Spread Ricotta On Your Egg Sandwich For A Creamy Breakfast Upgrade

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day — so it should certainly never be boring. Whether you enjoy mixing it up with sweet, syrup-covered pancakes one day and savory sausages and home fries the next, or tend to stick to your favorite fried egg sandwich on the regular, there's always room for experimentation.

For one thing, you can easily shake up your morning routine by incorporating unexpected ingredients into your breakfast staples — like, say, trying a new cheese on your go-to bacon, egg, and cheese. If you're looking for a fresh take on the classic sandwich, we suggest swapping out your regular cheese slices and opting for a spread of ricotta instead. If you love the ooey-gooey texture of melted cheddar or American cheese, a bite of warm ricotta paired with scrambled eggs or a runny sunny-side-up should more than satisfy your cravings. It may have a lighter fat footprint, but ricotta provides all the cheesy richness you're looking for in a breakfast sandwich with the added bonus of creamy comfort.

You might call it an Italian twist on the breakfast sandwich. And though you'll typically find ricotta in pasta dishes like tortellini, the cheese is actually very versatile thanks to its subtle flavor, which adapts well to more robust ingredients. But have no doubt, this cheese makes a delectable mark of its own. 

When it comes to crafting the perfect breakfast sandwich, a palate-pleasing blend of textures is a must. The fluffy, creamy mouthfeel of ricotta supplies the ideal complement to toasted bread, crunchy bacon, and, of course, those warm, soft eggs. The cheese can be effortlessly incorporated into your usual egg sandwich recipe, but to truly utilize its presence, consider these pro tips.

To start, you can simply plop and spread a generous amount of ricotta onto your bread of choice. Then, to bring out its flavor, sprinkle on some salt, grated garlic, and herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Not only will these aromatic additions liven up ricotta's mild taste, but they'll also provide some well-rounded seasoning to your sandwich. Then it's time for the all-important egg component of your dish. Although any style will do, it's worth noting that custardy scrambled eggs tend to match the texture of the ricotta, making for an extra-creamy bite that practically melts in your mouth. Nevertheless, the runny yolk of a fried egg will also work well with the cheese with its soft burst of moisture. Feel free to pick your favorite.

To finish your sandwich off, just pile on any of your remaining savory toppings, from bacon to prosciutto (if you really want to lean into the Italian theme), and get it on your plate. The only downside to trying this ricotta swap? You may never settle for a regular ol' egg and cheese sandwich again.