NYC Deli Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich Recipe
This delicious breakfast sandwich is a perfect way to start your day. With crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and a buttery toasted Kaiser roll, its a breakfast youll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon
- 2 Kaiser rolls, sliced in half horizontally
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 4 slices American cheese
- Ketchup, for serving (optional)
Directions
1. Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
2. Place the bacon strips in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat. Turn occasionally until crispy, about 10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on a paper towel.
3. In a separate large nonstick pan or griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the Kaiser rolls, cut sides down, and toast them until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Once done, remove and set aside.
4. For each sandwich, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Pour half of the whisked eggs into the pan and cook them like an omelet. Gently push the cooked eggs aside to allow the uncooked egg to flow underneath.
5. Once the eggs are partially cooked, place 1 slice of American cheese, 2 slices of bacon, and 1 more slice of cheese on one half of the cooked egg. Fold the other half over to enclose the fillings.
6. Place this egg and bacon creation on one of the toasted Kaiser rolls. Wrap the roll in foil to steam it slightly, making sure the cheese melts perfectly.
7. Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
8. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve with a side of ketchup if desired.
9. Enjoy your warm, cheesy breakfast sandwich!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 694 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 52g |
| Saturated Fat | 26g |
| Cholesterol | 487mg |
| Sodium | 1276mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 31g |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 683mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Potassium | 421mg |
| Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
| Note: Nutrient information is based on available data and may vary based on ingredients used. | |

The Story Behind the NYC Deli Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is an iconic staple of New York City delis, dating back to the early 20th century. It emerged as a quick, satisfying breakfast for working-class New Yorkers who needed a portable meal to fuel long days of labor or commuting. The combination of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese layered on a soft roll quickly became a beloved convenience food, symbolizing the energy and hustle of the city that never sleeps.
Regional Variations
Although the classic NYC version typically features American cheese, bacon, eggs, and a Kaiser roll, regional adaptations exist across the United States. In New Jersey, for example, locals often substitute bacon with Taylor or Case pork roll, giving the sandwich a slightly sweeter, more savory profile. In Philadelphia, breakfast sandwiches might appear on hoagie rolls with Cheez Whiz or provolone. Despite these variations, New York Citys version is distinguished by its emphasis on simplicity, high-quality bacon, and the steaming technique used to melt the cheese perfectly inside the roll.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
While other breakfast sandwiches like the egg and cheese on bagel or a croissant breakfast sandwich share basic elements, the NYC deli bacon, egg, and cheese is unique due to its specific assembly. The sandwich layers cheese both under and over the eggs, often wraps the sandwich in foil, and steams it lightly to achieve a warm, gooey interior without sogginess. This careful preparation differentiates it from simpler, dry versions served in cafes or fast-food chains.
Where Youll Typically Find It
NYC deli bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches are most commonly found in neighborhood delis, corner bodegas, and breakfast carts throughout the city. These locations prioritize quick service, often preparing sandwiches to order in under five minutes. They are also a staple in many office buildings, where delivery services bring freshly made sandwiches to employees desks as part of New Yorks busy morning routine.
Interesting Facts
- Despite its popularity, the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich didnt appear on mainstream restaurant menus until the mid-20th century, mostly thriving in small, local delis.
- The foil wrapping and steaming technique helps the sandwich maintain heat and moisture, a practice that originated from deli workers wanting to keep sandwiches warm for commuting customers.
- Some New Yorkers insist on adding a light squirt of ketchup or hot sauce, while others prefer mustard or mayo, demonstrating the personal touches that make each sandwich unique.
- The sandwich is so ingrained in NYC culture that it has been featured in movies, television shows, and literature as a quintessential symbol of the citys breakfast scene.
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FAQ about NYC Deli Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Comments
TxCin2
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I used a hamburger bun. This was very good. The bun was soft and tender and very good with the egg and bacon after steaming. I already had the bacon cooked and in my fridge, so it sped up the process a lot. I only added a splash of water to the egg as I whisked it, and then salt and pepper to taste while it set. I cut this down to only make one sandwich and used only 1 egg which was plenty. Two eggs would have been way too much for me. I even tried the ketchup as suggested, and I'm certainly glad I did, as I really liked the sweet flavor it added to that egg. I usually always eat my eggs with salsa, so the tomato ketchup wasn't a far stretch for me. When we lived in NYC, I was too young to appreciate the Deli's so I don't remember ever having one of these sandwiches there, but I did like what I made here. I'll keep the ketchup in the next time I make these too, and will have kaiser rolls on hand the next time. This is a keeper!
Agedandwelldone
02/20/2025 03:50:55 PM
Sometimes I like to cook Taylor Pork Roll slices instead of bacon. YUM!
Foodthought
03/28/2025 09:27:28 PM
Finally the slightly over easy taste! Adding half the eggs to start and the rest after you add the cheese and bacon is amazing
Secretariat
07/25/2025 04:27:21 PM
Like "agedandwelldone" said try it with a slice of Taylor or Case pork roll. I used to live in Trenton and that was "our thing". For lunch you can just go with pork roll, cheese and onion.
Stephan Rabai
02/21/2025 02:49:51 PM
My favorite is a BLT with soft fried egg, onion, green pepper and a touch of mayo. S&P on egg and tomato. On buttered toast uncut so you can eat one handed while driving.
crazymom6667
02/20/2025 09:14:43 PM
Great but you don't cut the rolls till the end
Abbey
08/11/2025 02:17:17 PM
Very good!
Mary King
03/23/2025 02:12:06 PM
This recipe is foolproof and delicious.
Maria Gregorio Frazelle
02/20/2025 07:52:35 PM
Definitely so NYC! It's worth trying just from Roscoe saying, "vibe! haha
MamaPunkin
02/20/2025 04:50:23 PM
So good and just perfect for a breakfast at your desk at work.
Jennifer Lewis
02/20/2025 03:43:33 PM
Wow, this tastes just like homemade.
SunnyTofu3581
12/16/2024 06:48:53 PM
SUPER YUMMY!!!!!!!!
FairCow1515
11/30/2024 02:41:45 PM
Tobias