Breakfast & Brunch

Crispy Fried Egg Breakfast Sandwich

★★★★½ (4.6)

A diner-style breakfast sandwich with a lacy crispy-edged fried egg, melty cheese, and savory bacon stacked on a toasted english muffin, built to be eaten with both hands in five bites.

5 min Prep

12 min Cook

17 min Total

2 Servings

Crispy lacy egg edges just like a diner griddle
Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients
Easily doubled for a quick family breakfast

2 english muffins, split
4 strips bacon
2 large eggs
2 slices American or cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon neutral oil
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)

Lay 4 strips of bacon in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium; starting cold renders the fat slowly for even crispiness.
Cook the bacon for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until deep golden brown and crisp, then transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of the bacon fat from the skillet, or wipe the pan and add 1 teaspoon fresh oil.
Split and butter both english muffins on the cut sides, then toast them cut-side down in a separate dry skillet or toaster until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Return the skillet with the bacon fat to medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
Crack one egg directly into the hot pan; the edges should sizzle and bubble immediately and turn brown and lacy within seconds.
Season the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper, then let it fry undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the white is fully set and the edges are crispy and browned.
For a runny yolk, cook 2 to 3 minutes total without flipping; for a firmer yolk, flip gently and cook 30 more seconds. The white should never look wet or translucent when done.
Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each hot egg so it starts to melt from the residual heat.
Repeat with the second egg, or cook both at once if your pan is large enough, keeping them separated so they do not merge.
Spread mayonnaise on the toasted muffin bottoms if using, then layer on the cheesy fried egg and 2 strips of bacon per sandwich.
Top with the muffin lid and press down gently to set the sandwich, then serve immediately while the egg and cheese are hot.