
Ultimate Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg Sandwich Recipes: Elevate Your Breakfast and Lunch!
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food. Scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple. But what happens when you combine these two classics into one delectable creation? You get the ultimate grilled cheese and scrambled egg sandwich! This article explores multiple variations of this amazing sandwich, providing detailed steps and instructions to elevate your breakfast or lunch game.
Why This Sandwich Works
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand why this combination is so perfect:
* **Texture Contrast:** The crispiness of the grilled bread against the soft, creamy scrambled eggs creates a delightful textural experience.
* **Flavor Harmony:** The savory cheese, buttery bread, and rich eggs complement each other beautifully.
* **Customization:** This sandwich is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences by adding different cheeses, meats, vegetables, and sauces.
* **Quick and Easy:** Despite its gourmet appeal, this sandwich is surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or a satisfying lunch.
Basic Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg Sandwich Recipe
This is the foundation upon which we’ll build our more elaborate variations. Master this basic recipe first, and then let your creativity run wild!
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of bread (sourdough, brioche, or your favorite)
* 1 tablespoon butter, softened
* 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your preferred melting cheese)
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Scrambled Eggs:** In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. **Cook the Scrambled Eggs:** Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a pat of butter (about 1/2 teaspoon). Once melted, pour in the egg mixture. Cook, stirring gently with a spatula, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist. Avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to cook inside the sandwich.
3. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a clean skillet over medium heat. Top with one slice of cheese, then the scrambled eggs, and finally the second slice of cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
4. **Grill the Sandwich:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese is fully melted, reduce the heat to low.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Variations and Add-ins
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some exciting variations:
1. The Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
* **Cheese:** Swap the cheddar or American for Gruyere, brie, or fontina. These cheeses offer a richer, more complex flavor profile.
* **Bread:** Use artisanal bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or a multigrain loaf.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Caramelized Onions:** Add a layer of sweet and savory caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
* **Roasted Red Peppers:** Introduce a touch of sweetness and smokiness with roasted red peppers.
* **Truffle Oil:** Drizzle a few drops of truffle oil over the scrambled eggs for a luxurious touch.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Caramelize onions in a pan with butter and a pinch of sugar until golden brown and softened.
2. Roast red peppers in the oven until the skin is blackened. Peel off the skin and slice the peppers.
3. Follow the basic recipe, adding the caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of truffle oil to the sandwich before grilling.
2. The Spicy Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
* **Cheese:** Use pepper jack, jalapeno cheddar, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack with diced jalapenos.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Sriracha Mayo:** Mix sriracha sauce with mayonnaise for a creamy and spicy spread.
* **Pickled Jalapenos:** Add sliced pickled jalapenos for an extra kick.
* **Chorizo or Spicy Sausage:** Cooked and crumbled chorizo or spicy sausage adds a smoky and savory heat.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Prepare sriracha mayo by mixing sriracha sauce with mayonnaise to taste.
2. Cook chorizo or spicy sausage in a pan until browned and crumbled.
3. Follow the basic recipe, spreading sriracha mayo on the bread and adding pickled jalapenos and cooked chorizo to the sandwich before grilling.
3. The Breakfast Club Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
This variation is inspired by the classic breakfast sandwich.
* **Cheese:** Use a combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Bacon or Ham:** Cooked bacon or ham adds a salty and savory element.
* **Avocado:** Sliced avocado provides a creamy and healthy addition.
* **Tomato:** Thinly sliced tomato adds freshness and acidity.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Cook bacon or ham until crispy.
2. Slice avocado and tomato.
3. Follow the basic recipe, adding cooked bacon or ham, sliced avocado, and tomato to the sandwich before grilling.
4. The Veggie Lover’s Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
This option is packed with healthy vegetables.
* **Cheese:** Use provolone, mozzarella, or a plant-based cheese alternative.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Spinach or Kale:** Sautéed spinach or kale adds nutrients and flavor.
* **Mushrooms:** Sautéed mushrooms provide an earthy and umami taste.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of flavor.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Sauté spinach or kale in a pan with garlic and olive oil until wilted.
2. Sauté mushrooms in a pan with butter and garlic until softened.
3. Follow the basic recipe, adding sautéed spinach or kale, sautéed mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes to the sandwich before grilling.
5. The Italian Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
This variation brings the flavors of Italy to your sandwich.
* **Cheese:** Use mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan cheese.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Pesto:** Spread pesto on the bread for a vibrant and herbaceous flavor.
* **Prosciutto:** Add slices of prosciutto for a salty and savory element.
* **Roasted Garlic:** Incorporate roasted garlic into the scrambled eggs for a sweet and mellow garlic flavor.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Roast garlic cloves in the oven until softened and caramelized.
2. Mix roasted garlic into the scrambled eggs.
3. Follow the basic recipe, spreading pesto on the bread and adding prosciutto to the sandwich before grilling.
6. The French Onion Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
This combines the flavors of French Onion Soup with the grilled cheese and scrambled egg.
* **Cheese:** Gruyere or Swiss are excellent choices.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Caramelized Onions (as in the Gourmet option):** Essential for the French Onion flavor.
* **Beef Broth Reduction:** Simmer beef broth until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, adding a rich, savory depth.
* **Thyme:** Fresh thyme adds an aromatic element.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Caramelize onions slowly over low heat with butter and a pinch of sugar until deeply golden and softened.
2. Simmer beef broth in a saucepan until reduced by half or more, creating a concentrated flavor.
3. Follow the basic recipe, layering caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese. Drizzle the beef broth reduction over the scrambled eggs before adding the top slice of bread. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves into the sandwich.
7. Caprese Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
A fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired grilled cheese.
* **Cheese:** Fresh mozzarella is a must.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Tomato:** Sliced fresh tomato provides sweetness and acidity.
* **Basil:** Fresh basil leaves add an aromatic and herbaceous note.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Follow the basic grilled cheese and scrambled egg recipe.
2. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil leaves inside the sandwich before grilling.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the sandwich after grilling.
8. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
A creamy and savory twist on a classic dip.
* **Cheese:** Use a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Spinach:** Sautéed spinach adds nutrients and flavor.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** Canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a savory element.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Sauté spinach with minced garlic until wilted.
2. Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese in a bowl.
3. Mix the sautéed spinach and chopped artichoke hearts into the cheese mixture.
4. Follow the basic grilled cheese and scrambled egg recipe, spreading the spinach and artichoke cheese mixture inside the sandwich before grilling.
9. Kimchi Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
A spicy and tangy Korean-inspired grilled cheese.
* **Cheese:** Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Kimchi:** Fermented kimchi adds a spicy, sour, and umami flavor.
* **Gochujang Mayo:** Mix gochujang (Korean chili paste) with mayonnaise for a creamy and spicy spread.
* **Sesame Oil:** A drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Prepare gochujang mayo by mixing gochujang with mayonnaise to taste.
2. Follow the basic grilled cheese and scrambled egg recipe, spreading gochujang mayo on the bread and adding kimchi to the sandwich before grilling. Drizzle with sesame oil after grilling.
10. Mushroom and Swiss Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg
An earthy and savory combination.
* **Cheese:** Swiss cheese is the star of the show.
* **Add-ins:**
* **Mushrooms:** Sautéed mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, add an earthy and umami flavor.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic enhances the mushroom flavor.
* **Thyme:** Fresh thyme adds an aromatic element.
**Recipe Modifications:**
1. Sauté sliced mushrooms with minced garlic and fresh thyme in butter until softened and browned.
2. Follow the basic grilled cheese and scrambled egg recipe, adding the sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese to the sandwich before grilling.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cheese and Scrambled Egg Sandwich
* **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Softened butter spreads more evenly on the bread, ensuring even browning.
* **Low and Slow:** Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cook one sandwich at a time to ensure even heating.
* **Press Gently:** Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while it’s grilling to help the ingredients meld together.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the sandwich will taste. Opt for high-quality bread, cheese, and eggs.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces. The possibilities are endless!
* **Consider Toppings and Sauces:** Offer a variety of toppings and sauces for your guests to customize their sandwiches. Some popular options include tomato soup, ketchup, hot sauce, and various dips.
* **Proper Egg Cooking:** Ensure the eggs are scrambled just right – not too runny, not too dry. Slightly undercook them as they’ll continue to cook inside the sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides:
* **Tomato Soup:** A classic pairing for grilled cheese.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy coleslaw complements the savory flavors.
* **French Fries or Potato Chips:** For a more indulgent meal.
* **Pickles:** The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese and eggs.
Conclusion
The grilled cheese and scrambled egg sandwich is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With endless variations and add-ins, you can create a sandwich that perfectly suits your taste preferences. So, get creative in the kitchen and elevate your grilled cheese game to the next level!