Egg And Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Prep ingredients

Grate or slice the cheese so you have about 1 ounce ready. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat lightly with a fork until blended. Add salt and pepper to the eggs and mix. If using chives, slice them thinly. If using mayonnaise or mustard, mix or set them out for spreading. Butter one side of each bread slice (about 1/2 tbs per slice) or reserve butter for the pan as directed below.

Make a folded/soft-scrambled egg patty

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter and let it melt, coating the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Let them sit for 10–15 seconds, then gently stir with a spatula, pushing cooked edges toward the center so uncooked egg spreads out. For a folded omelette-style patty (neat sandwich shape), allow eggs to set mostly, then tilt the pan and fold one side over toward the center, then the other, forming a small rectangle roughly the size of the bread. Cook until just set but still slightly moist. Total cook time: 1.5–3 minutes depending on heat. Remove from pan and keep warm.

Alternative: fried egg

If you prefer a fried egg, heat the pan over medium, add 1/2 tbs butter, crack eggs directly into the pan, cook until whites are set and yolks reach desired doneness (about 2–3 minutes for runny yolk). Season with salt and pepper.

Lower heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Place the two bread slices butter-side-down in the pan. If you did not butter the bread earlier, lightly butter now. Toast for about 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip one slice, place the cooked egg on the toasted side, immediately top egg with shredded or sliced cheese so it begins to melt. If using mayonnaise/mustard, spread on the other slice (the one in the pan or on a plate). If using chives or hot sauce, sprinkle onto the cheese or egg now. Place the second slice, toast-side-up, on top to form the sandwich. Press gently with spatula and toast another 30–60 seconds to melt cheese and warm through.

Transfer sandwich to a cutting board, let rest 30 seconds, then slice in half if desired. Serve immediately with extra hot sauce or a side of fruit or chips.