Breakfast Sandwiches: Best Cheeses To Start Your Day

Breakfast sandwiches are a versatile meal that can be tailored to personal preferences. While there are many ways to make a breakfast sandwich, the type of cheese used is a critical component. The cheese should complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall flavour and texture of the sandwich. The perfect cheese for a breakfast sandwich is subjective, but some popular options include American cheese, cheddar, gouda, and Swiss cheese.

Melting cheese

Young cheeses with a good moisture content tend to melt better. Cheeses like young Jarlsberg, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Muenster are good options for a breakfast sandwich as they will melt easily and create a creamy texture. Grated cheese also tends to melt faster than sliced cheese, so consider grating your cheese of choice if you're looking for maximum melt.

American cheese is a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches due to its excellent melting abilities. It has just the right amount of creaminess and tends to bind the sandwich together. If you're looking for something a little more sophisticated, cheddar cheese is a great option. Sharp cheddar, in particular, adds a nice punch of flavour to your sandwich.

For those who like a little spice, Pepper Jack cheese is a fantastic option. It has a nice kick and melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to your sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even combine different cheeses to create a unique flavour profile.

Bread type

The bread you choose for your breakfast sandwich is crucial. It should be able to hold the sandwich together without being too dense, thick, or crumbly.

A thick slice of bread with a rustic crust may be delicious, but it requires a more forceful bite, which can cause the eggs to fall out of the sandwich. Softer bread is better, but it should always be lightly toasted. Ciabatta is ideal because its airy texture better absorbs moisture from the eggs and sauces. If you can't find ciabatta, a multigrain roll or pretzel roll are good options. Brioche, onion rolls, Kaiser rolls, and squishy hamburger buns are also recommended.

If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, the bread should be thick enough to allow the cheese to melt but not so thick that it prevents melting. White bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you're making a breakfast sandwich with eggs, it's best to avoid thick, crusty, or crumbly bread. Bagels, in particular, tend to be too dense for a breakfast sandwich.

Egg style

Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

A breakfast sandwich is a great way to start the day. It is a classic breakfast that is filling and packed with protein. There are a few routes you can go down when choosing the bread for your egg sandwich. English muffins are a popular choice as they are hearty and don't crumble like biscuits. Sourdough is another option, offering a tangy crunch that complements the mild flavour of eggs.

Fried Egg Sandwich

A fried egg sandwich is a simple recipe that is quick, easy, cheap, and delicious. For a fried egg sandwich, it is best to use over-easy eggs, leaving the yolk still runny. If you don't like runny yolk, you can cook the egg for a couple of minutes longer.

Best Cheeses for an Egg Sandwich

When it comes to the best cheese for an egg sandwich, it really comes down to personal preference. Here are some popular options:

• American cheese is a classic favourite for most breakfast sandwiches.
• Pepper Jack adds a little heat to the overall taste.
• Sharp Cheddar is a great choice for a more pronounced flavour.
• Provolone is a popular sliced deli cheese that melts easily and is a favourite for sandwiches of all kinds.
• Colby Jack is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack, both of which are mild and creamy and melt extremely well.
• Swiss cheese has a soft texture with a nutty flavour that melts well.
• Mild or sharp cheddar is a good option for fried egg sandwiches, as mild cheddar melts the best and sharp cheddar packs the most flavour.
• Pepper Jack is a good option when making spicier egg sandwiches.

How to Make an Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

• Toast your bread of choice.
• Fry an egg until the yolk is cooked to your preference.
• Place the fried egg on top of the bottom slice of toast.
• Add a slice of cheese on top of the egg.
• Top with your favourite breakfast meat, such as bacon or sausage.
• Finish with your favourite toppings, such as sliced avocado or tomato, and condiments such as hot sauce or chipotle mayo.

Meat

When it comes to the meat in a breakfast sandwich, there are several options to choose from. The most popular choice is sausage, particularly breakfast sausage, which tends to be juicy and slightly spicy. Sausage patties are commonly used in breakfast sandwiches, fried until fully cooked in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Another popular option is bacon, which pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese. Bacon can be used in a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich, or added to an egg and cheese sandwich for a hearty breakfast option.

Ham is also a common meat choice for breakfast sandwiches. It can be used in a variety of combinations, such as grilled ham and cheese, or paired with fried eggs and cheese. Deli meats like country ham or smoked ham can add a savoury element to the sandwich.

For those who enjoy a heartier breakfast, steak can be a good option. While less traditional, steak can add a savoury, juicy element to the sandwich.

Extras

The beauty of a breakfast sandwich is that you can add a variety of extras to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetables: Wilted spinach, kale, cucumber slices, diced bell peppers, or avocado can add a refreshing and nutritious touch to your sandwich.
• Meat: Bulk up your sandwich with sausage, bacon, chorizo, ham, or even bologna. If you're feeling adventurous, try something unique like Linguiça, a smoky pork sausage used in a Portuguese take on the classic breakfast sandwich.
• Crunchy Add-ins: Experiment with textures by adding potato chips, panko, or sesame seeds to your sandwich.
• Condiments: Spread some mayonnaise, cream cheese, or ketchup on your bread for extra flavour. If you're feeling fancy, try a thick barbecue sauce, Green Goddess dressing, honey mustard, or sweet chilli sauce.
• Herbs and Spices: Complement your sandwich with herbs such as pesto or chimichurri. If you like it hot, add a sprinkle of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños.
• Other Cheeses: Why choose just one cheese when you can have a combination? Mix and match cheeses that melt well, such as young Jarlsberg or Gruyère, to create a gooey, decadent breakfast sandwich.

Frequently asked questions