Save There's something about the smell of bacon hitting a hot pan that just stops you mid-morning. I used to rush through breakfast until one Saturday when my roommate made this sandwich, and I watched her layer everything with actual care—the avocado slices fanned just right, the egg yolk still runny. That's when I realized a breakfast sandwich wasn't just fuel, it was a moment you could actually sit with.
I made this for my partner one Sunday morning when we'd both had a rough week, and I remember them taking one bite and just closing their eyes. No words, just that look people get when something tastes like comfort. That's when I knew this sandwich belonged in regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or brioche): Use something sturdy enough to hold the weight without falling apart—thin sandwich bread will collapse into a soggy mess. Sourdough gives you tang, brioche gives you richness; pick what speaks to you.
- Bacon: The crispier the better, because it stays crisp against the warm egg and melted cheese. Turkey bacon works if you need it lighter, but regular bacon is the non-negotiable for texture.
- Large eggs: Size matters here—they should cover most of the sandwich. Sunny side up looks beautiful and that runny yolk is the sauce, so don't scramble unless you prefer it that way.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar has character and melts without turning to plastic. Swiss is mild and sophisticated; American cheese melts almost too perfectly if you want that diner vibe.
- Ripe avocado: This is the ingredient that needs timing. Too firm and it's mealy, too soft and it becomes guacamole on your hands. Slice it just before assembly, right at that creamy sweet spot.
- Tomato and greens (optional): Fresh tomato adds brightness and a little juice that mingles with the yolk, while baby spinach or arugula prevents the sandwich from feeling heavy. Don't skip them just because they're optional.
- Butter or olive oil: Butter gives toast a richer, more indulgent flavor; olive oil is cleaner and lighter. I usually lean butter, but if you're making this for lunch instead of breakfast, oil feels less heavy.
- Salt and pepper: The eggs especially need real attention here—underseasoned eggs make everything taste flat, so don't be shy.
Instructions
- Start with bacon:
- Lay bacon strips flat in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. This slow start prevents them from splattering and burning on the edges. You want golden, crispy, almost lacy—about 5 to 6 minutes total. The moment they're done, transfer to paper towels to drain and crisp up a bit more.
- Toast your bread:
- Use the still-warm, bacon-fat-infused pan (just wipe out any dark bits). Melt about half the butter and get those bread slices golden brown on each side—2 minutes per side usually does it. You're not making croutons, just giving it a crispy exterior that can stand up to everything else.
- Cook the egg your way:
- Add the remaining butter to the pan if it's looking dry, then crack your eggs in. If you want sunny side up, cover the pan for the last minute so the white sets without the yolk overcooking. If you prefer over-easy, flip gently when the white is almost set. Season while it's still in the pan—the salt dissolves right in.
- Layer strategically:
- Place one slice of cheese on two of your toasted bread slices while they're still warm so it starts to melt into the crevices. This is your flavor foundation, so don't skip it.
- Build the bottom half:
- Top the cheese with 2 crispy bacon strips, then your avocado slices fanned slightly, tomato if using, and a small handful of greens. The order matters because each layer keeps the next one from sliding around.
- Add the egg and crown it:
- Gently lay your cooked egg on top of the stack—if the yolk breaks a little, that's not a mistake, that's dinner magic happening. Place the second piece of toast on top and press very gently.
- Serve and eat right away:
- This sandwich is best when toast is still warm and cheese is still soft. Cut it in half diagonally if you want—it looks nicer and is easier to handle that way.
Save I think what makes this sandwich special isn't any one ingredient—it's that you're eating it while it's still warm, while the cheese hasn't hardened and the toast still has that butter-gold color. It's comfort food that actually tastes good, not heavy.
Bread Matters More Than You Think
I used to grab whatever bread was closest, and the sandwich would always feel a little deflated by the time I finished eating it. Then I started picking bread like I was choosing something special, and the whole experience shifted. A sturdy sourdough holds the weight of everything without turning to paste, brioche adds a subtle sweetness that plays with the avocado, and whole wheat gives you a nutty depth. Whatever you choose, slice it thick—thin bread just crumbles under the butter and heat.
The Egg Is Everything
This is where people make their biggest mistake. I used to cook the egg separately from the other components and plate it when everything else was cold, which made it taste like an afterthought. Now I time it so the egg is the last thing to cook, still hot and runny when it hits the sandwich. That yolk becomes your sauce, mixing with the melted cheese and the butter from the toast. Get that part right and the whole thing just works.
Make It Your Own
The recipe is a template, not a law. Some mornings I skip the tomato because I want the flavors simpler. Some weekends I add hot sauce because I'm in that kind of mood. The one thing I never change is the fundamentals—good bacon, good bread, a good egg cooked right, and avocado at the last second.
- Vegetarian? Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or a veggie sausage patty and you've got something just as satisfying.
- Want it breakfast-for-dinner? It works with just about any time of day, though I'd pair it with something cold to cut through the richness.
- Running low on time? Even a perfectly cooked egg on good toast with avocado and cheese is enough—you don't need bacon to make this work.
Save This sandwich is proof that breakfast doesn't have to be rushed. Give yourself 20 minutes, pay attention to the details, and you've got something that tastes like care.
Kitchen Questions
- → How can I make the sandwich vegetarian?
Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or a veggie sausage patty to maintain heartiness without meat.
- → What cheese types work best for this sandwich?
Cheddar, Swiss, or American cheeses melt well and complement the creamy avocado and crispy bacon flavors.
- → Can I prepare this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular bread with a gluten-free alternative of your choice.
- → What is the best method to cook the eggs?
Frying eggs sunny side up or over-easy allows yolk richness to enhance the sandwich texture and taste.
- → Are there any suggested additions for extra flavor?
Adding a smear of pesto or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the sandwich with bold, complementary notes.