Decription Start your day with the Ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese, a savory and satisfying sandwich that combines the comforting flavors of a grilled cheese with the heartiness of a breakfast scramble. Imagine golden-brown, buttery sourdough bread enveloping layers of melted Colby-Jack cheese, fluffy scrambled eggs, and flavorful breakfast sausage. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for a weekend brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or even a “breakfast for dinner” treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of textures and tastes—crispy bread, gooey cheese, tender eggs, and savory sausage—creates a symphony in your mouth. The best part? It’s easy to customize to your liking, making it a versatile option for any palate. Indulge in this delightful, protein-packed breakfast that will keep you energized and satisfied for hours.
Ingredients:
- ½ pound ground breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs, beaten
- 8 slices Colby-Jack cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 8 slices sourdough bread (or bread of your choice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce, maple syrup, or your favorite breakfast condiments for serving
Preparation:
This recipe combines simple steps to create a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile. The key is to prepare each component carefully and then assemble them for the perfect grilled cheese experience.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by cooking the breakfast sausage. In a large non-stick skillet, place the ground sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and no longer pink. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the sausage is fully cooked to eliminate any health risks. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a bowl lined with paper towels. This helps to drain excess grease, preventing the final sandwich from becoming too oily. Set the sausage aside while you prepare the eggs.
Step 2: Prepare the Scrambled Eggs
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the softened butter over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is evenly coated with butter to prevent the eggs from sticking. Pour in the beaten eggs and immediately reduce the heat to medium. Cook the eggs, stirring gently and constantly with a spatula. The goal is to create soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they will continue to cook inside the grilled cheese. Cook until the eggs are just set but still slightly moist. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Combine Eggs and Sausage
Remove the paper towel from the bowl with the sausage (or replace it with a fresh one if it’s too greasy). Add the scrambled eggs to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Gently mix the eggs and sausage together to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the eggs tough. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. This egg and sausage mixture will be the heart of your breakfast grilled cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel to remove any remaining residue. Return the skillet to medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread with the remaining softened butter. The buttered side will be the exterior of the sandwich, ensuring a golden-brown and crispy crust. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet. Top with one slice of Colby-Jack cheese. Next, add ½ cup of the egg-sausage mixture evenly over the cheese. Place another slice of Colby-Jack cheese on top of the egg-sausage mixture. Finally, top with a second slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while it’s grilling. This helps to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese. Flip the sandwich carefully with the spatula. Continue grilling until the second side is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once the sandwich is grilled to perfection, remove it from the skillet. Slice the grilled cheese in half, if desired, and serve immediately. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make additional sandwiches. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary experience that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your senses.
- Comforting and Satisfying: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a different type of cheese, add vegetables, or use different types of breakfast meat.
- Quick and Convenient: It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to make, perfect for busy mornings or when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch with family or a quick weekday breakfast for yourself, this grilled cheese is always a hit.
COOKING Rating
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Likelihood of Making Again: Very High
Serving Suggestions:
The Ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- With a Side of Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced bananas, or melon, for a balanced meal.
- With Maple Syrup: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over the grilled cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
- With Hot Sauce: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- With Avocado: Top with sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich grilled cheese.
- With Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: Complete your breakfast feast with a side of crispy hash browns or breakfast potatoes.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or a creamy sriracha mayo, for added flavor.
Tips:
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese is a success:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, such as good-quality sourdough bread and cheese, will make a big difference in the flavor of the sandwich.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Be careful not to overcook the scrambled eggs, as they will become rubbery.
- Butter the Bread Generously: Generously buttering the bread will ensure a golden-brown and crispy crust.
- Press Down on the Sandwich: Gently pressing down on the sandwich while it’s grilling will help to melt the cheese evenly and create a cohesive sandwich.
- Adjust the Heat as Needed: If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or pepper jack, to find your favorite combination.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables, such as sliced tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed onions, to the egg-sausage mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 480-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese with Eggs and Sausage is a delightful and satisfying way to start your day. With its combination of savory flavors, comforting textures, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a leisurely weekend brunch, this grilled cheese is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. Sourdough is recommended for its flavor and texture, but other options such as brioche, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread will work well.
- Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with something else?
- Absolutely! You can use any type of breakfast meat you prefer, such as bacon, ham, or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based sausage or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the egg-sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to make the grilled cheese, simply assemble and grill as directed.
- What’s the best way to ensure the cheese melts evenly?
- To ensure the cheese melts evenly, use a good-quality melting cheese like Colby-Jack, cheddar, or Gruyere. Also, make sure to grill the sandwich over medium heat and gently press down on it with a spatula while it’s cooking.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Yes, you can definitely add vegetables! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or sliced tomatoes would all be delicious additions to the egg-sausage mixture. Just make sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the sandwich.
