Egg and Cheese Toast Made Simple for Busy Breakfasts

This egg and cheese toast is the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why breakfast ever felt like a chore in the first place. I mean, we’ve all had those mornings where even brewing coffee feels like too much work, right? That’s exactly why I love having simple go-to recipes like this one in my back pocket.

When I first tried this toast, I wasn’t expecting much. Just another slice of bread with some cheese slapped on top. But wow, it turned out better than I imagined. The bread gets crisp and golden, the cheese melts into a gooey blanket, and the egg bakes right in the middle like it was always meant to be there. It’s one of those rare recipes that looks fancy but takes almost no effort at all.

And here’s the kicker: you can pull it off in less than 15 minutes. Honestly, by the time you’re done scrolling your phone in the morning, this toast could already be sitting on your plate. That’s the kind of win I live for in my kitchen.

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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Fast breakfast magic – You can whip this up in less than 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for those mornings when you’re running late but still want something homemade. I love recipes that let me slow down just a bit without stealing half my morning.
• Simple ingredients – Everything you need is probably already in your fridge. Bread, cheese, egg, butter. That’s it. No need for a grocery run, which is always a win in my book.
• Delicious layers of flavor – The way the bread crisps up, the cheese melts into a stretchy blanket, and the egg sets right in the middle is just unbeatable. It’s rich, comforting, and satisfying all at once.
• Kid and adult approved – This is the kind of recipe that gets zero complaints at the table. My kids love it, my husband asks for it, and honestly I could eat it three times a week without getting bored.
• Flexible and customizable – You can switch up the cheese, toss in different herbs, or add your favorite deli slices to make it your own. I’ve tried a few variations myself, and it always comes out great.

INGREDIENTS FOR EGG AND CHEESE TOAST

Bread & base

• 2 large slices of bread
• Butter, softened, as needed

Cheese & filling

• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 2 slices chicken mortadella (or another deli meat you like)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded, as needed

Egg & seasoning

• 1 egg
• Crushed black pepper, to taste
• Himalayan pink salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish

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STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

• STEP 1) Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with butter paper.
• STEP 2) Spread butter on one bread slice, then layer it with cheddar cheese, chicken mortadella, and mozzarella.
• STEP 3) Place the second slice on top, press a bowl in the center to make a well, and butter the top slice.
• STEP 4) Crack the egg into the well, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle mozzarella around the egg, and poke the yolk with a skewer.
• STEP 5) Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bread is golden and the egg is set, then garnish with fresh coriander and serve right away.

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EXPERT COOKING TIPS FOR EGG AND CHEESE TOAST

• Use room temperature butter. Cold butter will tear the bread instead of spreading smoothly, so let it soften first for even coverage.
• Don’t skip the well. Pressing a little dip into the bread keeps the egg in place and helps it cook evenly. If you skip it, the egg will just slide right off.
• Keep an eye on the yolk. If you like it runny, check around the 9-minute mark. For a firmer yolk, let it go the full 12 minutes.
• Try different cheeses. Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but swapping in gouda or provolone adds a new flavor without changing the method.
• Bake on the middle rack. Too close to the top heating element and the bread will brown too quickly, leaving the egg undercooked.

RECIPE FAQ

BEST SIDES TO SERVE WITH TOAST

When I make this egg and cheese toast for breakfast, I almost always pair it with something light on the side. A handful of fresh fruit like berries or orange slices gives a nice sweet contrast to the richness of the toast. If I’m in more of a cozy mood, a hot cup of tea or coffee makes the whole meal feel extra comforting.

For a bigger spread, I’ll throw together a small green salad or even some roasted vegetables left over from dinner the night before. It’s a fun way to balance the meal without a lot of extra work. And if you’ve got kids at the table, a glass of fresh juice is usually the easiest way to round things out.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

If you happen to have a slice or two left over, don’t worry, it keeps surprisingly well. Just let the toast cool completely before wrapping it in foil or placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

When it comes to reheating, skip the microwave if you can. The bread gets soggy and the egg turns rubbery. I like to pop it back in the oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melty again and the bread crisps up. If you’re really short on time, a toaster oven works great too.

I’ve made this egg and cheese toast more times than I can count, and it still surprises me how something so simple can feel so special. It’s quick enough for a rushed weekday morning, but still satisfying enough to enjoy on a lazy Sunday with a hot drink and good company. If you give it a try, I have a feeling it’ll earn a spot in your regular breakfast lineup too.