Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Egg and Cheese Toasts are the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. The combination of a crispy toast base, gooey melted cheese, and a runny egg creates the perfect bite every time. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds a touch of fragrance and depth, while a pinch of cayenne can give the dish a subtle kick of spice. It’s an ideal recipe for when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, but don’t have much time to cook.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (white, whole grain, sourdough)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your favorite)
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the bread: Toast the slices of bread to your desired level of crispness in a toaster or on a grill pan. If you’re using sourdough or thicker slices, you may want to toast them lightly to ensure the bread is crisp without getting too hard.
- Cook the egg: While the bread is toasting, heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack the egg into the skillet and cook it sunny-side-up or as you prefer, until the white is set but the yolk remains runny (about 2-3 minutes). If you prefer a fully cooked egg, you can cook it longer or flip it over for a more well-done egg.
- Melt the cheese: Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over each slice of toast. Immediately return the toast to the warm skillet (or place it under a broiler for a minute or two) to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on it so the cheese melts evenly without burning.
- Assemble the toast: Once the cheese has melted, place the cooked egg on top of the cheese-covered toast. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if using) for extra flavor.
- Serve: Cut the toasts in half and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the egg is warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 toasts (1 serving)
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Cheese variations: You can use a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
- Add some greens: Top the egg with a handful of arugula, spinach, or even avocado slices for a fresh twist.
- Spicy version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
Egg and Cheese Toasts are best enjoyed fresh, as the cheese can become a bit hard when stored. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to restore some of the crispiness, but keep in mind that the egg might become overcooked when reheated.
FAQs
1. Can I make these without an egg?
Yes, you can omit the egg for a simpler cheese toast, or substitute with a fried egg, scrambled egg, or even a plant-based egg alternative for a vegan version.
2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as sourdough, whole grain, or even a gluten-free option. Just be sure to toast it well to create a nice, crunchy base.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese or top the egg with hot sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes for added heat.
4. Can I add more cheese?
Yes! Feel free to add more cheese to your toast, especially if you like it extra cheesy. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on how cheesy you want it to be.
5. Can I make this dish in advance?
This dish is best when freshly made, but you can prepare the toast and cheese in advance. To assemble, just cook the egg when ready to serve.
6. Can I use a scrambled egg instead of a fried egg?
Yes, you can use a scrambled egg if you prefer, just cook it in a separate pan and place it on the cheese-covered toast before serving.
7. Can I add some veggies to this toast?
Yes, you can top the toast with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted tomatoes to make it even more filling and flavorful.
8. Can I make this dish without cheese?
Yes, if you’re dairy-free or don’t want to use cheese, you can skip it altogether or try a dairy-free cheese alternative for the melt factor.
9. Can I make this a full meal?
Yes! You can easily turn this into a full meal by adding sides like a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or even a fruit smoothie.
10. How do I make the egg less runny?
If you prefer a less runny egg, cook it a bit longer or flip it over to cook both sides for a more well-done egg.
Conclusion
Egg and Cheese Toasts are a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any time of the day. With a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and eggy goodness. Whether you’re having a lazy weekend breakfast or a quick weekday snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious.
PrintEgg and Cheese Toasts
Egg and Cheese Toasts are a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast or snack option that combines warm, crispy toast with melted cheese and a perfectly cooked egg. This simple yet satisfying dish offers the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and crispy textures.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 toasts (1 serving)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Toasting, Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 slices of bread (white, whole grain, sourdough)
1 large egg
½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your favorite)
1 tsp finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Toast the slices of bread to your desired level of crispness in a toaster or on a grill pan. If using thicker bread, toast it lightly to avoid it getting too hard.
- Cook the egg: Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack the egg into the skillet and cook sunny-side-up or to your preference, until the white is set but the yolk is runny (about 2-3 minutes).
- Melt the cheese: Once the bread is toasted, sprinkle the grated cheese over each slice. Return the toast to the skillet or place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Assemble the toast: Place the cooked egg on top of the cheese-covered toast. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Serve: Cut the toasts in half and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the egg is warm.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add slices of ripe avocado.
For a spicier kick, drizzle with sriracha or hot sauce.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an added veggie boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 toast
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 160mg