Breakfast Sandwich* Recipe

Par-cook potatoes

Place diced potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a simmer, and cook 6–7 minutes until just tender but not falling apart. Drain well and let steam-dry in the colander for 2–3 minutes.

While potatoes cook, heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and warm until shimmering.

Add the par-cooked potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until undersides are golden and crisp. Toss or flip potatoes and continue cooking 3–5 minutes to crisp additional sides.

Add diced onion and bell pepper to the potatoes, stir, and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes more until garlic is fragrant and potatoes are evenly browned.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep potatoes warm in the skillet on low while you prepare the sandwich, or transfer to a warmed plate covered with foil.

Split the Portuguese English muffins and toast or grill cut sides. To grill, heat a separate large skillet or griddle over medium. Spread 1/2 tbs butter on each cut side and place cut-side down until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes.

Wipe the skillet briefly if needed. Add 1 tbs cooking oil and heat over medium. Crack the eggs into a small bowl one at a time, then slide into the skillet. Fry the eggs until whites are set and edges are crisp, 2–3 minutes for slightly runny yolks; flip for over-easy if desired and cook 15–30 seconds more.

Season eggs with 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper per egg. When eggs are nearly done, place one slice of cheddar on each egg so it starts to melt (cover pan with a lid for 30–45 seconds to speed melting).

Spread mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the toasted English muffins if using. Place the cheddar-topped fried egg on the bottom half of a muffin. Add optional protein (2 strips bacon, 1 cooked sausage patty, or 1 slice ham) on top of the egg if desired. Top with the muffin crown and press gently.

If you prefer a fully warmed sandwich, return assembled sandwich to the skillet for 30–45 seconds per side over low heat, pressing lightly, until warmed through and cheese is fully melted.

Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately with home fries.

Bacon: cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, drain on paper towels and keep warm. Sausage patty: cook in skillet 3–4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Ham: warm a slice in the skillet 30–45 seconds per side.