Patrick Oconnell
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is a staple of the modern breakfast diet, but who created it? The answer is a little complicated. While the bacon and egg breakfast can be traced back to the 1920s, and the introduction of the duo to American culture is credited to Sigmund Freud's nephew, Edward Bernays, the addition of cheese is a little more ambiguous. Some sources claim that the sandwich was created with a working-class mission in mind: to provide energy and to counteract hangovers. It is believed that the sandwich in its entirety first appeared in a recipe book in 1897.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Date of origin | 19th century |
| Bread | Hard roll, bagel, brioche, croissant, English muffin, waffle, pancake, toast |
| Egg style | Scrambled, fried |
| Cheese type | American, Kraft singles, pasteurized prepared cheese product |
| Bacon type | Thick-cut |
| Popularity | Favoured by pioneers during American westward expansion, a common breakfast item in corner stores and bodegas across the country |
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What You'll Learn
The iconic breakfast duo
Bacon and eggs are an iconic duo, a staple of breakfasts across the world. But where did it all begin?
The history of this dynamic duo can be traced back to the 1920s, when they became a quintessential breakfast combination. However, the individual components have a much longer history. Bacon, for example, dates back to 1500 BC, making it one of the oldest cuts of meat. The phrase 'bringing home the bacon' has its roots in 12th-century England, where a married man who could testify that he hadn't argued with his wife in a year would be awarded a side of bacon—a great honour! Eggs, on the other hand, have been consumed by humans for about 6 million years, originally eaten raw from wild birds' nests.
It is believed that the combination of bacon and eggs was popularised in the 1920s by Edward Bernays, the nephew of Sigmund Freud. Inspired by his uncle's work, Bernays became a master of propaganda and public relations and is credited with introducing the world to bacon and eggs.
The addition of cheese to this breakfast duo created another classic: the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. This sandwich is said to have originated in the 1800s, when British street vendors began selling "bap" sandwiches—consisting of egg and meat on a soft roll—to factory workers. It wasn't until 1897 that this sandwich was first recorded in a recipe book, and it entered the cheese dimension not long after.
Today, the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is a beloved breakfast option, commonly found in corner stores, bodegas, and fast-food restaurants across the United States. It has also been modified into prepackaged food products, such as Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets.
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The bacon, egg and cheese combo
The bacon, egg, and cheese combo is a classic breakfast sandwich that has become a staple in the morning routines of many. The sandwich is made up of bacon, egg, and cheese, and is usually served on a roll, bagel, or brioche. While the bacon, egg, and cheese combo is a relatively recent phenomenon, its individual components have been breakfast staples for centuries.
Bacon, for instance, can be dated back to 1500 BC, making it one of the oldest cuts of meat. It was only in the 20th century, however, that it became a breakfast staple. Eggs, on the other hand, have been consumed by humans for about 6 million years, with some estimates of hominid egg consumption going back millions of years before birds were even domesticated. As a breakfast duo, bacon and eggs can be traced back to Sigmund Freud and his nephew, Edward Bernays, who is credited with introducing the combination to the American public through his work in propaganda and public relations.
The addition of cheese to the bacon and egg combo is believed to have occurred sometime after the sandwich's first debut in a recipe book in 1897. The type of cheese used is typically American cheese, as it melts without breaking or turning greasy, making it ideal for a grilled sandwich. The popularity of the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich can be attributed to its convenience and ability to provide energy, making it a favourite among working-class individuals and pioneers during westward expansion.
Today, the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich can be found in various forms, from corner stores and bodegas to fast-food restaurants and delicatessens, and has even been modified into prepackaged food products. It is a testament to the sandwich's versatility and enduring appeal that it has become a beloved breakfast option for many.
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The British bap sandwich
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is a popular breakfast meal in the United States. However, it may have originated from the British "bap" sandwich, which is a staple in Scotland.
The bap is a type of bread roll that is believed to have originated in Scotland. It is a small bun or roll, often made with milk, lard, and butter. It is similar to an American dinner roll but smaller, with a dimpled hole in the middle to control how much it rises during baking. Baps are typically used for sandwiches, especially with simple meat fillings. The bread serves as an ideal vessel for a variety of sandwiches, elevating the taste of the filling.
The bap is a versatile bread that can be used for a range of sandwiches, from basic meat sandwiches to breakfast options. When used for a breakfast sandwich, it is commonly paired with sliced sausage, creating a hearty and satisfying morning meal. The sausage bap is a popular choice, featuring a plain pork sausage seasoned with spices, allowing the flavour of the bap to take centre stage.
While the exact history of the bap is unclear, the first recorded use of the word "bap" is believed to be from the 1500s. Over time, the bap has become a beloved part of British cuisine, with its tender, doughy texture and ability to complement a variety of fillings. It is a humble yet delicious bread option that has earned its place in the culinary lexicon.
In addition to the traditional bap, there are numerous variations of bread rolls across Great Britain, each with its unique name and characteristics. For instance, in Liverpool, a bread roll is called a "bin lid," while in Coventry, it is known as a "batch." These regional variations add to the rich diversity of British bread culture.
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The American breakfast sandwich
The breakfast sandwich is a staple of American cuisine, with a variety of regional specialties across the country. While the ingredients for the breakfast sandwich have been common elements of breakfast meals in the English-speaking world for centuries, it was in the 19th century that Americans began regularly eating eggs, cheese, and meat in a sandwich. The breakfast sandwich was also a favourite of pioneers during the westward expansion of the United States.
The traditional breakfast sandwich of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut consists of a hard roll, eggs, cheese, and a choice of sausage, bacon, or ham. In New Jersey, a common breakfast sandwich is the Jersey Breakfast, which consists of pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard Kaiser roll. In Philadelphia, pork roll and scrapple are popular breakfast sandwich choices, but one cafe offers a simple potato and egg sandwich with American and Parmesan cheese.
In Portland, Tandem serves a classic breakfast sandwich with a fluffy-soft egg and gooey American cheese, smoked paprika mayo, and a flaky buttermilk biscuit. Mike & Patty's in Boston is beloved for its breakfast sandwiches, including the breakfast torta and the Banana OG on brioche with Nutella. Biscuit Love in Tennessee serves a cayenne-crusted fried chicken biscuit with pickles, mustard, and honey. In New Hampshire, Elephantine Bakery offers a globally-inspired breakfast sandwich menu, including Egyptian bread pudding and lamb kofta sandwiches.
Some breakfast sandwiches take an unexpected turn, adding ingredients like labneh and pesto, prosciutto di parma, and feta butter. At The Blind Dog, the choices are simple: bacon & goat cheese, chorizo & cheddar, pimento, or crimini mushrooms & goat cheese, topped with a frittata. At Red Apron in DC, tigelles (Italian flatbreads griddled in lard) are used instead of biscuits or English muffins, with combinations of egg, ham, and cheese.
The breakfast sandwich has also inspired prepackaged food products, such as the Hot Pocket and Lean Pocket.
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The bacon, egg and cheese in popular culture
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich has become a staple in popular culture, especially in the United States and Canada. It is believed that the sandwich originated in the 19th century in the United States, and its popularity grew after the American Civil War, becoming a favourite during the westward expansion.
Cultural Significance
The sandwich holds particular cultural significance in New York City, where it is traditionally served on a Bulkie roll. It is also commonly referred to as a "BEC" in the US, and has become a staple offering in delis and bodegas across the city and beyond.
Variations
The classic bacon, egg, and cheese combination has also been modified into pre-packaged food products, such as Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets, offering a convenient, on-the-go version of the traditional sandwich. Additionally, fast-food restaurants have created their own variations, such as the Croissan'wich by Burger King, which uses a croissant instead of the traditional bread.
Internet Culture
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich has also made its mark in internet culture, most notably in a viral TikTok meme that began around 2022-2023. The meme features the song "Bacon, Egg N Cheese" by Dominican-American rapper Wavyrioo, which celebrates Dominican-American culture and the love of neighbourhood sandwiches. The trend, known as "how you know I'm Dominican?", combines the song with playful satire, cute animals, and dancing, creating a light-hearted celebration of cultural identity.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a breakfast sandwich that typically includes bacon, eggs, and cheese served on a bread roll.
The sandwich is a surprisingly recent phenomenon. In the 19th century in the United States, people began regularly eating eggs, cheese, and meat in a sandwich. It is believed that the sandwich was created to provide energy and counteract hangovers.
The sandwich is believed to have originated in the United States. However, some sources suggest that it may have British roots, with British street vendors selling similar sandwiches in the 1800s.
The sandwich can be made with different types of bread, such as bagels, brioche, or English muffins. The type of cheese and the style of egg preparation (e.g. scrambled or fried) can also be varied.
Bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches are widely available at fast-food restaurants, delicatessens, and supermarkets. They are also commonly made at home.
