Cheesy Egg Toast – Easy Breakfast Idea Recipe
This Cheesy Egg Toast is a quick and delicious breakfast idea featuring a delightful mix of beaten egg, melted cheese, and fresh herbs spread over toasted bread, baked or air-fried until golden and bubbly. Customize with various cheeses and toppings for a savory or sweet twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes (oven) or 8 to 10 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 15 to 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (2 oz) grated cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyere)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the bread: Lightly toast the bread slices or broil for 1 to 2 minutes on each side to create a gentle crisp base.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F. If using a toaster oven, move the rack to the bottom and select the ‘BAKE’ setting.
- Prepare the egg mixture: Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it thoroughly with a fork, combining yolk and white evenly.
- Add cheese and herbs: Stir in the grated cheese and finely chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Spread mixture on bread: Evenly spread the egg and cheese mixture over the toasted bread slices, making sure to cover the crusts. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on top.
- Bake until bubbly: Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the mixture puffs up, becomes bubbly, and starts to lightly brown.
- Preheat air fryer (alternative method): For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 340°F.
- Prepare and spread the mixture (air fryer): Follow the same egg mixture preparation and spread it over untoasted bread slices.
- Air fry the toast: Place the slices carefully into the heated air fryer basket and air fry at 340°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden, toasted, and fully cooked through.
- Variation – Faux Monsieur: Use Gruyere cheese and spread Dijon mustard on toasted bread. Add vegetable slices before baking as directed.
- Variation – Tomato Toast: Replace cheeses with mozzarella and parmesan, add Italian seasoning, bake, then layer with tomato slices, oregano, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Variation – Honey Apple Walnut: After baking cheesy toast, top with crisp apple slices, honey, and toasted cinnamon walnuts for a sweet finish.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary complement the cheese and egg mixture but can be omitted or replaced with dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference or omit entirely for a mild flavor.
- Ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the egg and cheese mixture without becoming soggy; thicker slices work well.
- The air fryer method provides a quicker alternative without pre-toasting the bread, resulting in a slightly different texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gruyere based on your taste preferences.
- Use whole grain or gluten-free bread to cater to dietary needs if required.
Keywords: Cheesy egg toast, easy breakfast, baked egg toast, air fryer breakfast, savory toast, egg and cheese toast
