NYC Deli Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich Recipe

NYC Deli Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

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.

NYC Deli Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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

Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the sandwich in foil and heat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain the texture.

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. You can cook the bacon, toast the rolls, and even whisk the eggs the night before. When ready to serve, simply assemble the sandwich and heat everything together.

Yes, you can substitute bacon with other options like sausage, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian alternative like tempeh bacon. You can also try using Taylor Pork Roll for a different flavor.

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for added flavor. The American cheese used in this recipe melts easily and provides a creamy texture, but other cheeses can offer a different experience.

While this sandwich is best fresh, you can freeze the individual components (bacon, cheese, and eggs) separately. When ready to eat, reheat the components and assemble the sandwich. Freezing the sandwich as a whole may affect the texture of the bread and eggs.

You can customize this sandwich by adding extra ingredients such as sautéed onions, peppers, or avocado. For a spicier kick, try adding hot sauce or salsa. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using a whole-grain roll or a lettuce wrap instead of the Kaiser roll.

Kaiser rolls are traditional for this recipe, but you can use other types of bread like English muffins, croissants, or even bagels. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the fillings and isn't too soft to avoid sogginess.

To cook the eggs perfectly, treat them like an omelet. Pour the whisked eggs into a pan and cook over low heat. As they begin to set, gently push the eggs aside to let the uncooked eggs flow underneath. This ensures the eggs stay soft and fluffy, while still cooking through.

To prevent sogginess, it's important to toast the rolls before assembling the sandwich. Additionally, wrapping the sandwich in foil helps steam the ingredients without making the bread too wet.

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like sautéed spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers. If you want a crunchier texture, try adding some fresh lettuce or pickles.

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