20 Breakfast Sandwiches Americans Can’t Get Enough Of
Breakfast sandwiches have become a morning ritual for millions of Americans rushing to work or enjoying a lazy weekend.
These handheld meals combine the best breakfast ingredients between bread, English muffins, or biscuits for a satisfying start to the day.
From fast-food classics to gourmet creations, these portable breakfast options have revolutionized how we fuel up for the day ahead.
1. Classic Bacon, Egg and Cheese
Nothing beats the holy trinity of breakfast ingredients tucked between a toasted English muffin. The runny yolk creates a natural sauce that mingles with melted American cheese while crispy bacon adds the perfect salty crunch.
I remember stopping at the same corner deli every Friday morning in college, where Tony would start making my BEC the moment I walked through the door.
The sandwich sustained me through many early classes. The beauty lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in the flavor symphony.
2. McDonald’s Egg McMuffin
This iconic sandwich revolutionized fast-food breakfast when it debuted in the early 1970s. The genius combination of a perfectly round egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on a toasted English muffin remains largely unchanged decades later.
The Egg McMuffin’s staying power comes from its balanced flavors and consistent quality. The sandwich clocks in at a reasonable 310 calories, making it one of the healthier fast-food breakfast options.
Many competitors have tried to replicate its success, but the original maintains its special place in American breakfast culture.
3. Southern Biscuit Sandwich
Flaky, buttery biscuits split and stuffed with country ham, fried chicken, or sausage patties represent breakfast perfection across the American South. The best versions feature biscuits made from scratch, with visible layers that pull apart easily.
Growing up in Georgia, my grandma would make these every Sunday before church. Her secret was using buttermilk and keeping the dough cold until the last possible moment.
Regional variations abound, with some adding pimento cheese, others using bacon gravy, but all delivering comfort in sandwich form.
4. Breakfast Burrito Wrap
While technically not a traditional sandwich, this handheld breakfast deserves its spot on the list. Scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, cheese, and breakfast meats all bundled in a warm flour tortilla create a portable morning meal.
The beauty of breakfast burritos lies in their versatility. Add salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for extra flavor. Some regions incorporate regional specialties like chorizo in the Southwest or pulled pork in the South.
Many Americans grab these protein-packed wraps for breakfast on the go, appreciating how they stay intact during commutes.
5. New York Bodega Sandwich
New Yorkers swear by their local bodega breakfast sandwiches, often served on a Kaiser roll or bagel. The magic happens on flat-top grills visible from the counter, where eggs are cooked alongside chopped bacon or sausage.
Salt, pepper, and ketchup are standard additions, with avocado or hot sauce for the adventurous. The sandwich comes wrapped in foil, creating a steam pocket that melds all flavors together.
What makes bodega sandwiches special is their consistency and availability, with most shops serving them 24/7 for hungry city dwellers.
6. Croque Madame
This French-inspired breakfast sandwich has found a devoted following in American brunch spots. Ham and Gruyère cheese are layered between bread, topped with béchamel sauce, and crowned with a sunny-side-up egg.
I spent months trying to perfect this at home after having an amazing version in a small café in Boston. The trick, I learned, is using good-quality ham and not skimping on the cheese.
Unlike most handheld breakfast options, this elegant creation requires a knife and fork to eat properly, as the egg yolk creates a rich sauce.
7. The Elvis
Named after the King’s famous preference, this sweet-and-savory combination features peanut butter, banana slices, and bacon on toasted bread, sometimes grilled to melty perfection. Some variations include honey or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The contrast between creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and salty bacon creates an addictive flavor profile that satisfies both sweet and savory breakfast cravings.
Health-conscious fans substitute turkey bacon or use whole grain bread. The sandwich has become a staple at diners and cafés specializing in all-day breakfast menus.
8. Avocado Toast Sandwich
Taking the wildly popular avocado toast to the next level, this version adds a fried egg and becomes a proper sandwich with a second slice of artisanal bread. Smashed avocado is seasoned with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Often featuring additions like microgreens, pickled onions, or everything bagel seasoning, this Instagram-worthy creation balances nutrition and indulgence. Many cafés offer variations with bacon, smoked salmon, or roasted tomatoes.
Popular among health-conscious millennials, this sandwich provides healthy fats and protein in one photogenic package.
9. Monte Cristo
This indulgent breakfast-meets-lunch option features ham and Swiss cheese between bread that’s dipped in egg batter and fried like French toast. The sweet-savory combination comes from dusting the sandwich with powdered sugar and serving it with jam.
My first encounter with a Monte Cristo was at a ski lodge in Colorado. After a morning on the slopes, that combination of protein, carbs, and sweetness was exactly what I needed.
The sandwich originated as an American adaptation of the French Croque Monsieur, but evolved into a unique creation that bridges breakfast and lunch perfectly.
10. Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese
A New York classic that’s gained nationwide popularity, this sandwich layers smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers, and sometimes tomato on a freshly baked bagel. The best versions feature hand-rolled, water-boiled bagels with a chewy interior.
The combination of flavors works harmoniously, with the rich salmon complementing the tangy cream cheese while capers and onions add brightness. Everything bagels are particularly popular for this creation, adding texture and flavor.
Weekend bagel runs have become a ritual for many American families seeking this perfect breakfast sandwich.
11. Breakfast Panini
Taking breakfast sandwiches to gourmet heights, these pressed creations feature combinations like prosciutto, fontina, and egg or spinach, mushroom, and gruyère between artisanal bread.
The sandwich is pressed in a panini maker, creating a compact, grilled exterior with melty fillings. Coffee shops across America have embraced breakfast paninis as premium morning offerings.
The pressing process melds flavors together while creating a satisfying textural contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior.
Many versions incorporate pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or other Mediterranean ingredients for added sophistication.
12. Breakfast Banh Mi
Vietnamese flavors meet American breakfast in this fusion creation. A crusty baguette gets filled with scrambled eggs, Vietnamese sausage or bacon, pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, jalapeños, and sriracha mayo.
The contrast between creamy eggs, spicy sauce, and bright pickled vegetables creates a flavor explosion that wakes up taste buds. This sandwich represents how global cuisines continue to influence American breakfast trends.
Popular in urban areas with vibrant food scenes, breakfast banh mi offers a spicy alternative to traditional morning sandwiches.
13. Croissant Breakfast Sandwich
Buttery, flaky croissants elevate breakfast sandwiches to new heights when split and filled with eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats.
The contrast between the croissant’s crisp exterior and soft, layered interior creates textural magic. Coffee chains popularized these sandwiches, but local bakeries often create superior versions using freshly baked croissants.
The sandwich works well with traditional fillings like ham and Swiss or more adventurous combinations like turkey and avocado. The rich, buttery pastry transforms a simple breakfast into something that feels indulgent and special.
14. PB&J Breakfast Sandwich
Childhood nostalgia gets a breakfast upgrade with this sweet sandwich variation. Traditional peanut butter and jelly gets transformed by using brioche French toast as the bread, creating a morning-appropriate version of the lunchbox classic.
Some creative versions add banana slices, a drizzle of honey, or even cream cheese for added richness. The protein from peanut butter combined with the sweetness of jelly provides a quick energy boost.
This comfort food sandwich has found its way onto many brunch menus, often paired with a side of fresh fruit.
15. Breakfast Grilled Cheese
The humble grilled cheese gets a morning makeover with the addition of scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and sometimes tomato or avocado. The key is using good melting cheeses like cheddar, American, or pepper jack.
My dad used to make these on Sunday mornings using whatever cheese was in the fridge. Sometimes we’d get fancy with three different kinds, creating our own signature blend.
The sandwich satisfies with its combination of crispy, buttery bread and gooey, melted cheese surrounding savory breakfast ingredients.
16. Breakfast Torta
Mexican influences shine in this substantial sandwich featuring a soft bolillo roll filled with eggs, refried beans, avocado, cheese, and meats like chorizo or carnitas. Pickled jalapeños, salsa, or hot sauce add welcome heat.
The combination of protein-rich ingredients makes this a filling option that often serves as both breakfast and lunch.
Regional variations exist throughout the country, with some adding hash browns or different cheese blends.
The sandwich’s substantial nature makes it popular among those with physical jobs or long days ahead.
17. Open-Faced Breakfast Melt
This knife-and-fork breakfast features a single slice of bread topped with savory ingredients and broiled until the cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust.
Popular variations include tomato, spinach, and mushrooms under the cheese layer. Diners and breakfast spots often serve these on thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast for a sturdy base.
The open-faced nature allows for artistic presentation with perfectly placed eggs and garnishes. Health-conscious eaters appreciate that using one slice of bread cuts carbs while still delivering satisfying flavors.
18. Breakfast Pita Pocket
Mediterranean inspiration comes through in these stuffed pita pockets filled with scrambled eggs, feta cheese, tomatoes, and often a yogurt-based sauce. Some versions add spinach, olives, or cucumber for extra freshness.
The pita bread creates a perfect portable package that holds ingredients securely without dripping. Many Americans appreciate the lighter feel compared to heartier breakfast sandwiches, making this a popular choice for health-conscious eaters.
Quick-service restaurants have added these to menus as lighter alternatives to traditional breakfast offerings.
19. Breakfast Sliders
Miniature versions of breakfast sandwiches served on small rolls like Hawaiian sweet rolls or mini brioche buns have become party favorites and family breakfast staples. Often made in batches, with eggs and cheese baked directly onto the bottom halves.
The small size makes these perfect for feeding a crowd or for kids with smaller appetites. Many home cooks prepare full pans of these sliders for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches.
The petite nature allows for sampling different varieties without committing to a full-sized sandwich.
20. Donut Breakfast Sandwich
Sweet meets savory in this indulgent creation featuring a glazed donut split in half and filled with egg, cheese, and bacon or sausage. The warm sandwich causes the donut glaze to melt slightly, creating a sweet sauce that mingles with savory elements.
While some find this combination shocking, fans love how the sweet donut complements salty breakfast meats. The sandwich gained popularity after appearing at state fairs and has since made its way onto restaurant menus.
This over-the-top creation represents American breakfast at its most creative and indulgent.