On paper a fried egg toastie sounds simple enough—a piece of bread with a fried egg—but in reality, it’s a delightful breakfast or brunch experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. For me, it’s the kind of dish that feels like home, yet never fails to bring a little thrill with each bite. I’ve made countless variations over the years, but there’s something timeless about the classic combination of golden, runny egg yolk, tender slices of ham or crispy bacon, a hint of fresh greenery, and a touch of mustard sauce to give it just the right kick.
A Fried Egg Toastie begins with the bread. While some might reach for store-bought sliced bread, I’ve always found that a good, sturdy loaf—whether it’s sourdough, wholegrain, or even a rustic white—makes all the difference. Toasting it until it’s golden brown, yet still slightly soft in the middle, creates a perfect base that can hold up to the layers above without collapsing under the egg’s weight. There’s a certain satisfaction in hearing that gentle crunch as you bite into it, a sound that promises a hearty, satisfying meal ahead.
Next comes the meat. I’m a fan of both ham and bacon, and each brings its own charm. Ham adds a savoury, tender bite, its subtle smokiness blending beautifully with the richness of the fried egg. Bacon, on the other hand, adds that irresistible crispiness and salty depth, a little indulgence that feels justifiable when paired with the other fresh and bright elements. I often take a moment to warm the slices in a pan so they release their aroma and reach that perfect texture—soft with just enough bite for contrast that helps make a fried egg toastie so popular.
The star, of course, is the fried egg. Achieving that perfect fried egg is an art in itself. I like the yolk to remain beautifully runny, its golden richness oozing out the moment you press the toastie together. The whites should be just set, tender but not rubbery, holding the yolk in a gentle embrace. That moment when the yolk spills over the ham or bacon, mingling with the mustard sauce and seeping into the toast, is nothing short of magical. It transforms a simple sandwich into something indulgent, almost luxurious in its simplicity, in other words a Fried Egg Toastie.
Freshness comes next in the form of lamb’s lettuce. It adds a crisp, slightly peppery bite that cuts through the richness of the egg and meat. It’s the little touch that balances the whole dish, giving it a lift that makes you want to go back for another mouthful. I love layering it just before the top slice of toast so that it maintains its crunch and colour, providing that burst of green against the golden and pink layers beneath.
And then there’s the mustard sauce. It doesn’t need to be overpowering—just a hint of heat that lingers at the back of the throat. It ties all the flavours together, adding depth and a subtle zing that keeps the sandwich from being too one-note. A little drizzle is enough to elevate the fried egg toastie from a simple breakfast staple to a gourmet treat.
A fried egg toastie is comfort food at its finest, the kind of dish that feels both humble and special at the same time. It’s quick enough for a lazy weekend brunch, satisfying enough for a breakfast that carries you through a busy morning, and adaptable enough to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re sitting at your kitchen table with a cup of coffee or packing it into a picnic basket, there’s something about the combination of toasted bread, fried egg, ham or bacon, fresh greens, and a touch of mustard sauce that feels undeniably satisfying. Simple, versatile, and utterly delicious, a fried egg toastie is proof that sometimes, the best meals are the ones you make with love and a little bit of care.
A fried egg toastie is the kind of breakfast that sticks in your mind—not just because of the taste, but because of the warmth it brings, the way it wraps comfort and indulgence into one neat, golden-brown package. For me, it’s a reminder that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a slice of bread, a perfectly fried egg, and a few thoughtful touches to make the morning feel a little brighter.
Fried Egg Toastie
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread sourdough, wholegrain, rustic white
- 2 large eggs free range
- 4 slices ham bacon
- lamb’s lettuce
- 2 tsp mustard sauce see below
- Butter or oil for frying
For the Mustard Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
Make the Mustard Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard and wholegrain mustard.1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- Stir in honey for a subtle sweetness and olive oil for smoothness.1 tsp honey, 1 tsp olive oil
- If the sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water until it reaches a drizzleable consistency.
- Taste and adjust: more mustard for heat, more honey for sweetness.
Prepare the toast:
- Toast the bread slices until golden brown and slightly crisp. This gives a solid base to hold the layers without becoming soggy.4 slices bread
Cook the ham or bacon:
- For ham: Warm the slices in a pan for 1–2 minutes on each side until heated through and lightly browned.4 slices ham
- For bacon: Fry until it reaches your preferred crispness, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and set aside.4 slices ham
Fry the eggs perfectly:
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat and add a small knob of butter or a teaspoon of oil. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly.Butter
- Crack the egg into a small bowl first to avoid shell fragments, then gently slide it into the pan.2 large eggs
- Cook the egg slowly so the whites set without becoming rubbery. Keep the heat low to medium to avoid browning the edges too much.
- For a runny yolk, cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to gently steam the top of the egg while leaving the yolk liquid.
- For a slightly firmer yolk, cook a little longer uncovered, checking frequently.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Assemble the toastie:
- Spread the mustard sauce on one side of each toast slice.2 tsp mustard sauce
- Layer the ham or bacon on two slices of toast, then carefully place the fried egg on top.
- Add a handful of lamb’s lettuce for freshness and crunch.lamb’s lettuce
- Top with the remaining slices of toast, mustard side down.
Serve immediately:
- The combination of warm toast, runny yolk, savoury ham or crispy bacon, fresh greens, and the tangy mustard sauce makes a Fried Egg Toastie perfect and is best enjoyed right away.
22 comments
Yum
Lovely balance of runny yolk, crisp toast and fresh lamb’s lettuce.
An old dish but never goes out of style. Beautiful flavours and lively and filling.
Quick to make but feels indulgent, great recipe.
So easy but tastes like something from a café.
One of the nicest egg sandwiches I’ve ever had, will definitely repeat.
The mustard sauce really lifts the whole sandwich, brilliant idea!
Delicious, quick, and satisfying, just what I needed today.
Surprisingly gourmet for such simple ingredients.
Really enjoyed the layers of flavour—mustard, egg, ham, everything.
Great instructions on frying the egg—mine came out perfect.
A proper breakfast treat, full of flavour and texture.
Loved how the fresh lamb’s lettuce balanced the richness.
Such a comforting toastie, reminds me of home cooking at its best.
Absolutely loved this fried egg toastie—simple, hearty, and full of flavour.
This toastie was messy in the best possible way—yolk everywhere!
The mustard sauce was spot on, tangy with a little heat.
Perfect weekend brunch, I’ll be making this again.
Made it for my partner and they said it was “the best breakfast ever.”
I swapped ham for bacon and it worked beautifully.
I made it for breakfast and ended up making another for lunch!
The bacon version was incredible, especially with the mustard kick.