Well, I guess a gooey egg with melty cheese and sausage on a toasted bun is at least a step in the right direction, right?
These are trying times, and cooking breakfast feels, well, maybe to you it feels easy? But to me it feels like it requires monumental effort, physically and mentally and dishes-ly.
Let me give you a brain break. Let me show you a cheat code. Let me present an idea that feels about 10x more fancy than it actually is. It is called the BREAKFAST SANDWICH.
1. Croque Madame
Oh, the Croque Madame. I find myself craving this decadent grilled cheese at least once a week. But a Croque Madame? That’s a whole other level of amazing.
It takes all the things you love about the Monsieur—the Gruyère, the thick-cut ham, and that heavenly mornay sauce—and then crowns it with a fried egg. Honestly, there are very few things in this world that a runny yolk doesn’t make better.
2. Apple Pie Grilled Cheese
Okay, hear me out on this one because it might feel a little controversial. Apple, cinnamon, sugar, and… cheese? Yes, you read that correctly!
Apple and cheese is actually a classic combination, with the creamy, sharp cheddar pairing perfectly with a sweet, acidic apple. The trick here is to grate the apples so they cook and get soft, instead of having big chunks in with the cheese.
And if you’re not totally feeling the cheese, you could use cream cheese instead for a filling that’s almost like a faux-cheesecake. What a win!
3. Breakfast Grilled Cheese
I would honestly eat grilled cheese any time of day. It’s actually my go-to lazy dinner when it feels too late to cook anything else.
And this recipe is just so perfect for breakfast. It’s got salty sausage, creamy eggs, and just so much melty cheese. Don’t be afraid to throw some bacon in there and maybe even a dash of hot sauce.
4. Baked Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches
If you have never had a croissant sandwich before, I am telling you to run to your local bakery and get some right now. That buttery, lightly crisp croissant is an absolute dream when it’s filled with bacon, egg, and cheese.
You’d be so surprised at how well croissants freeze, and since you’ll be toasting them anyway, you can even use day-old ones for this.
5. Breakfast Monte Cristo Sandwich
I am a huge fan of the sweet and savory combination, so this is for sure one of my favorites. I just love the flavors of the eggy bread and ham, especially with the jam and powdered sugar.
I know it might seem a little strange, but the ham and jam truly work so well together. The cheese adds a wonderful creaminess to everything, and then you get that savory egg along with it.
If the raspberry jam is throwing you off, try this with a fresh tomato and caramelized onion jam instead.
6. Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Sandwich
I first tried huevos rancheros on a trip to Mexico, and I was completely hooked from the very first bite. Between the refried beans, the salsa, the guacamole, and that runny egg yolk, I find myself turning to this for a spicy dinner pretty often.
You can totally keep this friendly for vegetarians, but I like to add in some chicken or pork to mine for a little extra protein. I’ve also made this exact recipe on a bagel, and it was super filling and so tasty.
7. Avocado Toast Breakfast Sandwich
Is it a cliché? Maybe. Is it unbelievably delicious? Absolutely! I know there are a ton of funny memes out there mocking our love for avocado toast, but I just don’t care. If it’s tasty, I am going to eat it.
I love the color, the texture, and the way it tastes right alongside some crispy bacon. I especially love this combo with some crunchy toast or an everything bagel.
8. Ultimate Jalapeño Wafflewich Recipe
Just in case you were looking for something that’s really outside the box, this is a jalapeño waffle sandwich. It’s filled up with sausage patties, hash browns, and eggs, making it a total cowboy’s dream breakfast!
9. Breakfast BLT
The BLT is such a classic, and it’s for a good reason. That toasted bread, the salty bacon, and the juicy tomatoes are just a match made in heaven.
Now, picture all of that with a perfectly fried egg and a golden yolk. Again, I really like to add a few dashes of hot sauce, but mayo is also great.
10. Grilled Nutella Banana Sandwich
This sandwich is like something straight out of a dream. The toasty bread with the sweet bananas and that creamy Nutella just gets better with every single bite, and you will not want to share.
I’ve made these using sliced brioche, French toast, and even banana bread! And when I’m feeling extra naughty, I’ll even throw in some crispy bacon to boot!
11. French Toast Sandwiches
Did you know that in the UK they call French toast “eggy bread,” and it’s usually not sweet? They make it in the same way, but then they serve it with bacon, eggs, and baked beans. Super yummy!
Technically, you could make these sweet and add some Nutella and bananas instead. But I highly, highly recommend going savory and using cheese and bacon. You won’t be sorry!
12. Veggie Packed Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
You see eggs in so many of these because they’re just an excellent way to start your day. They are full of protein and will keep you feeling full for hours. What better way is there to boost all those nutrients than with a whole pile of veggies?
This recipe uses spinach and red peppers, but you can use anything you happen to have on hand. Mushrooms would be a lovely addition.
13. Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffle Sandwiches
This might just be the easiest sandwich on this whole list. Don’t we all have a box of frozen waffles hiding somewhere in the freezer? I know how good homemade waffles taste, but when you are in a rush, the frozen ones just need a quick pop in the toaster.
Peanut butter and jelly is such a classic combination, and they get all warm and melty in the waffles to make one tasty little snack.
14. Maple Bourbon Chicken & Waffle Sandwich
Fried chicken for breakfast? You just know this is one you have to try! I think the waffles are the most important ingredient here; otherwise, you’re just having a fried chicken sandwich for breakfast.
Not that that’s a bad thing! But I just really love the waffle and syrup flavors with that crispy chicken.
15. The Ultimate Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich
You might be wondering how this recipe gets to take the title of “the ultimate” breakfast sandwich.
Well, it could be the fried eggs, or the smashed avocado, or the crispy bacon, or the thick tomato slices, or maybe even the melted cheddar. For me, it’s the everything biscuits!
How have I not thought of this before? You can usually find them at Trader Joe’s, or it’s pretty simple to make your own.
16. Banana Pancake Sandwich
I used to make these on camping trips, only they were more like banana pancake tacos. We would just bend a pancake in half and fill it up with bananas and peanut butter, and then dip the end in some syrup.
But if you’re not sitting on a log, these sandwiches are the next best thing. You could even put together a fun DIY platter with different fruits, chocolate, and whipped cream.
17. Blueberry Brie Grilled Cheese
I have to admit, I fell into a deep “gourmet grilled cheese” hole when I was looking up this recipe. And then I had to go and make a grilled cheese. But I’m back now and totally ready to share!
The use of brie might seem a little extra, and it is, but you just can’t beat the creaminess it gives. And if you are making a gourmet grilled cheese, you can’t exactly use sliced American, can you?!