The Ultimate Bagel Breakfast Sandwich

This bagel breakfast sandwich is the perfect easy way to start the morning! This is truly the ultimate breakfast sandwich that gets you ready for the day.

And you'll want to eat one every morning. Trust me. Crisp Bacon, gooey egg, cheesy goodness...this truly is the most satisfying way to start your day.

As far as convenience goes, this breakfast sandwich is right up there with this breakfast fried rice, goat cheese avocado toast or spam and eggs - all easy to make ahead and bring with you.

BUT, none of these is quite as heartwarming and fulfilling as a classic bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich. And we're not talking the McDonald's ones...we're talking real deal thick bacon, fresh bagels, gooey cheese and sliced grilled onions - perfect with a side of air fryer breakfast potatoes!

Why this recipe works

• It's versatile - you can use any type of bagel, cheese and/or meat on this sandwich. You can add whatever you like!
• The ingredients are easy to make in advance, then used to make the breakfast sandwich when you're ready.
• It's an absolute crowd pleaser as you can make it vegetarian/vegan and/or kid friendly - for all palates!

Ingredients to make bagel breakfast sandwiches

Any kind of bagels will work for this recipe (everything, onion, poppy seed, etc.). I do, however, recommend getting good quality bagels, as the better the bagel, the better the sandwich will be.

I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese as it has the best flavor, but any cheese from Havarti to Swiss to even American cheese will work great.

A good quality thicker cut bacon is perfect for this recipe. I like to use a thick peppered bacon, but any kind will do.

The full list of ingredients and quantities is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

Recipe variations and substitutions

• American cheese is a great substitute for cheddar cheese as it melts well and has a great flavor. substitute any cheese you like.
• Add a handful of arugula or other greens to the sandwich.
• Add a couple slices of avocado or tomato to the sandwich.
• Squeeze a touch of sriracha or chili crisp on your eggs before adding them to the sandwich for some spice.
• Substitute ham or sausage for the bacon. Eliminate the meat all together for a meat-free option. You can also use this sous vide bacon if you've made it in advance.
• Omit the onions of you prefer no onions.
• Use these sous vide scrambled eggs or sous vide poached eggs in place of the fried egg.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon first and drain it on paper towels.

Pro Tip: Drain any excess bacon grease (reserve the excess in your bacon fat container - yes you should have a bacon fat container).

Step 2: Add the onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are softened and charred on the outside. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Add an additional tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease to the skillet if necessary and heat over medium. Add the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes, then cover and cook another 2 minutes.

You can also use these sous vide scrambled eggs to serve on the sandwich.

Step 4: While the eggs are cooking, toast the bagel(s) until they are lightly browned and spread a thin layer of butter on top.

Step 5: Add the cheese slices, onions and bacon to the toasted bagel (the bottom half).

Step 6: Top with the fried egg.

Place the top half on top and serve or wrap it up and take it to go with a delicious cinnamon swirl to make your breakfast complete!

Expert Tips

1. The eggs are best when the yolk is still gooey in the center, but not ultra runny.
2. Add more bacon or cheese if you want a meatier or cheesier sandwich.
3. Toast the bagels first to help keep them from getting soggy. While not required if you're in a hurry, it is recommended.
4. Slice it in half to serve to more people.
5. To melt the cheese, toast the bottom half of the bagel wit the cheese on it before adding the bacon.

Frequently asked questions