Randy Chandler
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is a beloved breakfast staple, especially in New York. Whether you're a New Yorker or not, this classic sandwich is a delicious and satisfying option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While the core ingredients are simple and few, there are endless ways to customize and elevate your BEC. From the type of bread to the cooking method, and even optional add-ons, the possibilities are endless. So, if you're looking to elevate your bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, read on for some mouth-watering ideas and tips!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White bread, whole-wheat bread, ciabatta, kaiser roll, sliced bread, bagel, toasted bread |
| Cheese | American, Cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gruyere, shredded cheese |
| Eggs | Scrambled, omelette, sunny side up |
| Bacon | Crispy, hickory, applewood smoked, beef, turkey |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, hot sauce, Sriracha |
| Others | Butter, avocado, tomato, onion |
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What You'll Learn
- Bread: white, whole-wheat, kaiser roll, ciabatta, bagel, or sliced bread
- Cheese: American, cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere
- Condiments: hot sauce, Sriracha, or butter
- Cooking method: oven-cooked, pan-fried, or air-fried
- Accompaniments: hash browns, tomato soup, or a slice of tomato
Bread: white, whole-wheat, kaiser roll, ciabatta, bagel, or sliced bread
When it comes to the bread for your bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique texture and taste. Here are some popular choices:
White Bread
White bread is a classic choice for this sandwich. It provides a soft and fluffy base that complements the salty and savoury toppings. White bread is versatile and can be used for a quick breakfast on the go or a more leisurely brunch at home. It is also easily available and a good option if you're looking for a simple, no-fuss sandwich.
Whole-Wheat Bread
Whole-wheat bread is a nutritious alternative to white bread, offering a slightly chewier texture and a nutty flavour. It adds a bit of substance to the sandwich and can be a healthier option for those who want a more wholesome breakfast.
Kaiser Roll
The Kaiser roll is a type of round bread roll with a soft texture and a crispy crust. It is an ideal choice for a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich as it provides a good balance of heft and yielding texture, ensuring that the sandwich is easy to eat and holds together well.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is an Italian bread with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior. Using ciabatta for your sandwich adds a bit of crunch and provides a heartier eating experience. Toasting the ciabatta can also add a nice texture, and it is a healthier option without the butter.
Bagel
The bagel is a popular choice for a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, especially in New York. Bagels offer a chewy texture and a dense consistency, making the sandwich more filling and substantial. An "everything bagel" is a classic choice, providing a variety of flavours and textures with its topping of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion.
Sliced Bread
Sliced bread is a versatile option and can be used instead of a roll if you prefer. It allows you to make a more traditional sandwich, and you can toast the bread in the pan with butter to enhance the flavour and add a bit of crispness.
Each type of bread offers a different experience, so feel free to experiment and find the one that best suits your taste and preferences.
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Cheese: American, cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere
When it comes to cheese, you have a lot of options for your bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. You can use American, cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere. The choice is yours!
American cheese is a popular choice for this sandwich, as it melts beautifully into the hot eggs, creating a gooey, satisfying texture. It's also easy to find and affordable, making it a great option for those who want a classic, comforting sandwich without breaking the bank.
Cheddar cheese is another excellent option. It adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the sandwich and pairs particularly well with the salty bacon. If you're looking for a more robust and savoury taste, cheddar is a great choice.
Havarti cheese is a milder, semi-soft cheese that will add a creamy texture to your sandwich. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that melts easily and has a mild, buttery flavour. It's an excellent choice for those who want their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich to have a creamy texture and a subtle cheese flavour.
Pepper Jack is similar to Monterey Jack but with added spice. It will give your sandwich a nice kick, creating a unique and memorable flavour profile. If you like your food with a bit of heat, Pepper Jack is a great option.
Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It has a rich, creamy texture that will melt beautifully into your sandwich. Gruyere can be a bit more expensive than some of the other options, but it adds a sophisticated and indulgent touch to your bacon, egg, and cheese.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is balance. You want to be able to taste each component with every bite, so make sure your cheese doesn't overwhelm the other ingredients.
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Condiments: hot sauce, Sriracha, or butter
Butter is a key ingredient in a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. It is used to toast the roll, adding crunch and flavour. A little butter in the skillet can also help to cook the eggs and bacon, and some recipes suggest spreading butter on the roll before assembling the sandwich.
Some recipes suggest adding hot sauce to taste. This could be a good way to add a little spice and a kick to the sandwich.
Sriracha is another condiment that can be added to a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. It is a type of hot sauce made from chilli peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It has a slightly sweet flavour and a medium level of spice. Adding Sriracha to the sandwich can add a tangy, spicy kick, and enhance the other flavours in the sandwich.
These condiments can be added to the sandwich according to personal preference. They can be used to enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich, adding spice, sweetness, and tanginess.
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Cooking method: oven-cooked, pan-fried, or air-fried
There are several ways to cook a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, and the method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. Here are some options for cooking this classic dish:
Oven-cooked
To make a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich in the oven, you can follow these general steps: First, adjust your oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay your bacon slices on it, running parallel to the counter edge. Fold one of the middle slices in half and place a half-slice of bacon across the first and third rows, perpendicular to the counter edge. Then, unfold the centre slice over the perpendicular strip. This will create a bacon weave that provides maximum coverage and a square shape to your sandwich.
Once your bacon is cooked, you can assemble your sandwich by layering the eggs and cheese on top of the bacon. You can fry or scramble your eggs, or even bake them for a more uniform shape. Finally, toast your roll in the rendered bacon fat to add richness and prevent sogginess.
Pan-fried
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can cook your bacon in a pan on the stovetop. Fry your bacon until it's crispy, and then set it aside. In the same pan, fry your eggs to your desired doneness. You can also scramble your eggs or make an omelette if you prefer. Finally, assemble your sandwich by layering the bacon, eggs, and cheese on your roll.
Air-fried
For a modern twist on this classic sandwich, you can use an air fryer. This method, popularised by TikTok user @JimmyTheHib, involves laying your bacon on top of the cheese and using toothpicks or small wooden skewers to pin it to the bread. Create a yolk-sized divot on the bare slices of bread and carefully crack an egg into each divot. Season the eggs with salt and pepper, then slowly load the basket into the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about eight minutes. When it's done, remove the basket and assemble your sandwich.
No matter which cooking method you choose, the key to a great bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is balance. Each ingredient should be in proportion to the others, ensuring that you get a taste of everything in each bite.
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Accompaniments: hash browns, tomato soup, or a slice of tomato
Hash browns, tomato soup, and a slice of tomato are all great accompaniments to a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and serve them:
Hash Browns
If you want to make hash browns from scratch, grate two large potatoes (about 450g) and place the grated potatoes in a clean tea towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible, then transfer the potatoes to a bowl and mix with one beaten egg, two tablespoons of flour, and season with salt and pepper. Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Form the potato mixture into patties and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.
Tomato Soup
For a classic tomato soup to pair with your sandwich, you'll need:
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One medium onion, chopped
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- One teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Two cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- One bay leaf
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano. Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, remove the bay leaf, and serve warm alongside your sandwich.
Slice of Tomato
A simple slice of tomato can add a refreshing touch to your bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Choose a ripe, red tomato and wash it thoroughly. Cut a slice that's about 1/4-inch thick and place it on your sandwich. You can sprinkle it with a little salt and black pepper to enhance the flavour. The slice of tomato adds a juicy, crisp element to your sandwich, providing a nice contrast to the other ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use sliced bread, a roll, or a bagel. If you're feeling fancy, you could use ciabatta.
American cheese melts beautifully, but you can use any cheese you like. Popular options include cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere.
You can cook the eggs like an omelette, scrambling the eggs and adding the cheese towards the end. Alternatively, you can cook the eggs gently to recreate that bodega-style egg, or fry them in the pan with the bacon grease.
