Protein packed and just 320 calories each, these satisfying breakfast sandwiches are ideal for making-ahead, freezing and popping in the microwave whenever the mood strikes.
My love for the popular fastfood breakfast sandwich began at a very young age. It all goes back to the 80’s when my Aunt Paula and Uncle Randy who would stay with me and my sisters for a week while my parents vacationed somewhere warm to escape the brutal Michigan winters.
Lazy bums who loved to sleep in, we rarely made it to McDonald’s in time to catch the ever-elusive breakfast menu. Lucky for us, Uncle Randy, a postal worker, is an early riser and would sneak out early to buy bags of Egg McMuffins and crispy hashbrowns that Aunt Paula would keep warm for us in the oven until we woke up.
One of the few foods that would ease morning sickness during my pregnancies, egg, ham and cheese breakfast sandwiches remain one of my biggest comforts to this day. Delicious any time of year but ideal with boneless spiral ham, I knew it was time to share this recipe when the Ohio Pork Council asked me to create a recipe to help folks utilize Easter leftovers.
Protein packed and just 320 calories each, these satisfying breakfast sandwiches are ideal for making-ahead, freezing and popping in the microwave whenever the mood strikes.
Commonly Asked Questions:
How long can these Ham Egg and Cheese sandwiches be stored in the freezer for?
Up to 3 months
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Up to 5 days
Do you toast the English muffins before assembly?
You can but it’s not required
Can I use real bacon in lieu of Canadian bacon?
Of course!
How long should these be re-heated in the microwave?
60 seconds at full power
What is your favorite recipe for leftover ham? I’m always looking for new ideas!
No fork required.
Egg, Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 12 whole wheat English muffins split
- 1 dozen eggs
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 slices ham thickly sliced
- 12 slices sharp cheddar
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Crack one egg into each muffin tin and sprinkle with salt and pepper. For even baking, gently break the yolk using a fork or knife.
- Bake eggs until egg whites are firm, 18-20 minutes.
- While eggs are baking, begin assembling the sandwiches by placing the bottoms of each English muffin on a flat surface. Top each bottom half with one slice of cheese and once slice of ham.
- Place one egg on top of the ham and cheese half then top with the second half of the English muffin.
- For easy microwave reheating, wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper then place in a resealable plastic bag to freeze. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 60 seconds on full power or 1 1/2 minutes on 50% power.
Julie
April 26, 2018 at 3:18 pmDo you toast the English muffins at all before assembly?
Liz DellaCroce
April 26, 2018 at 9:11 pmYou can but it’s not required!
Margie
April 25, 2018 at 8:40 amHow long would these last just refrigerated?
Liz DellaCroce
April 26, 2018 at 10:20 amFor sure up to 5 days!!
Viveka
September 12, 2017 at 9:17 amHi Liz,
How long can these be frozen for? We’re not great meat eaters in our house but do love our cooked breakfasts now and again. These would be great to take for a pit stop when we head out walking early!
Liz DellaCroce
September 13, 2017 at 10:13 amUp to 3 months!!
Shelley
December 30, 2015 at 4:16 pmWhat about bacon, not Canadian Bacon, just regular bacon? I only see ham and sausage in all the recipes. Maybe reheating is a problem, but I wouldn’t think so? Thanks
Liz DellaCroce
December 30, 2015 at 5:38 pmI think bacon would work perfectly well – i think people go with the ham and sausage because it’s round, honestly. :)
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
April 9, 2015 at 9:08 amEggs and ham are always welcome on my breakfast plate! Love this freezer-friendly breakfast!
Theresa M.
April 9, 2015 at 7:56 amSadly, we did not have ham for Easter, so no yummy leftovers. :( But…I do have Canadian bacon slices that are English muffin sized, so THAT is what is going on these tasty breakfast sammies!
Liz DellaCroce
April 12, 2015 at 10:43 amThose work even better!! :)
kelley {mountain mama cooks}
April 7, 2015 at 4:43 pmI just made some turkey sausage breakfast sandwiches last week. They’re so convenient on busy moorings or when I need a quick lunch on the go!
Liz DellaCroce
April 8, 2015 at 12:36 pmI want to make them with turkey sausage next!! Such a great idea!
[email protected]
April 7, 2015 at 2:16 pmI know this is a great way to have a fast breakfast packed with protein. I nearly bought the Jimmy Dean frozen variety last week. So glad I found this instead!
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 2:29 pmYou’ll love these and realize how much cheaper and tastier they are than store bought!
[email protected]
April 17, 2017 at 12:24 amMore than two years later … I actually made these, Liz. Just tonight! They look delicious, and I can’t wait for the girls to have them in the morning.
Liz DellaCroce
April 17, 2017 at 3:57 pmSo glad you enjoyed it!
Aggie
April 7, 2015 at 10:34 amYou know I love these!! the fact that they can be made ahead is absolutely BRILLIANT!
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 2:30 pmYes girl!!! I wake up to starving monsters – I need all the time savers i can get hahah. (I know you agree!)
Miss @ Miss in the [email protected]
April 7, 2015 at 8:38 amSuper smart to have these in the freezer. My boys love breakfast sandwiches and I want to make these soon.
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:16 amLet me know what you think if you try them!!
Rachel Cooks
April 7, 2015 at 7:33 amLoving doing stuff like this — makes it so much easier to eat a healthy breakfast and it is a great use of leftover ham! And it eased your morning sickness! I’ll have to remember that if I ever get pregnant again — hahahahaha
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:14 amLots of pregnancy talk lately Ms. Gurk…. did I miss an announcement?? ;)
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
April 6, 2015 at 11:23 pmI’m not sure any of these sandwiches would even make it to the freezer before I ate them all.
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:16 amLOL!!! Let’s just say we definitely didn’t get all 12 in the freezer…. ;)
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
April 6, 2015 at 10:03 pmHow satisfying would those be! I am making these, and pinning!
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:15 amI hope you love them!
Jennifer Farley
April 6, 2015 at 7:35 pmI could eat this every single day and never get tired of it.
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:15 amME TOO!! lol It’s my ideal breakfast.
Gaby
April 6, 2015 at 6:33 pmThese are great, I love that they are freezer friendly!
Rina I Thee Cook
April 6, 2015 at 2:46 pmI love make ahead breakfast sandwiches. My kids eat them almost every day!
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:15 amNow that I’ve started mine keep asking to!
Penni Jones
April 6, 2015 at 2:35 pmAm I wrong to assume that I should toast the english muffins before assembly? These look delicious otherwise! :)
Liz DellaCroce
April 7, 2015 at 9:15 amIt’s up to you! I did not but you absolutely can. They taste great either way. :)
Matt Robinson
April 6, 2015 at 1:14 pmI love that these are freezer-friendly, they look awesome and so perfect for the kids!
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:09 pmMy boys scarf them down at a scary-fast rate!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
April 6, 2015 at 12:41 pmI love love love breakfast sandwiches! I’ve been looking for make-ahead breakfast solutions and I think I may have just found THE thing. I can’t tell how how many frozen breakfast sandwiches I’ve tried (well, my husband can tell you – every single brand) and I always hate the ‘fake’ taste. Why oh why have I not made them on my own? You rock and I can’t wait to make these!
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:10 pmUgh yes I totally know the fake taste!!! Look mine may not look “perfect” but they taste like the real deal!! Plus you can use whatever cheese you love and make it your own. :)
Jessica @ Golden Brown and Delicious
April 6, 2015 at 12:32 pmThese look way better than a drive-thru! Love the use of leftovers, but I think they’d be just as good any time :)
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:11 pmThey totally would – plus they are great with sausage too!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
April 6, 2015 at 11:09 amOnly 320 calories and you can make this deliciousness ahead? Sign me up! I love this!
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:10 pmYes girl!! And you’re not hungry an hour later like most low calorie breakfasts! It’s really beautiful.
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
April 6, 2015 at 9:50 amMy family would LOVE these freezer friendly sandwiches!! So perfect for on the go!
Molly
April 6, 2015 at 9:41 amI think there is a mistake?
simply place in the microwave for 90 seconds on full power or 1½ minutes on 50% power.
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:12 pmOops !! Thanks for catching that – should be 60 seconds full power, 90 seconds 50%. :) Just updated – thank you!!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
April 6, 2015 at 9:28 amYou have the most clever recipes! These would be a life savor in our household.
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:12 pmThat’s not possible because YOU have the most clever recipes. PS I get to see you next week!!
Mary
April 6, 2015 at 9:06 amI have ham in the fridge just begging to be used for breakfast sandwiches. These look perfect, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:16 pmYes Mary!! I can hear the ham singing “Make me into an egg sandwich Mary!!”
Amy @Very Culinary
April 6, 2015 at 9:00 amSo technically, we don’t celebrate Easter. But since that’s one of the few times I can get a ham at the market without special ordering one, I take advantage of it. I’m no dummy. I made my favorite honey-orange glazed spiral one yesterday and have lots left over for these sandwiches! I win.
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:15 pmhahaha WE ARE THE SAME!! I mean I love a good ham and it’s cheap!!! Too funny. :)
Jenny Flake
April 6, 2015 at 8:56 amLoove this fun breakfast idea! Great idea to have ready in the freezer!
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:15 pmI bet your boys would love these Jenny!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
April 6, 2015 at 8:50 amThis is SUCH a brilliant idea!! Homemade freezer breakfast sandwiches!!
Meg Bollenback
April 6, 2015 at 8:24 amLove this! I am a sucker for breakfast sandwiches and usually save them for the weekends as I like to try them from different cafes and restaurants. But these make a very good case for preparing them at home. I love that they’re freezer friendly…so smart.
Liz DellaCroce
April 6, 2015 at 2:17 pmThey’re just so nice to have when you don’t want a cold breakfast and totally guilt free!