Breakfast Grilled Cheese

Start your day off right with this Breakfast Grilled Cheese recipe. It brings together creamy scrambled eggs, melty cheese, and your choice of breakfast meat for a delicious morning meal. Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of total time, you can whip up a hearty breakfast that fuels your day.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of eggs and Colby-Jack cheese creates a rich, mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Customizable: Add your favorite breakfast meats like bacon, ham, or sausage to suit your taste buds.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra sandwiches and enjoy them throughout the week for easy breakfasts on the go.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Breakfast Grilled Cheese, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet: Ensures easy flipping without food sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowl: Allows for easy combining of ingredients before assembling your sandwiches.
• Spatula: Helps you flip the sandwiches safely while cooking.
• Paper towels: Useful for draining excess grease and keeping your workspace clean.

Ingredients

For the Breakfast Filling

• 1/2 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 6 large eggs (beaten)

For the Sandwich

• 8 slices Colby-Jack cheese
• 4 tablespoons soft butter (divided)
• 8 slices sourdough bread

How to Make Breakfast Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large non-stick skillet, cook and crumble the ground breakfast sausage until no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to a medium paper towel-lined mixing bowl and set aside. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs. Once they begin to set, gently stir to create scrambled eggs until almost all liquid is gone. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Remove the paper towel from under the sausage, leaving it in the bowl. Add scrambled eggs to the bowl with sausage and gently stir to combine. Wipe out the skillet again and heat it over medium heat.

Step 4: Prepare Bread

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice into the skillet, butter side down.

Step 5: Assemble Sandwich

Top with one slice of Colby-Jack cheese. Scoop about 1/2-cup of the sausage-egg mixture over this cheese layer. Add another slice of cheese on top before placing another slice of buttered bread with butter side up.

Step 6: Cook First Side

Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip it over using your spatula and cook until golden brown on that side as well.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from skillet to a cutting board; cut in half if desired. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately for best flavor!

How to Serve Breakfast Grilled Cheese

Serving the Breakfast Grilled Cheese can elevate your morning meal experience. You can pair it with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and make breakfast even more delightful.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a sweet and refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas: They offer a creamy texture that complements the savory grilled cheese perfectly.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the sandwich.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in lemon juice provide a zesty side.

With Dipping Sauces

• Sriracha Aioli: This spicy sauce adds a kick to each bite of your Breakfast Grilled Cheese.
• Ketchup or Hot Sauce: Classic condiments that can enhance flavor with ease.

With Breakfast Potatoes

• Home Fries: Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty addition.
• Hash Browns: Perfectly crispy hash browns are a classic breakfast side that pairs well with this dish.

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How to Perfect Breakfast Grilled Cheese

To achieve the ultimate Breakfast Grilled Cheese, consider these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for fresh, flavorful cheese like Colby-Jack for rich taste and meltability.
• Butter Generously: Applying enough butter on the bread ensures a perfectly crispy crust.
• Control Heat Carefully: Cooking over medium heat prevents burning while allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
• Add Herbs or Spices: Incorporating herbs like chives or spices such as paprika can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try different combinations of proteins like bacon or ham to customize your sandwich.
• Let Rest Before Cutting: Allowing the sandwich to rest for a minute after cooking helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut.

Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Grilled Cheese

A few carefully chosen side dishes can complement your Breakfast Grilled Cheese wonderfully. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness and refreshing hydration.
2. Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Crunchy carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with hummus or ranch dressing add crunch and nutrition.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a creamy, satisfying side.
4. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds is both delicious and filling.
5. Scrambled Eggs: Extra protein on the side keeps you full longer and pairs seamlessly with grilled cheese flavors.
6. Pancakes or Waffles: For those who enjoy a sweet touch in their breakfast, fluffy pancakes or waffles make an excellent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Breakfast Grilled Cheese, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs and cheese can lead to uneven cooking. Always let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

• Overcooking the eggs: Scrambling the eggs for too long can make them dry. Remove them from the heat while they are still slightly runny, as they will continue to cook off the heat.

• Skipping the butter on the bread: Not buttering the bread can result in uneven browning or a dry sandwich. Always ensure each slice is generously buttered for that perfect crisp.

• Crowding the pan: Adding too many sandwiches at once can lower the temperature of the skillet, leading to soggy bread. Cook one or two sandwiches at a time for even cooking.

• Not letting it rest: Cutting into your grilled cheese right away can cause the filling to spill out. Allow it to rest for a minute before cutting for better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Breakfast Grilled Cheese in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Breakfast Grilled Cheese

• Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Breakfast Grilled Cheese

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed, but be cautious as this may make it soggy.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter and place the sandwich in the pan, cooking each side until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Breakfast Grilled Cheese:

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavors in your Breakfast Grilled Cheese.

How can I customize my Breakfast Grilled Cheese?

You can add vegetables such as spinach or tomatoes, or switch up meats like ham or turkey for variety.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Breakfast Grilled Cheese stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just reheat when ready to enjoy.

Can I make this breakfast grilled cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer as mentioned earlier.

What is the best bread for Breakfast Grilled Cheese?

Sourdough works wonderfully due to its texture and flavor, but you can also use whole wheat, rye, or white bread based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Grilled Cheese recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It allows you to customize your morning meal with various ingredients according to your taste. Whether you prefer sausage or bacon, this dish is sure to start your day off right. Don’t hesitate to try different combinations!