The Classic Recipe
Fried Egg & Cheddar, Served on Sourdough.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Method
Sandwich
Prep bread and cheese
Bring sourdough slices to room temperature (or lightly warm). If desired, spread mayonnaise on one slice and hot sauce on the other for added flavor. Place one slice of cheddar on each bread slice so they are ready when eggs are cooked.
Heat pan
Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 1–2 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface; this helps prevent sticking and promotes even frying.
Fry eggs
Crack the eggs into a small bowl one at a time to check for shells, then gently slide them into the preheated skillet. Immediately reduce heat to medium-low to cook whites through without overcooking yolks. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the eggs. Cook until the whites are set and the edges are lightly lacy, about 2–3 minutes for runny yolks. For over-easy, gently flip each egg with a spatula and cook 20–30 seconds more; for over-medium cook 45–60 seconds; for fully set yolks cook 1½–2 minutes after flipping.
Melt cheese on eggs
When eggs are nearly at desired doneness (about 30–45 seconds before finishing), slide both eggs gently onto one of the bread slices that already has a cheddar slice. Place the second cheddar slice on top of the eggs and cover the pan with a lid for 30–60 seconds to steam and melt the cheese. If you prefer, you can place the bread with cheese under a broiler briefly, but stovetop steaming is quicker and prevents over-browning.
Toast bread (optional)
If you like your sourdough toasted, melt the butter in a clean skillet over medium heat. Add the second slice of bread (the one without eggs) butter-side-down and toast until golden, about 1–2 minutes. If you prefer both slices toasted, toast both in the butter until golden and crisp.
Assemble sandwich
Place the toasted/untoasted second slice of sourdough, buttered side up, on top of the cheese-covered eggs. Press gently to secure. Let the sandwich rest for 30 seconds so cheese finishes melting and flavors settle.
Serve
Cut the sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately while hot. Provide extra salt, pepper, or hot sauce at the table.