There are plenty of delicious breakfast options, but a quick and easy egg and cheese sandwich is hard to beat when you’re short on time. It’s simple, satisfying and easy to eat on the go, making it a popular choice at fast-food and restaurant chains. But not all breakfast sandwiches are created equal. To find out which spots serve the best versions, Eat This, Not That! asked Therese Buchanan, home chef, food blogger & recipe developer at Tessie’s Table, to share the restaurant chains she recommends for a quality egg and cheese breakfast sandwich.
For a breakfast sandwich that feels a little more substantial, Hardee’s is a favorite for many, including Buchanan. The chain is known for its hearty morning menu, which leans into classic Southern-inspired breakfast fare. It’s a good stop for anyone who wants a filling start to the day without sitting down for a full breakfast. “Hardee’s Made From Scratch Biscuits are what really make its breakfast sandwiches stand out,” she says. “The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit has a buttery, tender biscuit with a slightly crisp exterior, along with folded egg, melted cheese, and smoky bacon.”
Few fast-food chains have made breakfast as much a part of their identity as McDonald’s. Its morning menu has long been a convenient option for commuters, early risers, and anyone looking for a familiar breakfast on the go. The chain’s enduring appeal comes in part from its straightforward approach to classic breakfast staples. “The Egg McMuffin has been on McDonald’s menu for decades, and it’s still one of the chain’s most recognizable breakfast orders,” Buchanan states. “The freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, and melted American cheese are served on a toasted English muffin, which adds a little chew and a crisp edge.”
Starbucks may be best known for its coffee, but its food menu also makes it a convenient stop for breakfast. Whether you’re grabbing a latte before work or looking for something to eat between errands, the chain offers several warm breakfast options that go beyond pastries and baked goods. According to Buchanan, “Starbucks’ Bacon, Gouda & Egg Sandwich is a particularly good choice because of the smoked Gouda.” She adds, “It has a richer flavor than a standard American cheese breakfast sandwich, and the bacon, egg, and soft artisan roll make a good combination.”
If you’d rather start your morning at a bakery-café than a traditional fast-food drive-thru, Panera Bread is an option to consider. Its breakfast menu includes a range of sandwiches and baked goods, making it easy to pick up a quick meal that feels a little different from the usual fast-food fare. “Panera’s Ciabatta Egg & Cheese Sandwich uses ciabatta bread, which gives it a different texture from the usual biscuit or English muffin breakfast sandwich,” explains Buchanan. “The bread has a chewy crust and softer center, with egg and melted cheese making up the filling.”
Chick-fil-A is another fast-food chain with a dedicated breakfast menu for people who want something convenient before starting their day. Along with its signature chicken offerings at other times of the day, the chain serves a selection of morning sandwiches that make it a contender for a satisfying breakfast on the go. “Chick-fil-A’s Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin is made with strips of smoked applewood bacon, a folded egg, and American cheese on a toasted multigrain English muffin,” says Buchanan. “The bacon adds plenty of smoky flavor, while the toasted muffin gives the sandwich a little crunch.”