If there’s one dish that has saved me on lazy mornings, busy weekdays, and comfort-food-craving weekends, it’s Egg and Cheese Toasts. This fantastic creation is the absolute definition of the simple breakfast I always come back to: quick, cozy, endlessly customizable, and just downright satisfying. Warm, crispy toast is smothered with a creamy, herby egg and cheese mixture that puffs up golden and irresistible in the oven or air fryer. It’s the sort of breakfast that feels like a hug, and I promise — once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

e Simple Breakfast I Always Come Back To Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient, though humble, brings bold flavor or perfect texture to the table, turning minimal effort into maximum deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

Bread: The foundation! White, whole grain, or tangy sourdough all work beautifully for holding the luscious topping.
Large egg: The heart and binder of this breakfast, responsible for the rich, creamy base.
Grated cheese: Adds gooey decadence — cheddar for sharpness, gruyere for a nutty note, or your favorite for a personal touch.
Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary brings brightness and a little garden-fresh luxury in every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing richness.
Pinch of cayenne: Totally optional, but just a hint of heat takes everything up a notch.

How to Make Simple Breakfast I Always Come Back To

Step 1: Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F or set your air fryer to 370°F. Getting the temperature right from the start ensures the toast cooks perfectly and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

This step gives the base a little texture and helps it hold up to the egg mixture. Pop your bread in a toaster, or slide it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly crisped. Don’t skip it — it prevents soggy toast and keeps everything nice and sturdy.

Step 3: Mix the Egg, Cheese, and Herbs

In a bowl, lightly beat the egg. Then, fold in your cheese of choice, freshly chopped herbs, a sprinkle of salt, plenty of black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like. This simple mix is the magic that transforms into a creamy, fluffy, flavor-packed topping as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Toasts

Spoon the egg and cheese mixture evenly over your toasted bread slices. Don’t be shy: spread it all the way to the edges so you get melty goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Bake or Air Fry Until Golden

For the oven: Place the prepared toasts on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are golden and puffed. For the air fryer: Line the basket with foil or parchment (for easy cleanup!), then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until set and bubbly. Either way, your kitchen will smell like breakfast heaven.

How to Serve Simple Breakfast I Always Come Back To

Garnishes

Finish with a flourish! A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs, cracked black pepper, or even a dusting of flaky salt takes your Egg and Cheese Toasts from cozy to company-worthy. For a little zip, a drizzle of hot sauce or a few microgreens can brighten things up.

Side Dishes

Serve your simple breakfast I always come back to with fresh fruit, a handful of arugula drizzled with olive oil, or sliced avocado for a well-rounded plate. If you want to go full brunch mode, add a small bowl of Greek yogurt or some oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the toasts into triangles or fingers for a playful presentation (perfect for sharing or dipping into soup!). Or, layer on sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or a slice of prosciutto before baking for an elegant twist that feels like a whole new meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (a rare thing in my house!), let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days. The topping stays flavorful and reheats beautifully.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze simple breakfast I always come back to! Stack the cooled toasts with parchment between each slice and seal in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a speedy weekday breakfast.

Reheating

Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp. This brings the toasts back to life, so they taste almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use different herbs in this recipe?

Absolutely! While thyme and rosemary are especially delicious, you can add whatever fresh herbs you have on hand — parsley, chives, or basil all bring unique notes. Just avoid using dried herbs in the same amount; fresh really makes a difference in the simple breakfast I always come back to.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Choose your favorite! Cheddar melts well and brings a classic taste, gruyere adds a nutty richness, and pepper jack adds a touch of heat. A mix of cheeses is also fantastic for more depth in flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this simple breakfast I always come back to.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

For sure! Just increase the ingredients and lay the toasts out on a couple of baking sheets; bake in batches if needed. It’s a great way to feed a hungry group — and they’ll be impressed by how hands-off this meal is.

How can I make this vegetarian-friendly?

Good news! The recipe is already vegetarian as written. If you want extra protein, add sautéed spinach or chopped veggie sausage to the egg mixture before baking for a substantial, plant-based meal.

Final Thoughts

When time is tight or you just want something tried-and-true, the simple breakfast I always come back to delivers every single time. It’s full of comfort, flavor, and potential for creativity. Trust me — try it once and you’ll soon make it your own morning tradition too!

Simple Breakfast I Always Come Back To Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Egg and Cheese Toasts is a simple yet delicious breakfast recipe that combines the gooey goodness of melted cheese with the richness of a perfectly cooked egg. This recipe is easy to make and always hits the spot.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

2 slices of bread (white, whole grain, sourdough)

Egg Mixture:

1 large egg
1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or your favorite)
1 tsp finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat oven to 400°F or air fryer to 370°F.
Toast: Lightly toast the bread using a toaster or broil for 1–2 mins per side.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, lightly beat the egg. Mix in cheese, herbs, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Spread Mixture: Spread the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the toast, reaching to the edges.
Bake: For oven preparation, bake for 10–12 minutes on a baking sheet until golden and puffed.
Air Fry: For air fryer, cook for 5–7 minutes until bubbly and set. Use foil or parchment if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (oven) or 5-7 minutes (air fryer)
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine: American