12 Eggs, Grilled Pastrami With Pepper Jack Cheese Recipe

Prepare eggs

Crack all 12 eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup whole milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until mixture is uniform and slightly frothy (about 30–60 seconds).

Cook scrambled eggs

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt, coating the pan. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. Let eggs sit undisturbed for 10–15 seconds, then gently push cooked edges toward the center with a silicone spatula to allow uncooked egg to flow out. Continue folding gently every 10–15 seconds so the curds remain soft and creamy. Total cook time should be about 6–8 minutes for 12 eggs; remove from heat when eggs are mostly set but still slightly glossy (carryover will finish them). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Warm pastrami

While eggs cook, heat a separate flat-top or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 12 oz thinly sliced grilled pastrami in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Warm each side 30–45 seconds until edges begin to brown and pastrami is heated through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. If you prefer slightly crisp edges, press with a spatula for an additional 15–20 seconds per side.

Assemble egg and cheese stacks

When eggs are removed from heat, divide them into 8 equal portions (about 1.5 eggs per sandwich). On each portion, place 1–1.5 slices of pepper jack cheese (use one slice for lighter heat, two for extra melt). Return eggs with cheese to the still-warm skillet for 30–60 seconds or cover skillet with a lid so cheese melts slightly; alternatively, assemble on warm pastrami and cover briefly to melt.

Toast and dress bread

Split 8 English muffins (or rolls) and butter the cut sides lightly with 2 tbs unsalted butter. Place cut-side down on a hot skillet or griddle over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and spread about 1 tsp mayonnaise on one cut side of each muffin and 1/8 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) on the other.

Build sandwiches

On the bottom half of each toasted muffin, place a warmed portion of pastrami (about 1.5 oz per sandwich). Top the pastrami with the cheesy scrambled egg portion so the melted pepper jack sits between egg and top bun. Place the top muffin half on the sandwich and press gently to compress.

Finish & serve

If you want fully melted cheese and a warm sandwich, wrap each assembled sandwich in foil and place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or return to a covered skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle optional chopped chives over the eggs for color, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.