Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (15 g)
  • 2 slices Thick-cut Sourdough or Brioche Bread
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature is ideal)
  • 1 oz Cheddar Cheese (28 g), sliced or grated
  • 2 strips bacon or 1 patty Cooked Breakfast Meat (Bacon, Ham, or Sausage Patty)
  • Pinch Kosher or Sea Salt
  • Pinch Freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Ketchup or Brown Sauce (Optional, for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bread: Using a cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass (approx. 2.5–3 inches diameter), cut a circular hole completely through the centre of one slice of bread. Reserve the cutout piece—this will be your bonus mini-toast.
  2. Cook the Meat (if uncooked): If using uncooked bacon or sausage, place the pan over medium heat and cook the meat until crisp. Remove the meat and set aside on a paper towel. Leave the rendered fat in the pan (or drain and add 1 Tbsp of fresh butter).
  3. Melt the Fat: Add the butter (if needed) to the pan over medium-low heat until shimmering.
  4. Place the Bread: Place both the whole slice of bread (the 'lid') and the sliced piece (the 'base' with the hole) into the pan.
  5. Toast the Base: Toast the bread base for 1–2 minutes until the underside is lightly golden brown.
  6. Add the Egg: Flip the bread base over. Immediately crack the egg directly into the hole cut into the bread. Season the egg with salt and pepper.
  7. Toast the 'Lid' & Cutout: Place the reserved small cutout piece and the whole slice of bread (the 'lid') alongside the base and let them toast slightly.
  8. Steam and Melt: Once the egg white is mostly set but the yolk is still runny (about 3–4 minutes), carefully arrange the cooked meat and cheese slices around the edges of the bread base (the slice with the egg in the centre).
  9. The Cover: Take the 'lid' slice of bread and place it directly on top of the cheese and meat filling. Press down gently with the spatula to encourage the cheese to melt.
  10. Final Flip and Press: Flip the entire sandwich (lid and base) over. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, pressing down firmly with the spatula to crisp the bread, melt the cheese completely, and fuse the sandwich together.
  11. Serve: Remove the sandwich and the bonus toast from the pan. Slice diagonally and serve immediately with ketchup or brown sauce.