Nutritionists will debate whether breakfast is (or isn’t) really. The most important meal of the daybut if you ask a member. Allrecipes team, it’s hard to feel like you have enough gas in the tank to go days without it. Be that as it may. Granolaeggs, oats, MuffinsOr a simple piece of fruit, we firmly believe that even if breakfast isn’t the most important meal, it’s definitely worth making a habit of.
However, busy mornings can make it difficult to get breakfast on the table, so sometimes, we outsource breakfast and Swing by a drive-thru. Regardless of the reason, we’re sure there are restaurants to fuel our mornings.
With options from biscuits to burritos and tempting menu items from coffee shops, fast food restaurants and beyond, how should a hungry breakfast fan choose? In our interior Classification of fast food snacksChick-fil-A’s Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit came out on top. But it was a close battle between the contenders (well, except for the Dunkin’ Wake Up Wrap), so we decided to tap a panel of professional chefs to find out what they’d eat in the morning. Make a grade.
Our Panel of Chefs Rating Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches
- Jamie Bissonnette, Chef and Founding Partner, BCB3 Hospitality, incl. Temple Records, Sushi @ Temple Records, Sumek, And ZURiTO in Boston, Massachusetts
- For Brent Daigle, Executive Chef Premier Food Group in Thibodaux, Louisiana
- Dominic Iannarelli, Chef-Owner Prime and Providence in West Des Moines, Iowa
- Leslie Ruhland, Chef-Owner The Cottage Cafe And Juice hives in Bluffton, South Carolina
- Peter Som, New York City-based award-winning fashion designer, culinary creator, lifestyle expert, and author of the upcoming cookbook “Family style“
- Jenner Tomaska, executive chef and co-owner Esme And Bar Esme in Chicago, Illinois
What makes a great breakfast sandwich?
Just like many of us have different preferences. The “Best” Way to Cook EggsDefinitions of the “best breakfast sandwich” vary from person to person.
“Fast food breakfast sandwiches can be difficult! Just the word ‘food’ can be distracting to me in some ways,” says Rohland. , hearty, and straight-up looking for morning nutrition.”
Still, there are a few features to keep in mind when arriving at the ultimate breakfast sandwich:
- It’s not too dirty. According to Tomaska, “nothing is too dirty it isn’t.” Iannarelli admits that “breakfast is usually my fastest meal of the day, so I want a breakfast sandwich that can be eaten on the go. That means I don’t want runny eggs.” Because they can get dirty on the go.” Som agrees, noting that the construction should make it easy to cut “without the whole thing falling apart.”
- Each component can stand alone. Bissonnette believes that bacon “has the potential to be hit or miss, and it’s often chewy and messy.” So he usually gravitates toward sausage or ham, which he thinks are more “solid bets.” Iannarelli added that as for eggs, they should be able to support other ingredients without weighing down the bread, muffin or biscuit.
- The ratio of ingredients is balanced. Depending on the choice of bread, protein and toppings, one ingredient in a breakfast sandwich can steal the show. The perfect breakfast sandwich allows all the ingredients to shine and work together. “I look for a good balance between eggs to carbs to cheese. They all have to be in proportion,” Som says.
- It is not too salty. Bacon, sausage, and ham are all fairly high in sodium, and many cheeses, condiments, and even breads can be salty. Ingredient selection and preparation can move the needle to make finished products tastier or objectively saltier. Third, it’s important that “salt levels don’t get too out of control.”
- Ideally, it should include cheese. “Because who doesn’t like cheese?” asks Iannarelli. If cheese is added, Bissonnette prefers American for nostalgia and because it lends itself so well to melting.
The Best Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches According to Chefs
With three votes, our breakfast sandwich is the hands-down winner. McDonald’s Egg McMuffin.
“In my opinion, McDonald’s has always owned the fast food breakfast market,” says Iannarelli. “This no-frills sandwich checks all the boxes I look for in a quality fast food breakfast sandwich. The chewiness of the muffin is my favorite detail, and the American cheese and sausage team is ready to add the perfect saltiness to the egg and muffin. is
Iannarelli opts for the Sausage McMuffin with Egg, while Som sticks with the classic Egg McMuffin that comes with it. Canadian Bacon. Beyond the taste, Som appreciates that the Canadian bacon version clocks in at just 310 calories.
“I think it’s just personal preference, because my preference is directly related to childhood memories,” Tomaska admits. But his McDonald’s breakfast is “never greasy, always delicious, and tastes like childhood.”
The runners-up, with one vote each, according to the chefs, are also orderable:
- Chick-fil-A Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Muffins: It’s like a Chick-fil-A riff on a McMuffin, with stripes. Crispy bacon Instead of a round piece of Canadian bacon. According to Rohland, who voted it as his top choice, “The bacon is thick, the cheese is classic American and very creamy, and the muffin is soft and moist. It’s exactly what it says it is.” and offers all the comforts of a breakfast plate on an English muffin.
- Starbucks Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich: Som is also a fan of this breakfast sandwich, topped with applewood-smoked bacon, melted Gouda cheese, and what the coffee chain calls a “parmesan cage-free egg frittata” on a roll. “The gouda adds a pleasant nutty flavor,” he says.
- McDonald’s Sausage Burrito: Admitting that it might be a controversial choice because it’s served inside a tortilla rather than a classic sandwich, Daigle announced that his ultimate fast food breakfast order is what he calls a “Mexican sandwich: a burrito! I have eaten a lot. Breakfast burritosand McDonald’s is the best and cheapest.” Made with eggs, pulled pork, melted American cheese, green peppers and onions tucked inside a corn tortilla, he adds, “It’s cheesy, creamy, good. Well cooked, and has a side. Salsa puts it over the top.”
How to Make Copycat Egg McMuffins
One of the hottest topics related to fast food breakfasts? When they are available. While Starbucks offers all-day breakfast menu items while supplies last, Chick-fil-A and most McDonald’s locations, Breakfast service ends around 10:30pm. to allow the kitchen to prepare for lunch.
If you want to make your corrections later in the day (call all our colleagues For breakfast-dinner fans!), they are easy to recreate. The best breakfast sandwich at home. While it won’t be quick or easy to do, you’ll definitely save money and treat your snack cravings any time of the day. Plus, you can customize your creation with your favorite egg cooking style, protein, cheese and sauce.
Use our Copycat Egg McMuffin recipe below and customize as you see fit. If you prefer sausage patties, substitute Canadian bacon for these. More of a biscuit sandwich fan? Make your semi on themBasic biscuits. To take your breakfast sandwich to new heights, consider adding any of the chef’s recommended toppings: ketchup, Pimento cheesefruit jam, caramelized onions, Spicy Mayofresh avocado, or wilted spinach.