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich requires minimal effort but delivers a rich, café-style experience. Plus, it uses everyday pantry staples, making it a reliable go-to whenever hunger strikes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
This Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich relies on high-quality basics to create a truly savory breakfast experience. You likely have everything you need to get started right now.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Sourdough Bread: Provides a sturdy, tangy base that toasts up beautifully golden.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced ham heats up quickly and layers well for better texture.
- Large Egg: A runny yolk adds a rich, creamy sauce to the sandwich naturally.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cuts through the richness and melts evenly.
- Butter: Salted butter is essential for that crispy, bakery-style crust.
- Fresh Thyme: A small sprinkle adds an aromatic, earthy finish that lifts the flavors.
Optional Extras
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes add a vinegar tang that cuts through the cheese.
- Pickles: Sliced pickles can add a nice crunch for those exploring different ham sandwich ideas.
How to Make Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich at Home
This method ensures a crispy exterior and a gooey interior, making it an easy breakfast sandwich to master.
Butter Bread
Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This ensures the bread toasts to a uniform golden brown rather than burning in spots.
Fry Egg
Crack the egg into the hot skillet and cook until the whites are fully opaque but the yolk is still soft. Keeping the yolk runny creates a natural sauce that soaks into the bread when you bite down.
Warm Ham
Place the ham slices in the skillet for thirty seconds to warm them through and brown the edges.
What is the best way to melt cheese on a breakfast sandwich? Placing the cheese directly on the warm ham accelerates the melting process.
Assemble Sandwich
Stack the egg, ham, and cheese between the bread slices with the buttered sides facing out. Pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula helps the layers bond together securely.
Top Tip
This Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich comes together effortlessly with a few simple tricks I've learned over the years.
Slice diagonally: Makes it easier to eat -> see the beautiful cross-section of layers.
Grate the cheese: Grated cheese melts faster than slices -> look for even, gooey edges.
Use room temp butter: Spreads easily without tearing bread -> notice a smooth, unbroken surface.
Cover the pan: Traps steam to melt cheese quickly -> check for fully melted cheese before burning bread.
Pre-warm the ham: Cold ham cools the cheese -> ensure the ham and cheese breakfast filling is piping hot.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
If you want to switch things up, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can swap the sourdough for a brioche bun for a softer bite, or use Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor profile. For fun breakfast for dinner ideas, try adding caramelized onions and a slice of tomato to make it even heartier.
Storage
These breakfast sandwich recipes are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet while the bread is crisp. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and reheat in a toaster oven to restore the crunch, though the yolk will cook through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich with a hot cup of black coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to cut the richness. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a light arugula salad. It turns a simple grilled ham and cheese sandwich into a complete, satisfying brunch experience.
FAQs
Can I use different meats?
Yes, bacon or turkey sausage works wonderfully if you don't have ham. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the egg and cheese sandwich assembly.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep the heat on medium-low and check the underside frequently. If the bread browns too fast before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is possible to assemble it, wrap it, and freeze it. However, the texture of the bread will be softer after reheating compared to fresh preparation.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread. The ham, egg, and cheese components are naturally free of gluten.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this Breakfast dish, you might also like these hearty morning options featuring the Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich concept. If you are a fan of a savory breakfast, these recipes will hit the spot.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Butter one side of each bread slice evenly to create a crisp, golden exterior when toasted.
- Place the bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat and top with cheese so it begins to soften immediately.
- Fry the egg in a separate part of the pan until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny.
- Warm the ham slices briefly in the skillet to release their savory aroma before stacking them on the cheese.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the egg and ham between the bread slices and grilling until deep brown.
- Slice the sandwich in half and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and fragrance.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich Recipe:
Leave a Reply