The Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if using frozen onion ring; otherwise, you can pan-fry or deep-fry according to package or recipe. Line a small baking sheet with foil for the onion ring if baking.

Cook the bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crisp but still pliable. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Alternatively bake bacon on a rimmed sheet at 400°F for 12–18 minutes until crisp.

Cook the onion ring: If frozen, bake or air-fry according to package directions until golden and crispy (typically 10–12 minutes in oven, flipping halfway). If making a fresh battered onion ring, heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden, then drain on paper towels.

Split the English muffin (or bun) and toast cut sides until golden. Spread butter on the hot toasted cut sides immediately so it melts in.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low. Add 1 tsp neutral oil and swirl to coat. Crack two eggs into a small bowl (or one at a time) and slide into skillet.

Cook sunny-side up or over-easy: For sunny-side, cover skillet with a lid and cook 2–3 minutes until whites are set but yolks still soft. For over-easy, cook 2 minutes until whites set, gently flip with a spatula, and cook 20–30 seconds. Season eggs with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper while cooking.

When eggs are nearly done, place the American cheese slice directly on top of the eggs to let it soften and slightly melt from residual heat (about 20–30 seconds).

On the bottom toasted half, spread 1 tablespoon smoky ranch evenly.

Place the bacon strips on top of the smoky ranch in a single layer.

Carefully transfer the cheese-topped fried eggs onto the bacon.

Set the crispy onion ring on top of the eggs, centered so it fits within the sandwich.

Drizzle Valentina’s hot sauce across the onion ring and eggs (about 1 tsp, or to taste). Sprinkle remaining 3/4 tsp kosher salt and remaining black pepper to taste over the top if desired (use sparingly because bacon is salty).

Spread remaining butter (if desired) on the top half of the toasted muffin and place it crown-side down to finish the sandwich. Press gently, cut in half if desired, and serve immediately.