There’s truly nothing better than starting my morning with a warm and cheesy breakfast grilled cheese sandwich. After making this the first time, I instantly knew it was going to be a staple in my kitchen for breakfast grilled cheese recipe.
With a balance of creamy cheese, soft eggs, and savory breakfast sausage layered between perfectly golden bread, you’re guaranteed a hearty meal. The best part? It’s super customizable to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
If you love easy, mouthwatering breakfast ideas, check out our Breakfast Burrito Recipe for even more inspiration!
Ingredients List for Breakfast Grilled Cheese Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious breakfast grilled cheese. Each ingredient was chosen for a reason, so I’ve included some tips to make it just right.
- Ground breakfast sausage – This is the heart of the sandwich! Opt for fresh sausage over pre-cooked for maximum flavor. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains.
- Large eggs – Scrambled eggs pair beautifully in this sandwich, but you could use egg whites or liquid eggs if preferred.
- Colby-Jack cheese – Melty and flavorful, this cheese is a great choice. Feel free to substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Soft butter – Unsalted butter works well, but you can use salted butter for an extra layer of flavor. A pro tip? Try spreading mayo on the bread for an ultra-crispy finish.
- Sourdough bread – Thick and sturdy, sourdough holds up to the filling. If you don’t have sourdough, any robust bread like whole wheat or ciabatta will do.
Creative Twists to Tweak Your Grilled Cheese
Want to switch things up or make the recipe fit your diet? Here are a few ideas:
- Meat-free version – Skip the sausage altogether and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed sandwich.
- Cheese substitutions – Use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-intolerant-friendly option. Vegan cheddar melts beautifully!
- Add-ins – Sprinkle in a handful of chopped onions, bell peppers, or even a dollop of your favorite hot sauce for a flavor boost.
- Low-carb option – Swap out the bread for keto-friendly bread or serve the filling wrapped in a low-carb tortilla.
How Much Time Does This Recipe Take?
Creating this delicious sandwich doesn’t take long. Here’s the total breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
You’ll need just a few kitchen essentials to get started:
- Non-stick skillet – Perfect for cooking the sausage and eggs without sticking.
- Spatula – To flip the sandwich and stir the eggs efficiently.
- Mixing bowl – Ideal for combining the sausage and eggs before assembling.
- Butter knife – For spreading butter (or mayo) on your bread.
- Cutting board and knife – For slicing the finished sandwich to serve.
How to Make Breakfast Grilled Cheese
Making a breakfast grilled cheese is as fun as it is easy. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step. Trust me, you’ll want to make an extra one to share!
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined bowl to remove excess grease.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook them slowly, stirring gently to make soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Once done, combine the scrambled eggs with the cooked sausage in the mixing bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread
Butter one side of each bread slice. If you’re adventurous, spread mayo on the bread instead to get an even crispier, golden finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of buttered bread in the skillet (butter side down). Add a slice of Colby-Jack cheese, followed by about ½ cup of the sausage-egg mixture. Top it off with another slice of cheese and another buttered bread slice, this time butter side facing up.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cook the sandwich over medium heat until the bread turns golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip it carefully with a spatula and toast the other side.
Step 6: Repeat and Serve
Repeat the process for the remaining sandwiches. Slice each sandwich in half if you’d like and serve them warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh off the skillet!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, a few simple tricks can elevate this recipe to another level:
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the filling before adding the top slice of bread.
- Want a crispier crust? Spread a thin layer of mayo on the bread instead of butter. It gives a golden, crunchy texture.
- For extra depth of flavor, toast your bread slightly before assembling the sandwich.
How to Serve Breakfast Grilled Cheese?
This breakfast grilled cheese is a complete meal on its own, but you can get creative with how you serve it. Plate the sandwich alongside a fresh fruit salad or crispy hash browns for a bigger breakfast spread.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for a touch of color and flavor. A side of ketchup or salsa works great for dipping, especially for kids!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per sandwich:
- Calories: 949
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 55g
Please note that nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients and brands used.
Make Ahead and Storage
This sandwich is best eaten fresh, but here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:
- Storing – Cool sandwiches completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing – Place cooled sandwiches in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating – For the best results, reheat in a skillet or on a panini press until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This breakfast grilled cheese hits all the right notes, and here’s why:
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy mornings.
- The recipe is highly customizable, making it suitable for different diets and preferences.
- Minimal ingredients and equipment mean fewer dishes!
- It’s a family favorite loved by kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack at any time of day.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat, rye, or even brioche for a sweeter touch. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
While microwaving is quicker, reheating the sandwich in a skillet or on a griddle restores its crispy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this grilled cheese?
Yes! Diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach are great options to toss into the egg mixture for added nutrition.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free cheese. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Enjoy your easy, hearty breakfast grilled cheese sandwich! Once you try it, it might just become your new go-to breakfast recipe. Happy cooking!