Egg-In-A-Hole Breakfast Sandwich

Some mornings call for something a little extra. This Egg-in-a-Hole Breakfast Sandwich is exactly that: golden, buttery bread toasted with eggs cooked right in the center, layered with sweet-and-spicy candied bacon, and finished with gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you linger at the table a little longer, coffee in hand, soaking up every bite.

Think of it as a mash-up between a diner classic and a gourmet sandwich—you get the nostalgia of egg-in-a-hole, but upgraded with smoky bacon caramelized in brown sugar and red pepper flakes, plus a melty layer of cheese that ties everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet + Savory Magic: Brown sugar candied bacon with a spicy kick is breakfast perfection.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Egg-in-a-hole gets reinvented into a full sandwich.
• Customizable: Use any bread or cheese you love.
• Hearty + Filling: This isn’t just breakfast—it’s a full meal in sandwich form.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or griddle
• Small round cutter or glass (to cut the bread holes)
• Baking sheet (for the bacon)
• Spatula
• Butter knife

Ingredients in Egg-In-A-Hole Breakfast Sandwich

Bread

Two thick slices of bread are key—cinnamon brioche adds sweetness and richness, but sourdough or Texas toast also work beautifully.

Eggs

The star of the show, perfectly cooked right into the center of the bread.

Bacon

Five slices, coated in brown sugar and red pepper flakes, then baked until crispy and caramelized.

Brown Sugar & Red Pepper Flakes

This duo turns bacon into candied bacon with just the right balance of sweet heat.

Cheese

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both sharp flavor and irresistible stretch. Swap in your favorite cheese—pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss would all be delicious.

Butter

For golden, crispy bread edges and that indulgent diner flavor.

Salt & Pepper

A finishing touch that makes everything pop.

Instructions

Make the Candied Bacon: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and red pepper flakes. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until caramelized and crispy. Set aside.

Prepare the Bread: Using a round cutter or small glass, cut a hole in the center of each bread slice. Save the cut-outs (they’re perfect little toasts for snacking).

Cook the Eggs: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place one slice of bread in the skillet and crack an egg into the hole. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the egg sets on the bottom, then carefully flip to cook the other side (runny yolk or firm yolk—it’s up to you). Repeat with the second slice.

Assemble the Sandwich: Once both slices are cooked, sprinkle one with cheese and top with candied bacon slices. Place the second slice of egg-in-a-hole bread on top to close the sandwich.

Melt + Finish: Add a little more butter to the skillet if needed. Grill the sandwich for 1–2 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crisp.

Serve & Enjoy: Slice in half and serve warm, with coffee or fresh fruit on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: ~550–600
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Serving Ideas

• Breakfast Platter: Pair with hash browns and fruit salad for a full brunch spread.
• On the Go: Wrap in foil for a portable breakfast sandwich.
• Spicy Boost: Add a drizzle of hot honey or sriracha for even more kick.
• Extra Indulgent: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or chipotle mayo on the bread before cooking.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Candied Bacon Ahead: Cook the bacon up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Re-crisp in the oven before using.
• Sandwich Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet.
• Freezer Friendly: Assemble without cooking the eggs, wrap tightly, and freeze. Cook directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.

Variations to Try

• Avocado Twist: Add smashed avocado inside the sandwich.
• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
• Different Cheeses: Try Havarti, pepper jack, or provolone.
• Bagel Version: Use bagels instead of bread slices for a fun swap.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this with regular sandwich bread?
A1: Yes! Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the egg.

Q2: Do I have to make candied bacon?
A2: No—you can use plain crispy bacon if you prefer, but the sweet-heat bacon really makes it special.

Q3: What if I don’t have a cutter for the bread?
A3: Use the rim of a drinking glass or even a jar lid.

Q4: Can I make the eggs over-easy or fully cooked?
A4: Definitely—cook to your yolk preference.

Q5: Can I add veggies to the sandwich?
A5: Yes! Sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach are great additions.

Q6: Can I use turkey bacon?
A6: Yes, though it won’t caramelize quite the same way as regular bacon.

Q7: What cheese melts best?
A7: Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for flavor, or a combo for the best of both.

Q8: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A8: Absolutely—just work in batches on a large griddle or skillet.

Q9: Is this kid-friendly?
A9: Yes! Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Q10: Can I make this in the oven instead of a skillet?
A10: You can bake the egg-in-a-hole bread on a sheet pan at 375°F until eggs are set, then assemble the sandwich.

Conclusion

This Egg-in-a-Hole Breakfast Sandwich is the perfect way to turn a simple breakfast into something unforgettable. With buttery bread, a perfectly cooked egg, sweet-and-spicy candied bacon, and melty cheese, every bite is a little bit of comfort and a whole lot of flavor.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast that feels like a treat, this recipe is guaranteed to start your day off right.

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