This easy Egg and Grilled Cheese Sandwich is my go-to breakfast sandwich: buttery, melty, eggy magic on toast! This sandwich is your ticket to a quick and crave-worthy meal, perfect for when hunger strikes and time's not on your side.
I'm talking crisp, buttery toast, gooey melted American cheese, and a perfectly fried egg tucked right in the middle; you can't get more classic than that.
In this post, I'll show you how to make the perfect egg and grilled cheese sandwich, the sandwich version of a warm hug. It comes together in about 15 minutes with pantry staples and zero fuss.
Whether you're making this for yourself or someone you really like (because sharing this is a true love language), this simple, satisfying sandwich delivers every time.
Jump to:
- A quick look at the recipe
- Why you'll love this savory breakfast idea (and make it again and again)
- Ingredient notes and smart swaps
- How to make the best grilled egg and cheese sandwich
- What to serve with grilled egg and cheese sandwiches
- Fun twists and tasty variations
- Shortcut to supper (time-saving tips)
- Storing and reheating (keep it fresh)
- Recipe FAQs (common questions answered!)
- Pro tips for foolproof results
- Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out
- Quick and Easy Egg and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
A quick look at the recipe
- ✅ Ready in: 15 minutes
- 🛒 Ingredients: 6 simple ingredients
- 🍽️ Serves: 2
- 👩🍳 Difficulty: Easy → "No-Fuss Favorite"
- 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: While you can make it ahead and reheat it, for the best results, it should be made right before serving it
Why you'll love this savory breakfast idea (and make it again and again)
- Fast & easy - From fridge to plate in under 15 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients - Bread, cheese, eggs, butter. That's it.
- Customizable - Add a different cheese, use sourdough bread, a bit of mayo, the sky is the limit for this kid-friendly sandwich.
- Anytime meal-Like my Egg and Cheese Sausage Muffins, they're great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a late-night snack.
- Kid and grown-up approved - Who doesn't love a melty grilled cheese sandwich?
Ingredient notes and smart swaps
Below are my ingredient notes (including substitutions) for the main ingredients in this recipe and how you can make it your own. The recipe card below provides a complete list of all ingredients and measurements. Here's what you'll need to make two sandwiches:
- Italian or sourdough bread is my favorite, and I think it makes the best grilled egg and cheese sandwich.
- American cheese - The melty gold standard. Feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack if you feel adventurous.
- Large eggs - Fried until the yolk is set but still soft and creamy inside.
- Kosher salt and black pepper - Season to taste. Sea salt or table salt also works just fine.
- Butter - For that signature grilled sandwich crunch. Either salted or unsalted is fine.
How to make the best grilled egg and cheese sandwich
- Preheat two frying pans or skillets, one small for the egg and one medium for the sandwich.
- Fry the egg: Spray your skillet generously with non-stick cooking spray, and crack the egg into it. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the bottom is firm, then flip to finish cooking. You want a fully set yolk.
- Butter the bread: While the egg cooks, butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Build the sandwich: In your second pan, place one slice of bread (butter side down), top with cheese, then the cooked egg, then another slice of cheese, and finish with the second slice of bread (butter side up).
- Grill until golden: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Repeat for sandwich number two and serve warm!
What to serve with grilled egg and cheese sandwiches
- For a casual breakfast or brunch spread, I like to serve these handheld breakfast sandwiches with my Egg and Cheese Sausage Muffins, Avocado Cottage Cheese Toast, and a nice fruit salad.
- Old-Fashioned Fried Potatoes and Onions make a great breakfast side dish for a hearty breakfast.
- My go-to sides for a simple lunch or dinner are sliced tomatoes or grapes and chips.
Fun twists and tasty variations
- Add crispy bacon, sausage patties, or ham.
- Sprinkle on hot sauce or a dab of Dijon mustard for a little kick or add a dab of fig jam for a bit of sweetness.
- Top with avocado slices, tomato slices, or sliced cooked mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Use an egg ring for a perfectly round fried egg, or scramble your eggs and make a scrambled egg and grilled cheese sandwich.
Shortcut to supper (time-saving tips)
- Use a large skillet or griddle and make multiple sandwiches at the same time
Storing and reheating (keep it fresh)
- These handheld breakfast sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for a day.
- Reheat in a pan with a bit of melted butter over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven to bring back that crisp exterior.
Recipe FAQs (common questions answered!)
Of course. I usually use two slices per sandwich, but three or four will give you a meltier experience. If you really want to get decadent, use two eggs, too!
You can use rye or regular sandwich bread as a backup.
No, the yolks should be soft but fully cooked. These are hand-held sandwiches and often eaten on the run; you don't want a drippy mess. That said, if you are into runny yolks, by all means, you do you.
Pro tips for foolproof results
- Don't rush the egg-give it time to set so it doesn't run all over your sandwich.
- Keep the heat at medium-low to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Press lightly with a spatula as it cooks to help everything melt together beautifully.
Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out
⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Did you try this recipe? I'd love to know how it turned out!
Did you give it your own twist or have a shortcut that made it even easier? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to leave a star rating. Your feedback helps others (and totally makes my day).
Thanks so much for visiting Practical Southern Cooking! I hope you'll stop by again soon for more no-fuss comfort food and simple Southern favorites.
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Quick and Easy Egg and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- small and medium frying pans or skillets
Ingredients
- 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 large eggs
- Kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat two frying pans or skillets, one small for the egg and one medium for the sandwich.
- Fry the egg: Spray your skillet generously with non-stick cooking spray, and crack the egg into it. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the bottom is firm, then flip to finish cooking. You want a fully set yolk.
- Butter the bread: While the egg cooks, butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Build the sandwich: In your second pan, place one slice of bread (butter side down), top with cheese, then the cooked egg, then another slice of cheese, and finish with the second slice of bread (butter side up).
- Grill until golden: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is crisp and golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Repeat for the second sandwich and serve warm!
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