Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich – A Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
If there’s one breakfast that checks all the boxes — quick, satisfying, portable, and endlessly customizable — it’s the classic Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich. This simple yet flavor-packed dish is everything you want in a morning meal: fluffy eggs, savory ham, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted bread all layered into one warm, melty bite.
Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a quiet breakfast at home, this sandwich delivers. It’s a staple for meal preppers, busy families, or anyone who appreciates a no-fuss start to the day. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a breakfast that feels hearty and homemade — even on a Monday morning.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make the best egg and ham breakfast sandwich from scratch. We’ll walk through all your options for bread, eggs, cheese, and ham, plus ideas for make-ahead prep, freezing, reheating, and some delicious twists to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich
This sandwich has earned its place as a breakfast classic for a reason:
- Ready in 15 minutes or less
- Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture
- Made with common pantry and fridge staples
- Portable and great for on-the-go mornings
- Easy to prep ahead and freezer-friendly
- Customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes two sandwiches. You can easily scale it up for a crowd or meal prep multiple portions at once.
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 English muffins or sandwich rolls, split and toasted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of ham (deli-style or leftover cooked ham)
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, American, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking and toasting)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sliced tomato or avocado
- Fresh spinach or arugula
- Dijon mustard, sriracha mayo, or hot sauce
- Caramelized onions or sautéed bell peppers
- Fresh herbs such as chives or parsley
Choosing Your Ingredients
Bread
English muffins are the classic choice for breakfast sandwiches. They’re sturdy, toasty, and the nooks and crannies hold in melted cheese beautifully. But you can easily swap them out for:
- Bagels
- Croissants
- Brioche buns
- Toasted sourdough
- Whole wheat sandwich bread
Just make sure whatever bread you use is toasted or warmed to prevent sogginess.
Ham
You can use deli ham, leftover baked ham, or thick-cut country ham, depending on your preferences. For extra flavor, try pan-searing the ham for 1 to 2 minutes before assembling your sandwich.
Eggs
There’s no wrong way to cook the egg for this sandwich — it depends on your style.
- Fried: A sunny-side-up or over-easy egg with a runny yolk adds richness.
- Scrambled: Soft, creamy scrambled eggs are a great option and easy to portion.
- Egg patty: Crack an egg into an egg ring or biscuit cutter for a neat, round shape.
- Microwaved: If you’re short on time, microwave the egg in a ramekin for a quick, circular option.
Cheese
The classic combo is cheddar and ham, but other cheeses work just as well:
- Swiss or Gruyère for a nutty, mild flavor
- American cheese for smooth meltability
- Pepper jack for a bit of spice
- Provolone for a buttery finish
How to Make Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwiches
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Split your English muffins or rolls and toast until golden. You can toast them in a toaster or on a skillet with butter for extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Ham
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ham slices and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned and warmed through. This enhances the flavor and texture, especially if using thick-cut ham or leftovers.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
Choose your preferred method and cook the eggs to your desired doneness. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If using egg rings, lightly grease them before cracking in the egg to help it hold shape.
Tip: If making scrambled eggs, cook them gently over low heat and stir continuously until just set but still soft and creamy.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Right after cooking the egg, place a slice of cheese on top and let it melt from the residual heat. Or, place the cheese on the toasted bread and let it melt in a warm oven for a minute before assembling.
Step 5: Assemble
Layer the sandwich in this order:
- Bottom half of the toasted muffin or bread
- Cheese (if not already melted on egg)
- Egg
- Ham
- Any add-ons or sauces
- Top half of the bread
Press lightly to seal and serve immediately.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
This sandwich is ideal for preparing in advance and keeping on hand for busy mornings. Here’s how to prep, store, and reheat them successfully.
Make Ahead (Fridge)
- Assemble the sandwiches but do not add fresh vegetables or sauce
- Wrap tightly in foil or parchment paper
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave until hot
Freezer Prep
- Fully assemble and let the sandwiches cool
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- Store in a freezer-safe zip-top bag
- Freeze for up to 2 months
To reheat from frozen:
- Remove plastic and wrap in foil
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes
- Or microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway through
Variations to Try
Veggie Lover’s Breakfast Sandwich
Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Skip the meat or pair with veggie sausage.
Sweet and Savory
Use a maple-glazed ham or add a small drizzle of honey mustard.
Spicy Kick
Add sriracha mayo, pepper jack cheese, or jalapeños for heat.
Bagel Sandwich
Swap the muffin for a toasted bagel and use cream cheese along with the ham and egg.
Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
Use a buttery, flaky croissant for a rich, café-style version.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Fresh fruit or berries
- Greek yogurt with honey and granola
- Hash browns or home fries
- A green smoothie or fresh juice
- Coffee or iced tea
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats besides ham?
Yes. Bacon, sausage patties, turkey, or leftover roast meats all work well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Omit the ham and add avocado, sautéed veggies, or a meatless sausage patty.
What if I don’t have time to toast the bread?
Toasting improves the texture and prevents sogginess, but you can microwave or pan-grill the sandwich briefly to warm everything through.
Can I cook the egg in the microwave?
Yes. Lightly oil a ramekin or mug, crack in the egg, and microwave for 30–45 seconds. Check for doneness and adjust time as needed.
Is it okay to skip the cheese?
Of course. The sandwich is still tasty without cheese, or you can use a dairy-free alternative.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy when making ahead?
Let all components cool before assembling, use toasted bread, and avoid adding fresh vegetables or sauces until ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
The Egg and Ham Breakfast Sandwich is more than just a simple morning meal — it’s a dependable, delicious classic that you’ll return to again and again. With endless ways to customize and easy prep options, this sandwich fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Whether you make it fresh, freeze a batch for later, or mix up the ingredients for variety, it always hits the spot.
It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it makes your mornings smoother — what more could you ask for in a breakfast?